Tributes paid to 'kind, compassionate' Coliseum General Manager

Oldham Coliseum's general manager, Lesley Chenery, passed away this weekend, the venue has announced.

Lesley was Head of Production at the theatre from 2013 to 2021, making a return last month to assist the company through the heartbreaking loss of NPO Funding.

In a statement posted by the theatre, they said: "Lesley's presence at the theatre over the past weeks has brought immeasurable relief to us all.

"She was a friend, a support and a rock to many current and previous members of Coliseum staff.

"Her knowledge, experience and love for the Coliseum and its team is unmatched. We will miss her beyond words. Our thoughts are with her family and friends."

One Facebook user contributed to the post, saying: "Lesley brought a sense of brightness to all my encounters with her."

Another commented: "On a personal level, she has always been so supportive and an integral part of the Coliseum."

This sad news follows the recent announcement that the much-loved Coliseum has cancelled all upcoming shows beyond March 26, claiming their financial future is 'not sustainable'.