Oldham Coliseum was originally built in 1885 as a home the for JW Myers Grand American Circus. Myers however was unable to pay the bill ,and builder Thomas Whittaker became the owner. In 1887 it moved to its current location on the site of an old colliery, and in 1932 it was closed down during the recession. It was re-opened in 1939 by The Oldham Playgoers who renamed it The Coliseum. During a production of 'Macbeth' in 1947 actor Harold Norman was accidentally stabbed during a fight scene, dying some weeks later. Harold's ghost is reputedly said to haunt the Circle area, sitting and watching performances. In 1973 Carl Paulsen, who had worked at the theatre for 14 years, died aged 47, and an apparition of a man resembling him has been spotted in the wardrobe department.