A public meeting has been called by a trade union for residents in Oldham to 'demand answers' from decision-makers over the future of the Coliseum.

Equity is a trade union operating across the country, representing professional performers and other creative workers.

Following the news that Oldham Coliseum theatre has been forced to axe its shows from March onwards this year after a huge chunk of its funding was cut, the trade union is now calling on senior representatives to take questions from the public.

The Fairbottom Street theatre has been financially supported by Arts Council England (ACE) with National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) funding for years.

However, its bid for £615,182 per annum for 2023 to 2026, totalling more than £1.845 million, was rejected by the Arts Council in November last year.

Now that its future remains uncertain, residents, MPs and local councillors, as well as celebrities and people in the arts, have been backing calls to 'save' the Coliseum from a potential tragedy.

A fundraiser, launched by actor and Coronation Street star, Stewart Wolfenden, has accumulated more than £5,300 in just over a week.

Equity has now announced that on Tuesday, February 21 at 6.30pm, a public meeting will take place where residents can "demand answers" from decision-makers and voice their concerns.

Representatives from the Arts Council, Oldham Council and the Coliseum's management team, as well as local MPs, have been invited to attend the meeting and answer people's pressing questions about the Coliseum.

The event on Megaphone read: "Oldham Coliseum is a theatre that has been creating culture by, for and with the people of Oldham for 135 years.

"But last week it was forced to cancel all upcoming programming in the wake of Arts Council England cutting 100 per cent of its NPO funding.

"On 21st February, we’re calling a public meeting to demand answers.

"You can ask the decision-makers why they’ve made these choices, and demand they find a solution that keeps good union jobs and a local theatre alive in Oldham for years to come.

"We’re inviting a senior representative from Arts Council England, Oldham Council, and the Coliseum’s management team, as well as local MPs, to attend this meeting, and answer questions from you about what is going on at the Coliseum."

The venue and attendees are yet to be confirmed.