Dinnerleaders star Maxine Peake is fighting to stop the demolition of a historic theater and its conversion into apartments. The actress – known for her roles in the hit TV movies Shameless and Silk – has joined activists fighting to save Oldham Coliseum.
The final curtain will fall on the 135-year-old course in the North West next month after it lost its £600,000 funding from Arts Council England.
Maxine, 48, said in a public meeting that the Colosseum is “the lifeblood of his community.” “The vibrant and vibrant institution has an amazing history and if we can keep it alive it will have a wonderful future,” she said.
A new £24m theater will not open until 2026, leaving a three-year “vacuum in access to the arts”, according to the actors’ unions Equity.
It would have been the Coliseum’s new home before it was defunded.
“Time is running out,” Coliseum president Chris Lawson warned.
Amanda Chadderton, leader of Oldham Council, insisted the Colosseum was not fit for purpose and was “full of asbestos”.
She said the new location — which includes a 300-seat auditorium and 120-seat studio space — would add to the “buzz” of the city center and create jobs.
The council says £1.85m of Arts Council funds will provide for cultural activities in the area while the theatre is built.
Previous stars who have played at the Colosseum include Coronation Street actors Jean Alexander (Hilda Ogden) and William Roache (Ken Barlow).
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