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Les Dennis

Oldham Coliseum – fabulous news it will open again as a theatre! 150 150 mhamer

Oldham Coliseum – fabulous news it will open again as a theatre!

Jimmy Cricket has welcomed the news that the historic Oldham Coliseum has been saved.

Jimmy Cricket has welcomed the news that the historic Oldham Coliseum has been saved.

The theatre is due to reopen in time for the 2025 pantomime season following a campaign led by Coronation Street actor Julie Hesmondhalgh.

It closed last year amid a storm of protest.

Arts Council England withdrew its funding, citing concerns over management.

Meanwhile, Oldham Council – which owns the building – had described it as “no longer fit for purpose”.

There were plans for a new, smaller venue, but a group was set up to save the current building, a well-known landmark.

Famous funnyman Jimmy, who has appeared at the theatre numerous times, was clearly delighted when he heard that the high-profile campaign had been successful.

He said on social media: “What fabulous news today that Oldham Coliseum will reopen!”

Julie Hesmondhalgh commented on X (formerly Twitter): “Absolute moment of people power.

“Thank you to everyone who signed petitions, wrote letters, carried banners, never gave up.

“And thanks to those who listened and acted!”

Actor Les Dennis was among those who celebrated Monday’s news with a street party outside the venue.

Past greats who graced the theatre included Charlie Chaplin, Dame Thora Hird and Oldham-born Eric Sykes.

Also read: Stars come out for Francis House returns to Oldham Coliseum Theatre

From the archives: 1983 Children’s Royal Variety Performance 150 150 mhamer

From the archives: 1983 Children’s Royal Variety Performance

Hi folks editing footage, and here's my little contribution to the 3rd Children's Royal Variety Show, (this idea was the creation of Rod Hull), at the end, how many artistes do you know? Alongside the great advocate of Variety, David Bell #keepvarietyalive

The third Children’s Royal Variety Performance featured many top entertainers, including our very own Jimmy Cricket.

Jimmy has been reliving the star-studded show from nearly 40 years ago by making his own performance available online.

He posted on social media: “Hi folks we’re editing some footage and here’s my little contribution which was recorded at the 3rd Children’s Royal Variety Performance.

“This idea was the creation of Speciality Act Rod Hull, which raised a lot of money for the NSPCC over the 13 years.

This one was staged by LWT – can you name all the Variety Artistes at the end of the clip in the line-up?

“Alongside the great advocate of Televised Variety, the sadly missed David Bell #keepvarietyalive”

Also among the performers in March 1983 were Russ Abbot, Kim Wilde, Jeremy Beadle, Stu Francis, Keith Chegwin, Dustin Gee and Maggie Philbin.

Princess Margaret was the royal guest.

The replies to Jimmy’s post included:

Stewart: I remember Dustin Gee doing a gig at Haslingden Cricket Club many years ago.

Gildas: Well worth watching , would love to see the full show (see below).

Gary: Love it

Michelle: Brilliant

Simon: Brilliant and still funny!

Pete: That’s when variety was at its best. Lovely to see.

Rod: Jimmy Cricket you are brill. Total pro.

Paul: Really fab Jimmy.

Dom: Love it Jimmy. Well done pal.

Watch Jimmy’s performance below.

Watch the full show here

Also read: ‘Great privilege’ to be in 1984 Royal Variety Show