Historic theatre finds way to keep show on the road

A historic theatre awaiting a £10m revamp has found a way to keep its shows on the road - by performing at a range of different community venues.

Two years ago Oldham's famous Coliseum Theatre was forced to close down when the Arts Council withdrew its funding.

It prompted a huge outcry and a campaign was launched to save the 140-year-old venue. And, following a U-turn, the theatre is set to open again later this year after a full refurbishment.

But while the building is out of action the Coliseum's theatre company is embarking on a tour of the town.

Martina Murphy, chair of Oldham Coliseum Theatre Ltd, said: "We've done shows in the library, we've done shows in the arcade.

"So we are meeting the people where they are and to give them something we could not give them in a building."

Their latest production, The Engagement Party, held at the town's Queen Elizabeth Hall, is their largest since the theatre shut and a show where the audience are expected to participate.

Sid Akbar, who plays Bilal in the show, said: "There's a lot of drama, a lot of dancing, a lot of music. We're all set up for an amazing engagement party but drama unfolds and the show focuses on the joy and families and communities."

Co-star Noor Hadid, who plays Aisha, added: "It's really interactive audiences see them alive in the families. They love watching the drama unfold.

"They know what it is like with the in-laws and we get them on stage dancing and get them involved in some games."

There was shock in 2023 when Coliseum was forced to close after Arts Council England withdrew its funding and the local council said the building was "no longer fit for purpose".

But a passionate campaign involving many who trod the theatre's boards saw the council change its mind and commit £10m to refurbish it.

It is set to reopen before the end of 2025 and hopefully in time for pantomime season.

Ms Murphy said: "It's really exciting so we'll be going [back] with a pantomime and this is what this theatre is known for most."

Actor Evanya Taylor, who has appeared in BBC One's Waterloo Road and ITV's Coronation Street, plays Daphne in the current production.

She said she was also excited by the prospect of getting back into the refurbished venue.

"It will be amazing to walk through those doors and be part of the history," she said.

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