About Oldham Coliseum Theatre
Located in the very heart of Oldham, the Coliseum Theatre is venerable building with a history stretching back to 1885.
The company serves a vibrant cross section of the local community – ranging from veteran theatre-goers to young families – and we’re proud to bring the finest theatre experiences to Oldham.
The Oldham Coliseum programme of events is centred around an intimate 585 seat auditorium. Not restricted to one venue, theatrical performances for families and young people take place under the Coliseum@ brand at venues across the Oldham area.
With a seasonal programme covering the full gamut between hilarious comedies and classic drama, the Oldham Coliseum has gained a reputation for presenting sometimes challenging, always entertaining shows. Our traditional panto is a yearly fixture in the lives of Oldhamers, delighting the old and young for generations.
Complimenting our theatrical programme, our lively and innovative Education department bring a vital array of activities for participants of all ages.
Our passionately loyal audience love the vintage quality of the building, together with the unrivalled warmth and enthusiasm of its staff. A visit to the Coliseum is like taking a step back to theatres of the past with its traditional décor and layout.
A Bit About Our History
Thomas Whittaker
The ‘accidental’ beginnings of the Coliseum Theatre date back to 1885 when a Mr Myers contracted local carpenter Thomas Whittaker to build a Grand American Theatre in the heart of Oldham. Unfortunately Mr Myers found himself without the funds to pay for the completion of the theatre and, following a court case, Thomas Whittaker found himself adding theatre owner to his list of titles.
Although Whittaker never intended to be a theatrical impresario, the need to get a return on his unintentional investment forced him to make a go of the theatre — and ‘make a go of it’ he certainly did. Although surrounded by almost a dozen other theatres, Whittaker found a way to make theatre pay its way. So much so that now, almost 125 years later, the award winning Coliseum is the only surviving theatre in the town. Never afraid to take risks with its shows, the Oldham Coliseum has gained a reputation for presenting sometimes challenging but always entertaining shows for its passionately loyal audience.
The 21st century sees the theatre continue the success and inventiveness displayed by its original owner. Oldham Coliseum has a well established and highly respected reputation for its work within the community and provides opportunities for everyone to get involved. The Education and Outreach department provide an innovative and exciting programme of participatory activities to support the artistic vision of the theatre and to serve the diverse communities of Oldham.
The Education and Outreach activity continues to be an integral part of the Coliseums programme of work, making the performing arts accessible and relevant by extending the theatre experience for members of communities in Oldham and Greater Manchester. The development of new and exciting opportunities to get involved in all aspects of the Coliseums work demonstrates the theatres commitment to being more than just a theatre. It provides an essential platform for local people to achieve their creative potential, investing in the emergence and progression of new talent whilst also supporting the Coliseums need for continued audience development. The expansion of its Outreach work has allowed the Coliseum to extend the theatre experience more widely outside of the building.
