Search
Close this search box.

Rediscovered photos reveal the colourful history of the Oldham Coliseum

Oldham's archivists have completed a £5,000 project to preserve the history of the Oldham Coliseum, uncovering forgotten photos and documents
Share
Tweet
Share
Chat

When the Coliseum announced its closure in April last year, archivists in Oldham embarked on a ‘rescue mission’ to save as much of the history of the beloved theatre as possible.

While the inside of the iconic building on Fairbottom Street was stripped, the team salvaged all the records they could.

Oldham Coliseum’s ‘records at risk’ project

Aladdin from 2014

Now Oldham’s archivists have completed a £5,000 ‘records at risk’ project – just as the council prepares a big renovation project to bring the theatre back into working use.

The project uncovered a series of forgotten photos and documents, revealing the colourful history of the Oldham Coliseum.

In a statement about the project, digital archivist Kate Wilson said the project “will serve as a testament to the impact that the Coliseum has – and will continue to have – on Oldham.

Meat Pie, Sausage Roll from 2017

“A vast archive of stories and memories”

“Our vast archive honours the stories and memories of those who have graced the Coliseum’s stage, back of house, and audience. It celebrates the countless hours of hard work and dedication put forth by actors, directors, crew, and volunteers.

“This project, Capturing the Coliseum, ensures that the history of the Coliseum remains as bright and visible as its future.”

Mother Goose from 2015

The material will become available to the public in autumn this year at the Oldham Local Studies and Archives website – and will likely become a part of an exhibition closer to the time of the theatre’s reopening.

It includes everything from old photographs of performances to show posters and programs, and behind the scenes insights like costume designs and show reports – where theatre management recorded incidents of ‘naughty behaviour’ by audience members.

The Ladykillers from 2016

£5,000 grant from the National Archives

Hard Times from 2017

The project was funded by a £5,000 grant from the National Archives.

Cllr Peter Dean, Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities and Culture, said: “We’re rightly very proud of Oldham’s heritage and we will always preserve it wherever we can.

“Our archives are packed with objects and documents that record our borough’s rich and varied past for generations to come.

“The Coliseum is a key part of Oldham’s history and we’re delighted to have launched this project to protect and celebrate the many things that make it special.

“The news that it will re-open in time for Panto 2025 is the perfect encore to what started as a project to capture the end of an era.

“With these many items now in public ownership, we look forward to sharing them with residents as we look ahead to the Coliseum’s long, bright future.”

Share
Tweet
Share
Chat

Did we miss something? Let us know: [email protected]

Want to be the first to receive all the latest news stories, what’s on and events from the heart of Manchester? Sign up here.

Manchester is a successful city, but many people suffer. I Love Manchester helps raise awareness and funds to help improve the lives and prospects of people across Greater Manchester – and we can’t do it without your help. So please support us with what you can so we can continue to spread the love. Thank you in advance!

Support us

£
Support now wdgk loader image

Got a story worth sharing?

What’s the story? We are all ears when it comes to positive news and inspiring stories. You can send story ideas to [email protected]

An email you’ll love. Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest news stories delivered direct to your inbox.

Search
Close this search box.