Julie Hesmondhalgh to help reshape Oldham Coliseum Theatre's reopening programme as guest curator

Award-winning actor and writer Julie Hesmondhalgh will join Oldham Coliseum Theatre as Guest Curator, working with CEO Martina Murphy to help shape the theatre's reopening programme.

Olivier Award-nominated this year for her role in James Graham's PUNCH, and currently on screen in BBC's Crookhaven, Julie's appointment marks a significant step in the Coliseum's next chapter — as the organisation continues its borough-wide programme of theatre performance and other activities, while preparing to return to its permanent home on Fairbottom Street.

The building is currently undergoing major refurbishment and redevelopment by Oldham Council, creating a renewed space for audiences, artists and communities as part of the town's wider regeneration. 

Julie, who along with the theatre-going community in Oldham, played a key role in the fight to save the Coliseum from permanent closure, is well-placed to be part of the shaping the artistic identity of the artistic vision leading up to and including the reopening season: helping to define a programme that is rooted in Oldham, champions northern voices, and connects local stories to wider audiences. 

The announcement comes at a time of growing momentum across Oldham, with culture and creativity playing an increasingly central role in the borough's future. Major developments, including the emerging SportsTown vision, are helping to reshape how people live, connect and experience the town — with culture, sport and place working together as part of a shared civic ambition. 

Alongside planning for reopening, Oldham Coliseum Theatre continues to produce theatre and live performance across the borough — demonstrating what a civic theatre can be beyond a single building.

As a producing house, this work remains the beating heart of the organisation: creating, commissioning and sharing stories that reflect the place and the people it serves. Current activity spans performance, artist development and community engagement, with further programme announcements to come over the coming months. 

Martina Murphy (pictured below), CEO of Oldham Coliseum Theatre, 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 Hesmondhalgh as Guest Curator to help shape our opening season. 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." 

Julie Hesmondhalgh said: "What has always made the Coliseum special is the strong sense of ownership it engenders among its audiences, and this was at the heart of the Save Oldham Coliseum campaign: borne out in the determination and passion with which those audiences fought to save their theatre.

"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 reopening of Oldham Coliseum Theatre forms part of a wider vision for a Cultural Campus in the town — placing creativity, skills and opportunity at the heart of Oldham's future, and creating new ways for people to engage with theatre both inside and beyond the building. 

More details about the current Oldham Coliseum Theatre season can be found on the revamped website. The autumn season will be announced in early summer.

More information about the refurbishment and reopening of the theatre building in Fairbottom Street will be released in due course.