Julie Hesmondhalgh given Great British Theatres Lifetime Achievement Award for Oldham Coliseum campaigning

Oldham Coliseum Theatre's Guest Curator Julie Hesmondhalgh is to be presented with the first ever Great British Theatres Lifetime Achievement Award by the Theatres Trust.

The award is in recognition of Julie's tireless campaigning for Oldham Coliseum's Fairbottom Street home to be reopened and her advocacy for theatre, particularly in the regions. 

Julie, who has won multiple awards for roles on stage and television, including an Olivier Award earlier this year for her role in James Graham's Punch, continues to play a central role in Oldham Coliseum, working with local people, and as it prepares for the reopening of its permanent home.  

She uses her platform to champion regional theatres and the communities they serve, alongside socially engaged work. 

She also advocates for the need to ensure there are opportunities for people to work in the sector, in particular working-class theatre makers. 

Julie Hesmondhalgh said: "I'm very honoured to be awarded this inaugural award from the Theatres Trust, celebrating as it does the successful campaign to save Oldham Coliseum- a movement entirely led by a community who were not willing to see their historic, beloved theatre disappear.  

"I'm so proud to have been a small part of the gang who made that happen, and now to be part of the company who are working so hard to get us to the point of reopening and beyond." 

Oldham Coliseum CEO Martina Murphy explained: "Julie brings extraordinary heart, conviction and generosity to everything she does. She stood alongside the people of Oldham in campaigning for their theatre and continues to champion the northern and working-class voices that deserve to be heard on our stages and supported behind the scenes. 

"As we work towards reopening, Julie shares our ambition for a Coliseum where local people can see themselves reflected, develop their talent and build a future in theatre. This award is richly deserved, and we’re enormously proud to have her as part of our company." 

The Theatres Trust has launched the Great British Theatres Awards as it marks its 50th anniversary. The awards ceremony will be held at Central Hall Westminster in London on Monday, November 2, 2026. 

Joshua McTaggart, CEO of Theatres Trust, added: "The concept for the Lifetime Achievement Award is to recognise someone who shares Theatres Trust's belief that everyone should have access to theatre and live performance no matter where they live or what their background is.  

"There is no one in the public eye who embodies this spirit more than Julie Hesmondhalgh. Julie has used her platform as one of the country’s most beloved actors to bang the drum for inclusive and equitable access to the performing arts and champion important community theatres. We are thrilled that she is going to accept this award."