Actress Maxine Peake described a threatened historic theater as an “essential institution” as activists fought to rescue it. Next month, Oldham Coliseum will close after losing all Arts Council England (ACE) funding.
At a public meeting at the venue, the celebrity stated,
“If we can keep it alive, it will have an incredible future.”
Oldham Council announced plans for a new £24 million theater, citing the building’s unsuitability.
The Coliseum, which has a 135-year history, has served as a training ground for a number of soap opera stars, including Jean Alexander (Hilda Ogden), Barbara Knox (Rita Sullivan), William Roache (Ken Barlow), and Anne Kirkbride (Coronation Street) (Deirdre Barlow).
In a November announcement, it became the largest theatre outside of London to lose its £600,000 ACE subsidy.
Before a public meeting organized by the performing arts and entertainment union Equity, the actress nominated for a Bafta addressed BBC North West: Tonight, the theater was the “center” of the community and the municipality.
Peake, whose television credits include dinner ladies, Silk, and Shameless, stated, “Places such as Oldham Coliseum bring people together. It is not only about entertainment, but also about outreach work.
“It is such a dynamic, lively institution with an incredible past, and if we can keep it alive, I believe it will have an incredible future.”
The venue said that it has begun consultations with all employees and would close on March 31 since its current financial status was “not sustainable for the operation of a full-time theater.”
Chris Lawson, the Coliseum’s chief executive, stated that the crowded gathering demonstrated support for the venue, but “time is running short.”
“The council and Arts Council England must listen to what has been spoken in this auditorium this evening, and now is the time for action and for us to come together to move forward in a proper manner,” he said.
Oldham Council’s Labour leader, Amanda Chadderton, stated that the Coliseum was not fit for purpose.
She stated, “The building is plagued with asbestos, the walls are crumbling, and a recent inspection revealed a multitude of concerns.”
On Monday, the council is scheduled to formally accept £1.845 million from ACE to fund cultural activities in the borough for the next three years while a new theater is being constructed on Union Street.
The authority stated that a planning proposal would be presented by summer, with completion anticipated by 2026.
Proposals include an auditorium with 300 to 350 seats and a studio with 120 seats.
Ms. Chadderton remarked, “With the terrible news from the Coliseum in recent weeks, it’s wonderful to see such a positive step forward for the future of arts and culture in Oldham.”
She stated that it will “give performers, employees, and audiences a terrific experience in addition to revitalizing our cultural offer, creating jobs, and contributing to a bustling town center.”
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