Following the announcement that the loss of Arts Council England funding meant Oldham Coliseum would be forced to cancel upcoming shows, we asked readers what the theatre means to them.

In response, many readers shared their fond memories and experiences at one of Oldham's best-known landmarks.

One reader, Judith Stenton, shared her unique relationship with the Coliseum.

She wrote that she performed at the theatre for the first time when she was eight years old in The King and I, alongside former Coronation Street and Emmerdale actor Meg Johnson.

Judith added that in her teens, she continued to perform at the theatre in pantomimes with other actors who went on to appear on television.

She said she "loved every second of it" and that the memories had "never faded".

Other readers shared their memories of going to watch plays.

Christine Daly shared how herself and two of her friends would go to the Christmas pantomime every year as a present to themselves.

She added the Coliseum provided "great productions at decent prices" and that it was a great family day out.

Maxine Murtagh shared similar memories, saying the Coliseum is at "the heart of Oldham and its history".

She recalled "special family times and evenings out with friends seeing a variety of performances, including the yearly panto".

Therese Hurst commented that the Coliseum was a "massive part" of her childhood and adulthood and that she was "so, so sad" about the news.

She continued by saying: "The theatre is so enriched with treasured memories."

Finally, Jane Gibson was another reader to share her unique connection with the theatre.

She wrote: "My great grandparents met at the Oldham Coliseum, he was a conductor and she was a pianist.

"It was lovely to visit there, it's an amazing old theatre.

"These buildings are so full of history, they should be cherished."

A petition and a GoFundMe page have both been set up in an effort to save the Coliseum.