Maxine Peake hits out as Oldham Coliseum theatre faces closure

Actor accuses government of ‘further dividing communities’ after 138-year-old venue loses £1.8m grant

The actor Maxine Peake has accused the government of “further dividing communities” after one of Britain’s oldest theatres lost its arts subsidy.

Management at the 138-year-old Oldham Coliseum have said it will be forced to lower the curtain for the final time next month after losing its £1.8m grant from Arts Council England (ACE).