Coliseum names its new director

OLDHAM Coliseum has appointed a theatre stalwart with a long career in the arts as its new executive director.

David Martin will be leaving Community Arts North-West, where he has been employed as general manager since 2005, to take up his new post at the Oldham theatre.

He has previously worked at the Contact Theatre in Manchester, English Touring Theatre and the New Vic in Stoke.

He brings his experience of producing both professional productions and participatory work to the Coliseum and will join the company in February 2010.

He is looking to build on the work that current executive director Liz Wilson has achieved in her time at the theatre. She is leaving to join York Theatre Royal as chief executive.

Mr Martin said: “I am delighted to be joining the Coliseum Theatre, which has a long history of producing excellent work for the people of Oldham.

“I’m looking forward to serving our current loyal audience and finding new opportunities for people in the town to become involved in our exciting and diverse programme.

“I’m sure that working as executive director will be highly challenging and fulfilling and I’m very pleased with the prospect of working with my new colleagues and the dedicated volunteers who give their time to help the theatre to prosper.”

Attracting audiences of over 100,000 a year, the theatre dates back to 1885 and has a reputation for producing a high quality and varied programme to its loyal Oldham audience.

It also has an extensive education and outreach programme, recently enhanced by the Big Lottery funded Growing Stage project which will help to engage young people in the Coliseum.

Chief executive and artistic director Kevin Shaw said: “I am thrilled that David is able to join us here at the theatre.

“He’ll bring a great range of skills and will be a fantastic addition to the team and a key player in the continuing development of the Coliseum theatre.”

The theatre is hunting for a new deputy chairman to replace Steve Lowe who is leaving the voluntary post after completing a 12-year term in the position.