Oldham Coliseum closes until early 2021
HAVING only recently previewed the return of audiences to Oldham Coliseum it is with great sadness that I have to report that, following the announcement of a further lockdown, the theatre will now remain closed to the public until early 2021
Artistic Director Chris Lawson and Chief Executive Susan Wildman issued the following statement: “In order to safeguard the future of Oldham Coliseum Theatre and our vital role in the communities of Oldham and Greater Manchester, it is with heavy hearts that we announce that the Coliseum will remain closed to the public until early 2021.”
The Coliseum was less than two weeks from reopening with a season of Covid-secure, socially distanced events when the Government announced that a further UK lockdown would commence from Thursday, November 5.
It is not known for certain whether theatres will be permitted to reopen on Wednesday, December 2, what the Tier system will mean for the Coliseum, or if - as reported - the national lockdown is extended beyond that date.
They have cancelled their festive production of A Christmas Carol as they cannot guarantee at this stage that it can go ahead.
To continue with the production would require significant financial investment that, if they had to cancel the show at a later date, would simply go to waste.
This is not a risk the Coliseum is able to take.
They are currently working to reschedule Drowning, Petrichor, My Voice Was Heard But It Was Ignored, and Julie Likes To Draw Squirrels to 2021.
Ticket holders for A Christmas Carol will be contacted as soon as possible, and for Drowning, Petrichor, My Voice Was Heard But It Was Ignored and Julie Likes to Draw Squirrels ticket holders will be contacted as soon as they have secured new dates for these shows.
However, the festive offers for schools, the Panto Storytelling tour, and Panto Box virtual workshop, will still go ahead and the Coliseum will continue their focus on digital and community work throughout this extended closure.
They report to be already planning some fantastic opportunities audiences can look forward to, which will in turn continue to provide opportunities for freelance artists.
The Box Office phone line has closed, and the team are returning to mostly working from home.
Throughout November, the Box Office will be open for phone enquiries only on Mondays from 10am – 3pm.
Alternatively, you can contact them by emailing boxoffice@coliseum.org. uk