Theatre raises a swish new curtain

THE smart new exterior of Shaw Playhouse 2 Theatre — home of the Crompton Stage Society — with from left, Barbara Micklethwaite, chairman, Barrie Cottam, artistic director and Judith Haughton, treasurer

A SHAW theatre is taking centre stage after Oldham Council put it in a cash spotlight.

Shaw’s Playhouse 2 has had a show-stopping exterior makeover thanks to a business improvement grant.

Crompton Stage Society, which owns the building, asked about help to repaint the frontage and add new signs. But the grant also allowed them to replace emergency access doors and repair the roof.

Theatre treasurer Judith Haughton said: “This funding is a great way of supporting existing businesses and regenerating the area.

The building needed a good lick of paint and signage — and we didn’t really have the money. This grant has helped us to give our building the makeover it deserves — and hopefully attract more people to visit.

The grants — up to a maximum of £3,000 — are available to both new and existing independent businesses and can be used to improve the exterior of the premises or for an internal fit-out, where the business can demonstrate business growth or job creation.

Independent traders from Shaw, Lees or Failsworth (in the A62 corridor) can get grant information from Liz Kershaw on 0161-770 4168.