Coliseum memories launch seat appeal

DOWN memory lane: (l-r): Kevin Shaw, Bernard Wrigley and Kenneth Alan Taylor

OLDHAM Coliseum has launched its 125th anniversary appeal with an evening of memories.

Coliseum patrons and fans — including actress Sue Devaney, Oldham playwright Ian Kershaw and comedian and singer Bernard Wrigley — offered their own favourite memories of the local theatre.

The appeal hopes to raise over £100,000 to replace the current uncomfortable seating, which isn’t included in the essential theatre refurbishment that will take place through much of 2012, when the company will perform at other venues.

Coliseum administration chief David Martin told the audience the appeal has already raised almost £36,000, including individual donations of £1,000 and £750. Patrons can give £250 or more to put a name on a seat plaque.

The evening was hosted by Coliseum veterans Kenneth Alan Taylor and Front of House manager David Rustidge, with Bernard Wrigley providing songs and comic poems and children from Christ Church School, Chadderton, offering works demonstrating their choral-speaking skills.

The evening also served as a collection point for audience memories of attending the Coliseum — part of a 125th anniversary Heritage Lottery-funded project. A recording of the evening will join other items on a DVD at the end of the year.

Taylor and Rustidge provided a soundtrack for the screening of a silent film, rediscovered five years ago and made by members of the repertory theatre club in the 1940s.

Twice-former artistic director Taylor, who first arrived at the rep in 1959, said Oldham’s theatre audience was unique.

“I’ve worked in theatres all over the country and can honestly say there is no audience quite like this one,” he suggested, “and long may it continue.”

The current artistic director, Kevin Shaw, admitted his own memory concerned an audience member after the first night of the comedy “Laurel and Hardy” — his first show after arriving in Oldham.

“I was feeling good because the show had gone well and this chap rushed over and said ‘I just wanted to say tonight was... absolute b****y rubbish!’

“My pride quickly deflated but then he went on to say, ‘...but I’ve got a season ticket and no doubt next week’s will be all right.’

“That could only happen here...”