Oldham Coliseum appoints new board to close theatre

The Fairbottom Street theatre, which is due to close next week after it lost out on Arts Council England funding, has announced it has appointed a new board of trustees to oversee the process.

While the closure is being financially supported by the Arts Council through 'transitional funds', the Coliseum said the money will be used to honour contracts with affected artists and support staff redundancies. 

Following discussions with the Arts Council and Oldham Council, the previous trustees have stepped down from the organisation "with immediate effect" and have been replaced by a new six-member board.

It is hoped the new board will liaise with the local authority and Arts Council to safeguard the future of culture in Oldham and any role that the Oldham Coliseum Theatre Ltd company may play in it.

All the members of the new board have a range of skills and experience from corporate finance, marketing, communications, performing arts and charitable sectors.

Duncan Craig, OBE, has been hired to be chair of the board and is currently the founder and chief executive officer of the charity, Survivors Manchester, former trustee of SICK! Festival and former chair of Manchester Crafter and Design Centre.

The other board members include:

• Simon Chaplin, operations director of Stoller Hall, Chetham's School of Music and Chetham's Library in Manchester
• Jon Gilchrist, joint president of UK Theatre, artistic director and CEO of Birmingham Hippodrome and previously executive director of HOME in Manchester
• Janina Mundy, a freelance arts marketing consultant, previously marketing director of Manchester International Festival/Factory International and director of sales and marketing at Birmingham Royal Ballet
• Hannah Taylor, a professional charity fundraiser at The Christie, formerly of Chester Zoo and Salford CVS 
• Helen Williamson, a chartered accountant working in the charity and education sectors

On his new appointment as chair, Duncan Craig said: "My fellow Board members and I hold the responsibility to ensure the legacy of the important and much-loved work that the Coliseum has brought to the people of Oldham and the UK theatre scene does not end when the doors shut.

"We will do everything we can to ensure Oldham Coliseum Theatre Ltd remains part of the discussions with Oldham Council about the cultural offer in Oldham, and I look forward to engaging in productive discussions with Oldham Council and with Arts Council England in the coming weeks."

He added that the new board acknowledges the "incredibly difficult process" staff are going through at the Coliseum and thanked them "for taking care of each other".

"The average length of service for a member of Coliseum staff is 9 years, which shows such dedication to creating great theatre for and in Oldham.

"We also want to say a huge thank you to our audiences and our friends within the arts for the love and affection you have shown over the last few difficult months.”

Council leader, Amanda Chadderton, added: “It has been a difficult few weeks for Oldham Coliseum as they announced their intention to close the theatre’s doors at the end of this month and we share the sadness and disappointment of both Coliseum staff and local people at the news of the closure.

"The appointment of a new board is a positive step forward and provides an opportunity for the Coliseum to forge a new future for itself."

The Cllr said she hoped the Coliseum will be able to continue to produce theatre in Oldham and may have "a major role in our new town centre theatre".

The new theatre, destined for Union Street, will cost £24m and isn't expected to be built before 2026.

Cllr Chadderton continued: "I have already met with Duncan and I was heartened by his commitment and drive to take the Coliseum forward in a way that benefit the town and protects our cultural heritage.

"I hope to meet the other board members soon to welcome them as they take on their vital new roles.”