Just six months away from the planned reopening of the Oldham Coliseum, there’s still no word on whether it will be ready for panto season 2026.
Originally slated for a 2025 reopening, the historic theatre in the heart of Oldham is currently undergoing a massive renovation, having been saved from closure in 2024.
Last year it was revealed that “more time would be needed to ensure that the building is properly ready to welcome back audiences”.
There have been some updates on the work since then.
In October 2025, CGI concept images of the theatre were released, showing some of the changes visitors will be able to expect when it reopens.
In April, a video presented by one of the figureheads of the campaign to save the theatre, actor Julie Hesmondhalgh, showed that the Coliseum had been “stripped back to a shell” and that the workers were finding “pockets of asbestos” at the site.
At the same time, another project was announced to create a new town square in Oldham to "improve sightlines" to the theatre on Fairbottom Street.
The month before, it was also announced that the Coliseum had received £650,000 in Arts Council England funding to help with the refurbishment.
Despite all the ongoing activity around the theatre, there has been no new information from the Coliseum or Oldham Council on whether the new reopening date, panto season 2026, will be going ahead.
The Oldham Times contacted the council about a reopening date for the theatre, but it was unable to confirm an opening date or timeframe.
A spokesperson for the council said: “Plans are continuing to develop, and while good progress is being made behind the scenes, the refurbishment of the Coliseum remains a complex project involving significant structural repairs and upgrades.
“At this stage, we are not yet in a position to confirm a reopening date, but work is ongoing to ensure the theatre is ready to welcome audiences back as soon as possible.”
The Oldham Times has also reached out to the Coliseum for comment.
While the work continues, the Oldham Coliseum Theatre will host events and performances across the borough.
More information about the upcoming shows and events can be found on the What’s On page of the Coliseum’s website.
Regardless of the progress on the Coliseum, panto season will still be coming to Oldham this Christmas.
This year will be the first year Oldham’s new arts venue, The Loom, will host the annual pantomime, following the closure of the Queen Elizabeth Hall.
More information about this panto is yet to be announced, but it has been revealed that the show will be Cinderella.
Updates on the Coliseum renovation project can be found on the theatre’s website or the Friends of Oldham Coliseum Facebook page.
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