An Exciting Autumn coming up at the Coliseum

Preview by Steve Cooke

The Coliseum’s. brand-new season is now on sale and it’s an incredible lineup of performances you won’t want to miss!

They’re bringing together talented artists from across Oldham and beyond, to share powerful narratives that reflect who we are and what connects us. From local tales to nationally recognised stories, across drama, comedy and music - autumn at the Coliseum definitely has something for everyone.

The Coliseum are collaborating with venues across Oldham to put on these brilliant performances.

First up will be Ripples

Finish school, move to the big city, chase dreams of stardom. Life is just getting going.

But then the letter arrives, and the van turns up. And everything changes.

“I have a story they don’t want me to tell.”

Lost in a world of surveillance and suspicion one man fights to hold onto who he is. Based on true events, The UK’s first Theatre Company of Sanctuary, Stand and Be Counted presents an urgent and electrifying interrogation of 21st century Britain and the relentless power of hope.

Age Guide: 14+

Content Advisory: Themes of mental health, deportation, violence. Strong language. Flashing images on screen, flashing lights, loud noises

Visit: https://www.coliseum.org.uk/spektrix/spektrix-events/ripples/

17 September-20 September

1853 Studios and Gallery, Osborne Mill, Waddington St, Oldham OL9 6QQ

The building that was the historic home of Oldham Coliseum Theatre will now reopen in 2026, it has been announced.

The decision was taken after initial construction work revealed that more time would be needed to ensure that the building is properly ready to welcome back audiences. Working closely with contractors Tilbury Douglas, everyone is now progressing plans to ensure the new Coliseum is everything it should be and more for audiences when it reopens next year.

Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: "It's disappointing not to be reopening the Fairbottom Street building for panto 2025 as it's such a special part of Oldham's festive season, but unexpected bumps in the road often happen with a project of this scale. Rather than rush to open before the building is ready, our decision to extend the construction period gives us the time needed to get the details absolutely right. It was clear to us all that if we opened in 2025, the experience wouldn't live up to the high standards our audience deserve.

"We owe it to everyone, the artists, staff, and most importantly our audiences, to get this right. This is about securing a bright and sustainable future for theatre in Oldham and building something that will serve our community for generations. I can’t wait to open the doors in 2026."

Martina Murphy, CEO, Oldham Coliseum Theatre, said: "We know how important the annual panto is to Oldhamers and had hoped to welcome audiences back to Fairbottom Street later this year. While we’re gutted about the delay, we know that when the theatre reopens in 2026, it will be back with a bang.

"In the meantime, the spirit of the Coliseum lives on. As a company, Oldham Coliseum Theatre continues to produce exciting work across the Borough, bringing theatre to communities and keeping alive our connection with audiences. We’ve just wrapped up our spring programme and will be announcing our summer line-up soon."

Adopted Oldhamer Julie Hesmondhalgh, who is also a leading member of the Friends of Oldham Coliseum, said: “The Friends of the Coliseum are relieved and happy that plans to mount the Coli panto this year have been put on hold. Better to return with a beautiful, bold and glittering bang than do something half-baked in a building that isn’t yet ready.

“We’re excited for the future, and will be a key part in taking Oldham audiences with us, through a series of films and podcasts which will follow and share progress of the building, as well as interviewing key players in the reopening.

“We are grateful as ever to Oldham Council for listening to the experts in the field.”

The council and its partners will continue to issue updates as work progresses on the Fairbottom Street building.