Oldham’s iconic Coliseum theatre has announced it is to cancel all upcoming shows and events – including its annual pantomime – as it faces a funding crisis that threatens its survival.
The Fairbottom Street theatre, one of the oldest still operating in Britain, has relied on the support of Arts Council England (ACE) to continue to stage performances, including its hugely popular Christmas pantomimes.
However in November it was revealed that the Coliseum’s application to remain in the ACE portfolio for the next three years – a major part of its business model – has been unsuccessful. It had applied for £615,182 a year to 2026, totalling more than £1.84m.
