Oldham, though lacking in leisure and cultural amenities, is historically
notable for its theatrical culture. Once having a peak of six "fine" theatres in 1908,
Oldham is home to the Oldham Coliseum Theatre and the Oldham Theatre Workshop,
which have facilitated the early careers of notable actors and writers,
including Eric Sykes, Bernard Cribbins and Anne Kirkbride, daughter of
acclaimed cartoonist Jack Kirkbride who worked for the Oldham Evening Chronicle. Oldham Coliseum Theatre is one of
Britain's last remaining