Curtain up at revamped Coliseum

Kenneth Alan Taylor and Sue Devaney with the backing band for the opening show.

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

AFTER ten months and almost £1.5million, Oldham’s longest-surviving theatre is just hours from reopening.

The new-look Coliseum, which has undergone a major refurbishment since it closed in January, will be unveiled to the public for the first time when stars take to the stage for a special gala, “Curtain Up at the Coliseum”.

The special show will also be repeated tomorrow night, when Oldham Mayor, Councillor Olwen Chadderton, will officially reopen the theatre.

This weekend’s entertainment will feature Coronation Street stars Shobna Gulati, Julie Hesmondhalgh and Lisa George, as well as West End actress and Royton girl Gemma Wardle and Coliseum favourites Kenneth Alan Taylor and Sue Devaney.

Kenneth said: “The theatre means so much to me. I’m delighted to be taking part and it’s sure to be a wonderful evening - a celebration of the Coliseum’s history. There will be a lot of nostalgia, but also a lot of fun.”

The Fairbottom Street venue, which first opened in 1885, has had asbestos removed, a new heating and ventilation system installed, a full electrical rewire, a new sound system and a new foyer and box office. New seats have also been installed.

Artistic director Kevin Shaw said: “They are much comfier: our customers will definitely notice the difference!”

Oldham Council helped to fund the massive overhaul. Council leader Jim McMahon said: “We’re delighted to see the Coliseum back. “This is the start of a longer journey: we share a vision to deliver a new and permanent town-centre venue.”

Curtain Up at the Coliseum runs tonight and tomorrow at 7.30pm. There are a few tickets for both nights, but should be booked in advance.(0161-624 1731 or www.coliseum.org.uk).


OUR website carries heavily edited versions of stories only available in full in our print and eChron editions
Follow us on Twitter: @OldhamChronicle