The Musicians’ Union has shared its ‘devastation’ after the news of Oldham Coliseum’s closure.   

Kelly Wood, Musicians’ Union national organiser for live, theatre and music writers said: “We’re devastated to hear that the Oldham Coliseum theatre is closing.

“This represents a huge loss for the theatre sector, performers and audiences.

“Regional theatres are of great importance to their communities, by helping to ensure that everyone can access cultural activities and experience the arts – from a child watching their first panto to a professional musician performing on a musical show.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected by the closure”.

Performances at the theatre end on Sunday, March 26 – with the theatre set to close its doors on Friday, March 31.

ALSO READ: Everything on at Oldham Coliseum before the end of March.

Trustees and leaders from the Fairbottom Street theatre said they had been "working hard" to find a solution to the reduction in funds after Arts Council England (ACE) rejected its application for funding in November.

However, in an update shared on Tuesday, February 14, Oldham Coliseum said: “The current financial situation is not sustainable for the running of a full-time theatre.

“It is with great regret therefore that we announce that we have entered a consultation period with all staff and it is proposed that Oldham Coliseum Theatre will close its doors on Friday, 31 March 2023.”

ALSO READ: Oldham Coliseum set to close for good after funding loss.

A public meeting organised by performers’ trade union Equity is set to take place at the Coliseum on Tuesday, February 21 – one week after the closure announcement.

Oldham Coliseum has been financially supported by Arts Council England (ACE) with National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) funding for years.

However, its bid for £615,182 per annum for 2023 to 2026, totalling more than £1.845 million, was rejected by the Arts Council in November last year.

The same amount of money was instead ringfenced by the Arts Council for culture in the town – but with the stipulation that it can’t be spent on the Coliseum.