The boss of Oldham Coliseum has described the closing of the venue while plans are developed for a replacement theatre in the town as a 'double-edged sword' this morning (March 17). Chris Lawson, the Coliseum's Artistic Director and CEO, spoke Radio 4's The Today programme after it was confirmed last night that the iconic theatre will be closing in two weeks time.
This is despite a passionate campaign to save it, backed by leading actors and many residents. The historic venue Fairbottom Street will close to the public for the final time on March 31.
Mr Lawson told the programme that yesterday's official confirmation 'hit in a different way' after months of campaigning to stop this happening, making it 'much more real'. The decision comes after the Arts Council England (ACE) dropped the Coliseum from its funding portfolio for the next three years after the body deemed it ‘high risk’, raising concerns about its’ financial management, leadership and governance.
