Grange Theatre repairs could cost £500,000

Grange Theatre

Oldham's Grange Theatre has been temporarily closed after and electrical inspection revealed significant faults with circuitry and wiring in the facility.

The survey was carried out as a routine five-year inspection of the property, but led the to the immediate closure of the theatre on October 6th.

It's been revealed the cost of remedial work on the building could cost up to £500,000.  The cost includes fixing the circuitry and wiring, and other "significant" repair works which are required before the building can re-open to the public.

Alun Francis, Oldham College Principal and Chief Executive said: "We now need to work out the various options and see what the solutions might be. As always, our commitment here is to provide the best experience that we can for learners and staff. We will issue an update as soon as we have taken firm decisions."

It's understood the venue will be closed for the remainder of 2021 whilst the College evaluate the various options and next steps.

A total of around 25 performances have been cancelled, including: Raise The Roof fundraiser (Footlights, Stagecoach and ReAction); Strictly Musical Theatre competition; Miss Joanne’s School of Dance; Halloween event; Sarah England School of Dance; Class Act; Footlights Main Show; Oldham Theatre Workshop.

The college are in the process of arranging alternative venues for the cancelled performances.

The Christmas pantomime Sleeping Beauty is still going ahead - the production has been transferred the Queen Elizabeth Hall in Oldham. Anyone who has bought tickets are being contacted with all the new details and new e-tickets. Seating arrangements will be the same.

Oldham College say they are evaluating "all the various possibilities" to fund the repairs.

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