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oldham coliseum

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

Stars come out for Francis House returns to Oldham Coliseum Theatre 150 150 mhamer

Stars come out for Francis House returns to Oldham Coliseum Theatre

The latest Stars come out for Francis House show will be held at the Coliseum Theatre in Oldham on Tuesday (9 April).

The Stars come out for Francis House show returns to the Oldham Coliseum Theatre on Tuesday (9 April).

This will be the eighth staging of the event, which raises funds for the Francis House Children’s Hospice in south Manchester.

This year’s line-up features popular comedian Jimmy Cricket, 60s rock band Amen Corner, multi-talented musician and singer Andy Eastwood and Peter Sarsfield’s tribute to Frankie Valli.

The event will be hosted by long-standing hospice supporter and entertainer Jim Nicholas.

Visit here to book tickets.

Oldham theatre stages Francis House show 150 150 mhamer

Oldham theatre stages Francis House show

Oldham Coliseum

Show at the Coliseum in Oldham in aid of Francis HouseThe 2017 version of the Stars come out for Francis House show was held on Halloween at the Coliseum Theatre in Oldham.

It was the seventh time the event has been organised to raise funds for the Francis House Children’s Hospice in south Manchester.

Famous Northern Irish entertainer Jimmy Cricket was joined by The Fourmost (below), an English Merseybeat band who recorded in the 1960s and whose biggest UK hit single was A Little Loving in 1964.

Singer Morgan Lee James also performed, while Jimmy’s good friend Jim Nicholas was again the host for the evening.

Jimmy tweeted afterwards: “Great night raising funds for with organiser Jim Nicholas & singer Morgan Lee James helped by David Ireland &

The Fourmost posted on Twitter: Hugely successful night with for Francis House. Well done to all.

Jimmy Cricket with The Fourmost band

Oldham Coliseum show raises £9,000 for Francis House Children’s Hospice 150 150 mhamer

Oldham Coliseum show raises £9,000 for Francis House Children’s Hospice

Jimmy Cricket and fellow performers at the Oldham Coliseum

A sum of about £9,000 was raised from the latest edition of a charity show Jimmy Cricket routinely appears in at the Coliseum Theatre in Oldham.

The 2016 version of the Stars come out for Francis House show was held at the end of March.

Jimmy Cricket with Frank Sinatra tribute Jonathan Swift

It was the sixth occasion the concert has been organised to raise funds for the Francis House Children’s Hospice in south Manchester.

In addition to famous entertainer Jimmy, the show featured his friend Jim Nicholas, who not only acted as the show’s host but also co-produced it.

The two Jims were joined on stage by Frank Sinatra tribute act Jonathan Swift (right), the professional whistler David Morris, the vocal duo Kamika, and 60s legends the Merseybeats, who headlined the show.

A packed auditorium helped to raise the most money in six editions of the show for Francis House.

Chief executive of the charity, David Ireland, thanked everyone who had come along to support the event.

The seventh show is already being planned, again at the Coliseum Theatre, for October 2017.

PLEASE NOTE – A REPRISE OF THIS SHOW WILL BE HOSTED BY THE BRINDLEY THEATRE IN RUNCORN ON SUNDAY 19TH JUNE AS JIMMY WILL ONCE MORE TEAM UP WITH THE MERSEYBEATS FOR AN AFTERNNON OF ROCKING WITH LAUGHTER!!!!

Jimmy Cricket and fellow performers at the Oldham Coliseum

Oldham Coliseum charity event could be a sellout 150 150 mhamer

Oldham Coliseum charity event could be a sellout

Tickets are selling fast for the latest edition of the Stars come out for Francis House show scheduled for later this year at the Oldham Coliseum.

Stars come out for Francis House 6 will be at the Oldham Coliseum on 31 March 2016

This is the sixth occasion the fundraiser will be hosted by the theatre and all previous editions have been incredibly well attended, ensuring thousands of pounds have been raised for Manchester’s hospice devoted to children. 

Over the years the show has featured performers such as the Krankies, actress Catherine Tyldesley, the late Norman Collier, the Grumbleweeds, the Ivy League and other renowned artists.

This year’s edition is scheduled for Thursday 31 March and appearing alongside legendary 60s band The Merseybeats will be the much-loved and locally based comedian Jimmy Cricket. Completing the line-up will be the duo Kimika and the singer Jonathan Swift.

Co-producer Dale Mulgrew said:  “We are thrilled the interest in this show continues to grow, ensuring most of the tickets for our next one in March have already been sold.

“A lot of this is down to those who have been to one of our previous shows and who have really had a great time and so often we get asked when the next one is.

“But we still have seats left for this year’s version and we would like to fill them. So if you are looking for a great night out while at the same time helping to raise much-needed funds for one of Manchester’s worthiest causes, grab your ticket for Stars 6 before they all go!”

David Ireland, chief executive of Francis House, said: “The Stars come out for Francis House is a great evening not to be missed. Now 70, Jimmy’s enthusiasm and support for the children and families of Francis House remains as strong as ever. We’re hoping for a full house and would like to thank everyone involved.”

Kevin Shaw, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Oldham Coliseum Theatre, commented: “Stars Come Out is always a wonderful show and the Coliseum is proud to host it each year. It is a tribute to the organisers and the great cause that they raise money for that this sixth edition of the event has already sold so well.”

Tickets for the show are priced at £18 and £15 and are available from the theatre box office on  0161 624 2829 or online at www.coliseum.org.uk 

The stars to come out (again) for Francis House 150 150 mhamer

The stars to come out (again) for Francis House

The poster for Stars Come Out for Francis House 6Jimmy Cricket will be back at the Oldham Coliseum Theatre next year to help raise more money for charity.

Due to popular demand, an annual fundraiser in aid of the Francis House Children’s Hospice will once more provide a dazzling array of entertainment for one night only.

Stars Come Out For Francis House 6 on 31 March will again feature the iconic 60s band The Merseybeats, who will rekindle past memories through their hits I Think Of You, Wishin’ & Hopin’, Sorrow and Don’t Turn Around.

Alongside them will be local favourite and famous comedian Jimmy, who continues a long association with the show and will provide a welcome dose of his much-famed daft humour.

Also on the line-up will be husband and wife duo Kimika, who have developed a huge reputation on the UK cruising and holiday circuit. Frank
Sinatra impersonator Jonathan Swift will drop by to offer a bit of crooning.

The show will be hosted again by compere Jim Nicholas.

Join the stars once more as they come out for Francis House and enjoy a
splendid show you won’t find anywhere on television, while raising plenty of money for a very worthy cause.

60s pop group among acts at fundraiser 150 150 mhamer

60s pop group among acts at fundraiser

Jimmy Cricket performing at the Oldham Coliseum Theatre in aid of Francis House Children's HospiceA show at the Oldham Coliseum Theatre in which Jimmy Cricket appeared raised almost £6,000 for the Francis House Children’s Hospice in south Manchester.

The gala concert in early April also featured the 60s legends The Ivy League and other excellent performances were from female vocalist Julie A Scott, the double act Harris and Day, and the Greater Manchester Police choir.

It was organised by Jimmy and his close friend Jim Nicholas, who was also the host.

A lot of credit must go to the sponsors of the event who were: Barclays Bank, Swan Inn in Dobcross, Chesters coaches, The Old Bell Inn in Delph, Salford Discount Carpets and Beds, Phoenix Financial Services Ltd, and PJD heating, plumbing and gas fitters.

Press the arrow button below to view a slideshow of the concert. Ricky Sandtime Matthews took the majority of the photographs.

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