Star-studded night at the Coliseum

WEll, that's better: Artistic director Kevin Shaw tries out the comfy new Coliseum seats

A STAR-STUDDED cast will entertain at the gala night to reopen the Oldham Coliseum.

The theatre has been closed since January for a £1.45m refurbishment - but the theatre will be back in business in a fortnight.

And bosses have revealed some of the celebrities lined up for the night.

“Curtain Up at the Coliseum” will feature Coronation Street actresses Julie Hesmondhalgh and Lisa George — who play Hayley Cropper and Beth Tinker — as well as West End actress and Royton singer, Gemma Wardle and Coliseum veterans Kenneth Alan Taylor and Sue Devaney among others.

Kenneth, who has been involved with the theatre since 1959 and met his wife - fellow actor Judith Barker - in a production there, said: “The theatre means so much to me. I’m delighted to be taking part in the reopening and it is sure to be a wonderful evening.

“The show will be a celebration of the Coliseum’s history: there will be a lot of nostalgia and a lot of fun. I’m delighted I’m part of it.”

Artistic director Kevin Shaw added: “We’re all looking forward to getting back into the building. It’s really very exciting for us.

“The opening show is set to be a fantastic night. There will definitely be something for everyone.”

The Fairbottom Street venue, which first opened in 1885, has undergone a massive overhaul.

Asbestos has been removed and the affected walls rebuilt and redecorated in keeping with the building’s Victorian origins. A new heating and ventilation system will keep patrons comfortable and the building’s electrical system has been renewed. Better sound and a new foyer and box office will be obvious signs of the money spent — as will new seats, installed yesterday.

Kevin said: “I have tested the seats in the circle: they are much comfier. Our customers will definitely notice the difference!”

“Curtain Up at the Coliseum” is on October 26. Tickets at the box office or online, www.coliseum.org.uk