OLDHAM'S historic repertory theatre, the Coliseum is launching its first ever crowdfunding campaign.

Bosses are asking audiences to participate in "Get Behind Us" to support the theatre in its bid to survive the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Oldham Coliseum is facing a very difficult Christmas and an uncertain future following our building’s closure, and the inevitable postponement of our annual pantomime.

A spokesperson said: "We hope that, if people are able, they can support us and keep the magic of theatre alive in Oldham.

"Having now been closed for six months, our building is slowly starting to come back to life. We have put our first two socially distanced events on sale for November and all this week our Associates Fine Comb Theatre have been in the studio working on a new play, The Way Things Are.

"The Coliseum will look a little different when we welcome people back this autumn and winter. We’ve put in place new plans to ensure your safety and entertainment. You can read all about them here.

"We’re also recruiting for next term’s UK Theatre Award nominated Teaching Theatre Pathways and we share a glimpse of our Learning and Engagement department’s work with schools, this term via Zoom."