Theatre goes public.. after 84 years

THE curtain is about to go up on an historic venture for Oldham’s Lyceum Theatre.


For the first time in its 84-year history, the theatre is staging its first season for the general public.

The grand Grade II-listed home of The Lyceum Players has previously only opened its doors to invited guests.

But the box office is now open to all for the theatre’s 321st production, Alan Aykbourn’s comedy “How The Other Half Loves” from September 14.

Lyceum Theatre stalwart and vice chairman, Nigel Marland, explained: “The Lyceum Theatre has always been a private theatre, its audiences made up of patrons and their friends who came by invitation only.”

“When I joined 42 years ago there was no set ticket price and no booked seats — patrons just put money into a bowl at the door!”

“We decided last year that it was time we moved into the 21st Century and since then things have been hectic. Our theatre will be open to anyone who wants to attend our five plays a year.”

Members have built a box office, installed a booking system and produced glossy brochures to promote productions.

Nigel is hoping Metrolink will open up the Lyceum to a new audience.


Our web site carries selected and edited versions of stories available in full only in our nightly print and eChron editions.
Follow us on Twitter - @OldhamChronicle