Oldham Coliseum bosses say historic theatre will be shutting its doors for good
manchestereveningnews.co.ukBosses of Oldham Coliseum have confirmed that the historic theatre has entered into a period of consultation with staff and is proposing to close the theatre at the end of March.
Last month, the Fairbottom Street Theatre, one of the oldest in Britain, announced the cancellation of all upcoming shows and events including its pantomime from late March as a result of 100% funding cut from Arts Council England (ACE).
In November, it had applied for £1.84 million in funding to remain in the ACE portfolio for the next three years - a major part of its business model - but was unsuccessful despite Oldham being earmarked as one of the priority 'Levelling Up for Culture' areas.
Following the cancellation of its theatre programme people from the town, as well as stars from stage and screen who had performed there, spoke of their sadness at the news, with a number of Crowdfunder campaigns and petitions launched in support of the much-loved arts venue. Read more: 'It feels like we're being punished for being in the North': What losing Oldham Coliseum will mean for us However, this morning representatives for the Coliseum have said the current financial situation is not sustainable for the running of a full-time theatre and that they are looking to close on March 31.
Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk