Show goes on for Coliseum
Reporter: BEATRIZ AYALA
Date published: 21 October 2010
THE Coliseum Theatre . . . set to shut for six months from January, 2012
David Martin: “Business as usual.”
THE show will go on for thespians and audiences at Oldham Coliseum Theatre, despite the venue set to close temporarily for repair works.
Theatre officials are looking to close the much-loved venue for six months from January, 2012, to allow refurbishment works to go ahead.
But the curtain will not fall on productions during that time as the theatre is in discussions with Oldham Council to find alternative council venues to host performances.
David Martin, chief executive, said: “There will be no effect on the shows — we will be producing a full programme of works throughout our 2011 season.
“We think the auditorium will be out of action for six months while work is completed, so we plan to hold our 2011 panto at the theatre and be back for the 2012 pantomime as well. It’s business as usual.”
Mr Martin said discussions were ongoing with the council to find suitable venues for the shows.
He said: “The council is being extremely supportive but no firm options have yet been found.”
The council’s cabinet approved £1,450,000 capital funds in July this year for major theatre refurbishments and to tackle heating and asbestos issues, all of which which could take six months to complete.
Last week, approval was granted for £11,820.50 of the fund to be used for urgent asbestos work before the main body of work starts.
The theatre will remain fully operational during this time while the work — including stage-floor tests, sub-stage work and boiler-room work — is carried out.
