£300,000 lifeline for Coliseum
Date published: 03 February 2012
OLDHAM Coliseum has been given a £300,000 boost to cover expenditure on running, production and actors’ costs, for three years.
The money comes from the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities, which had earlier prompted fears that funds might be withdrawn completely following the introduction of a new scheme. The theatre had to reapply for funding under new rules that required ecipients to be contributing to Greater Manchester locally, nationally and worldwide, improving the skills and employability of residents and contributing to communities. Thrilled staff have now been told they will receive £102,700 a year. Executive director David Martin knew the theatre had a “strong chance” of keeping the funding — known as the section 48 scheme — which offers money to arts groups and charities.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted to receive this cash in the current economic climate. We put in the best application we could to AGMA, which is one of our major funders — and we couldn’t continue without their support. This grant gives us more scope to put value on stage and it’s great that people in Oldham will get to see the benefits.”
Councillor Howard Sykes praised the excellent news that would secure the future of Oldham’s “jewel in the crown”. The three-year funding will start in April, 2012, subject to annual review.
Booking tickets for Coliseum shows remains easy during the theatre’s closed period, thanks to the opening of a new temporary box office in the town centre.
Tickets will be available from the former Tourist Information Centre unit in Albion Street, at the front of the market hall.
Shows will go on as normal during the time the theatre is closed for refurbishment, with plays staged in several venues, including University Campus Oldham, Grange Arts Centre and the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield.
Artistic director Kevin Shaw said: “It’s great to have found a central location for our box office. It makes it easy for customers to just pop in and buy a ticket.”
The box office will be open Monday-Saturday, 9.30am-5pm. Ti ckets can also be booked by phone (0161-624 2829) or online at www.coliseum.org.uk
