Stage set as theatre faces cue to leave

Oldham Coliseum theatre... will close for refurbishment

OLDHAM Coliseum will move to Grange Arts Centre while its home undergoes a £1.45million redevelopment.

Work will be carried out on the Fairbottom Street theatre between January and October, next year, so as not to clash with its hugely popular pantomimes.

During that period the theatre will relocate to Oldham College’s Grange Arts Centre in Rochdale Road.

It has already been agreed that back-of-house functions will be accommodated at the former library and art galley building in Union Street for a peppercorn rent.

The theatre is searching for a central location for a box office, with an empty shop or stand in Spindles suggested as a possibility.

The Coliseum’s education programme will also continue and it is in discussions with Oldham Council, Oldham Sixth Form College and the council about possible studio and workshop spaces.

Kevin Shaw, Oldham Coliseum chief executive and artistic director, said: “It is a really exciting opportunity for the Coliseum.

“We are delighted that we are going to be able to keep producing while the refurbishment takes place.

“It is creating considerable opportunities for new styles of production. It gives us different programming opportunities but, most importantly, we are still offering a programme for our audience during the exile period.”

Oldham Council is paying for the £1.45m refurbishment, with extra money set aside for contingencies.

A council report states that the entire Grange Arts Centre programme will have to be adjusted, and events relocated, to accommodate the Coliseum.

This includes the college’s end-of-year event showcasing the work of more than 600 students.

The Queen Elizabeth Hall will be made available at no extra cost from July 1 to 15 to accommodate this. If booked solid it could generate an income of £31,000 plus technical costs.

A college spokesman said that all normal teaching activities and productions, including the training of technical students, would continue as planned.

Oldham College principal Alun Francis said: “We are delighted to welcome Oldham Coliseum to the college’s Grange Arts centre during their refurbishment.

“Our students will be able to benefit from work experience, professional mentoring and learning from a variety of actors, technical staff and directors.”