Oldham Coliseum's Julie Hesmondhalgh wins Olivier award

Oldham's own Julie Hesmondhalgh has brought home one of theatre's biggest prizes, winning Best Supporting Actress at the Olivier Awards for her role in the West End play Punch. The former Coronation Street star, who's been leading the fight to save Oldham Coliseum Theatre, took the award for playing Joan, the mother of a man killed by a single punch.

The play, based on the real-life memoirs of Jacob Dunne, explores the devastating ripple effects of a moment of violence. Hesmondhalgh's character tries to understand and come to terms with her son's death, a role she described as 'such a family' experience with the cast and crew.

Accepting the award at London's Royal Albert Hall, Hesmondhalgh dedicated her win to the real Joan Scourfield, who was in the audience. 'This one's for you Joan,' she said, acknowledging the woman whose story inspired the play. The production also won Best New Play, making it a double triumph for the Nottingham Playhouse, Young Vic, and Apollo theatres.

For Oldham residents, the win carries extra significance. Hesmondhalgh has been at the forefront of efforts to save and reopen the town's beloved Coliseum Theatre, which closed in 2023. The theatre is currently undergoing £650,000 in renovations and is set to reopen soon, with Hesmondhalgh joining as a guest curator in March.