Oldham Coliseum's Macbeth cut short at Liquid and Envy nightclub

The curtain has come down early on a production in a town's last remaining nightclub of one of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies.

The Oldham Coliseum Theatre's version of Macbeth began previews at Liquid and Envy on 23 October and had been due to run until 7 November.

The theatre apologised and said all ticket holders would automatically receive full refunds. Cast and crew members will be paid in line with their contracts.

Oldham Council said it was disappointed and would work with the Coliseum's board to understand the "unforeseen circumstances" behind the decision.

A theatre spokesperson said: "We are very sorry to have cancelled Macbeth, and we recognise the disappointment this has caused audiences and the wider Oldham community."

They said cancelling a production was never easy, particularly after the considerable work involved, and that more information would be shared as soon as possible.

A council spokesperson said it wanted ticket holders to be reimbursed promptly and for cast and crew members to receive appropriate support.

"We will be working with the Coliseum Board to better understand the unforeseen circumstances that led to this decision," they said.

Former Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh, who recently starred in the BBC's Celebrity Traitors, is also offering refunds to people who donated to her fundraising appeal to help those who could not afford tickets.

Her GoFundMe campaign raised £1,855 from 53 donations, with an earlier update saying the money would allow more than 70 people to attend the show.

Hesmondhalgh apologised and asked donors to contact her directly to arrange a full refund.

The production, directed by Nick Bagnall, was set in the 1970s, with the nightclub transformed into a world of gangsters and casinos.

Speaking before the cancellation, Bagnall said: "I want to blow the dust off Shakespeare."

The theatre said the rest of its autumn and winter programme would go ahead as planned at venues across Oldham.

The Coliseum's permanent building on Fairbottom Street is undergoing refurbishment and is expected to reopen in 2027 after an additional £7m was agreed to fund essential work.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook , X , and Instagram . You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.

Macbeth to be performed in town's last nightclub