Chris steps into new role

Published: 11 December 2022
Reporter: David Upton

Chris Lawson

Oldham Coliseum Theatre’s artistic director Chris Lawson is to become the theatre’s new chief executive.

He joined in 2015 from the Almeida Theatre, London, becoming artistic director in 2018 and has overseen co-productions with Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, Hull Truck, York Theatre Royal and Salisbury Playhouse, led the theatre’s digital output during the pandemic, including a co-commission with HOME, Manchester, a series of Micro Commissions and an interactive online production, launched new initiatives which welcomed 300 artists to Oldham for a week of workshops, talks and opportunities.

For spring 2023, he has programmed a season of world premières, co-productions and comedies.

His appointment follows the news that the Coliseum will no longer be part of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio from April.

Other changes to the leadership team include current Chief Executive Susan Wildman, leaving by mutual consent, and Jan O’Connor stepping down as chair of the board of trustees.

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