Hesmondhalgh joins Coliseum team for run-up to reopening

Guest curator Julie Hesmondhalgh (left) and Coliseum CEO Martina Murphy

As we wait for news of Oldham Coliseum's comeback new season, we can expect it to feature some audience-friendly drama alongside whatever else chief executive Martina Murphy is planning.

For the theatre has recruited much-loved Manchester actress and campaigner Julie Hesmondhalgh to help choose the comeback season, which is expected to be announced in the next few weeks.

As a leading stage and TV actress whose feelings for the Oldham theatre are deep and real, Julie is well-placed to help to shape the artistic identity of the new Coliseum as it defines a programme rooted in the area.

Olivier award-nominated this year for her role in James Graham's PUNCH, and currently on TV in BBC One's Crookhaven, Julie's appointment marks a significant step in the Coliseum's next chapter, which since closure has functioned more as a clearing house for community-based theatre and ultra-small-scale drama in local venues.

The Coliseum has a new logo and its website has been redesigned in anticipation of the reopening

She explained: "What has always made the Coliseum special is the strong sense of ownership it engenders among its audience. This was at the heart of the Save Oldham Coliseum campaign, which came out of the determination of people who fought to save their theatre.

"I'm really excited to be working alongside Martina and the team, and of course with the Friends of the Coliseum, to help shape a wonderful programme of theatre in the lead up to reopening, and when the beloved Coliseum opens its doors to audiences again."

Martina Murphy said: "We're shaping what the Coliseum's return will look and feel like — not just reopening a building, but setting the tone for what comes next.

"As we begin the process of appointing a creative director, we're delighted to welcome Julie as guest curator, to help shape our opening season. She brings a depth of experience as an actor and writer, alongside a strong connection to the North. Her voice will help ensure that this next chapter is rooted in the place it belongs to."

Artist's impression of the theatre's new frontage

As readers might know, a multi-million-pound plan to build a new Coliseum theatre on nearby Union Street was dropped in favour of refurbishing the existing Coliseum building in Fairbottom Street - which had already undergone a significant redevelopment in 2012. The building's apparent "end-of-life" stage was what set off the renewal drive, following which the existing company was effectively closed by the still-unexplained withdrawal of its Arts Council annual grant.

That money was then effectively transferred to Oldham Council, setting in motion a huge public campaign for the Coliseum's retention (led, among others, by Julie Hesmondhalgh), and the current programme of small-scale events under the council's watch was set up, operated by a new Coliseum management and board.

The successful campaign led to the Coliseum's second major redevelopment in 15 years, the result of which we are now waiting to see.

More info, and tickets for current shows, here