Oldham Coliseum Theatre has missed out on crucial national funding from Arts Council England.

The Fairbottom Street theatre, which has been at the heart of Oldham for more than 135 years, announced on Friday that its annual application for funds had been denied.

Arts Council England is one of three principal stakeholders that financially support the theatre, alongside Oldham Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

However, the theatre's latest application for Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) funds, which would help to support it from 2023 onwards, was unsuccessful.

In a statement online, Oldham Coliseum Theatre said it was "very disappointed" by the move.

The theatre has been in receipt of ACE NPO funds since at least 2015 and has received £604,067 every year.

In 2020/21 it received an additional £615,182 in 2022/23 as part of an extension to help the theatre through the aftermath of Covid.

The Coliseum, which is one of only 32 regularly producing theatres in England, has not shared what impact the loss of funding will have on its future.

A statement from the theatre, however, said: "We understand the pressures that Arts Council England faces in supporting as many organisations as possible, to give everyone in the UK access to the arts and its undeniable benefits, but we were hopeful that - as Oldham is a 'levelling up' area for culture - the Coliseum would continue to receive support."

The theatre thanked Arts Council England for all their financial support over the years.

It also said it was "sincerely grateful" for the support of Oldham Council, funders, sponsors, partners and audiences and participants, particularly given the current economic climate and cost-of-living crisis pressures.

The statement concluded: "We hope to continue to entertain and be a centre of artistic excellence for the community and beyond for generations to come."

Councillor Elaine Taylor, Oldham Council’s Cabinet member for culture and leisure, said:  “We’re saddened to hear that the Coliseum has been unsuccessful in securing funding from the Arts Council this round.

“The Coliseum is iconic in Oldham and is so important to the arts and culture offering of the town.

"From theatrical, musical and comedic performances to family pantomimes and activities, the Coliseum’s contribution is widely recognised by the Council and Oldham residents, and its varied programme is much-loved by our communities and across Greater Manchester.

“We will work with the Coliseum and support the board as they look at alternative funding models and try and secure its legacy.”

Oldham Coliseum has been approached for comment.