Oldham Coliseum to receive £184,000 a year for the next three years through Greater Manchester’s Culture Fund
By Steve Cooke
It’s encouraging to hear from our friends at the much missed Oldham Coliseum Theatre is to receive £184,000 a year for the next three years through Greater Manchester’s Culture Fund.
The funding is part of a £15 million investment in culture across Greater Manchester, which has been announced by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), supporting theatres and cultural organisations across all ten boroughs.
Martina Murphy, Oldham Coliseum Theatre CEO says:
"We’re delighted that Oldham Coliseum will receive £184,000 a year through Greater Manchester's Culture Fund for the next three years. This investment is an important vote of confidence in the Coliseum, in Oldham and in the role that culture can play in the future of our town. As we work towards reopening the Coliseum, our ambition goes far beyond reopening a building. We want to rebuild a theatre that is deeply connected to the people of Oldham – creating brilliant cultural experiences, opportunities for young people and local artists, and ensuring that people from across the borough can see themselves reflected in what happens on our stages.”
"There is an enormous amount happening in Oldham over the next few years, and culture has a vital role to play in that wider regeneration. This long-term support from GMCA gives us greater stability as we plan for that future and continue taking the Coliseum out into communities while our building is being transformed.”
"We’re incredibly grateful to GMCA for continuing to back the Coliseum and, most importantly, for recognising that people should be able to experience great culture close to home. The funding will help us continue building strong relationships with our communities, supporting artists and young people, and bringing brilliant cultural experiences to people across Oldham while our building is transformed.”
"With Oldham also celebrating its year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture, there’s lots to look forward to."
To find out more about the current Oldham Coliseum Theatre programme, including its new production of Macbeth directed by Creative Director Nick Bagnall, visit the website https://coliseum.org.uk
Oldham Coliseum Theatre
Oldham Coliseum produces and presents a wide range of theatre and live performance for people from across the borough, Greater Manchester and beyond. Fiercely proud of their northern roots, much of the work they present is created by local artists and producers. They also offer local people of all ages and backgrounds opportunities to come together and to be creative.
“Every story matters – because every person matters. We believe theatre is more than just a show. It's a place to meet people where they are, to work together in shaping culture on our high street, and to change how the world sees Oldham. We collaborate with partners across our community, platform different voices, and give space to new talent – developing skills, confidence, and opportunity that last far beyond the curtain call. Rooted in our rich heritage but always looking forward, we are a making theatre – crafting bold productions that entertain, challenge, and inspire. We're passionate about stories that celebrate our community, advocate for well-being, and respect the world around us, from ecology to economy.”
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