Julie Hesmondhalgh lifetime achievement award, Digi Mart USA News (Oldham, England): Actor and campaigner Julie Hesmondhalgh has been celebrated by Oldham Coliseum Theatre and its supporters after receiving a prestigious lifetime achievement award.
The former Coronation Street star was presented with the Great British Theatres Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural Great British Theatres Awards in London on Wednesday, November 2. The award recognizes her work beyond the stage and screen, including campaigning for access to theatre and live performance and supporting community theatres across the country.
Her work with Oldham Coliseum has formed a major part of that campaigning. Hesmondhalgh played a leading role in the fight to save the historic Fairbottom Street theatre after it closed in 2023 following the loss of its Arts Council England funding.
A campaign involving theatre supporters, performers and the wider community eventually saw plans confirmed for the Coliseum to reopen. She has since become guest curator at the Coliseum, working alongside chief executive Martina Murphy to help shape its opening season.
The lifetime achievement honor was announced in October. Theatres Trust chief executive Joshua McTaggart said there was “no one in the public eye who embodies” the organization’s belief that everyone should have access to theatre regardless of where they live or their background more than Julie Hesmondhalgh.
Following the ceremony, Oldham Coliseum Theatre shared photographs of the award on Facebook with the message: “Go on Julie!!” The post prompted congratulations from supporters, with commenters describing the award as “well deserved” and “fantastic.”
It is not the first recognition Hesmondhalgh has received for her campaigning. Earlier this year she was given honorary lifetime membership of Equity, with the performing arts union describing her as a “figurehead” for the campaign to save the Coliseum.
The Accrington-born actor is best known for playing Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street, while more recent credits include Mr Bates vs The Post Office. Her career has also seen her win a National Television Award, British Soap Award and Olivier Award.
