Oldham Coliseum finally gets re-opening date

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.

The Oldham Coliseum

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

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.”

Julie announced the Oldham Coliseum was to be saved nearly a year ago now, to jubilant crowds on Fairbottom Street.

Why did the Oldham Coliseum close?

The almost 140-year-old theatre was forced to close its doors after the Arts Council England withdrew a £1.8m grant.

The council had already planned to create a new home for the Coliseum.

But after initial plans were scrapped because of soaring costs, the move would have meant downsizing to an ‘arts and culture venue’ that no longer operated as a producing theatre. ‘Nobody’ wanted that, according to Hesmondhalgh.

Oldham Coliseum Theatre say they are making strides in its mission to support local artists and reinvigorate the cultural scene with the unveiling of two exciting initiatives: Crafted, a new artist development scheme, and the evolution of its popular Culture & Chips series.

Oldham Coliseum updates

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

For upcoming Oldham Coliseum Theatre performances and events, please visit the website by clicking here