Oldham-born actress Julie Hesmondhalgh is returning to help reshape the future of the town's beloved Coliseum Theatre, after being announced as Guest Curator for its reopening programme. The appointment marks a significant milestone in the theatre's next chapter, as it continues to serve the borough while its Fairbottom Street home undergoes a major refurbishment as part of Oldham's wider regeneration.

Julie, who was nominated for an Olivier Award this year for her role in James Graham's "PUNCH" and currently stars in the BBC's "Crookhaven", played a key role in the fight to save the Coliseum from permanent closure. Her deep connection to the theatre and the local community makes her well-placed to help shape a programme rooted in Oldham, championing northern voices and connecting local stories to wider audiences. Alongside the theatre-going community, she was instrumental in the Save Oldham Coliseum campaign, which highlighted the passion and determination of local audiences.

The Fairbottom Street building is being redeveloped by Oldham Council as part of the town's wider regeneration, creating a renewed space for audiences, artists, and communities. This refurbishment is a key component of the vision for a Cultural Campus in Oldham, placing creativity, skills, and opportunity at the heart of the town's future. The Coliseum's reopening is eagerly anticipated by residents who have long supported the theatre as a civic landmark.

"What has always made the Coliseum special is the strong sense of ownership it engenders among its audiences," said Julie. "I am 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, of and for the people of Oldham, in the lead up to reopening, and when the beloved Coli opens its doors to audiences again."

The Coliseum team added: "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. Julie 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, with northern and working-class stories at its heart."

This announcement comes at a time of growing cultural momentum for Oldham, which recently won the Greater Manchester Town of Culture award for 2026/27. The Coliseum's reopening programme will be part of this celebration, further cementing the role of culture and creativity in the borough's future. The cultural campus vision aims to create new ways for people to engage with theatre, both inside and beyond the building.

While the building is being refurbished, the Coliseum remains active across Oldham, producing theatre and live performance, and engaging communities through artist development and outreach. This ongoing work demonstrates what a civic theatre can achieve beyond a single building, with further programme announcements expected in the coming months. Current activities span performance, artist development, and community engagement, ensuring the Coliseum stays connected to the people it serves.

More details about the current Oldham Coliseum Theatre season can be found on their revamped website. The autumn season will be announced in early summer, and further information about the refurbishment and reopening of the Fairbottom Street building will be released in due course. The Coliseum continues to be a vital part of Oldham's cultural fabric, and this appointment signals an exciting future for the theatre and the community.