‘Help us get Liam and Noel back’ as ‘Heartbroken’ charity appeals for return of Oasis artwork taken from theatre

Friday, 18 July 2025 14:32

By Chris Gee

Two pieces of artwork portraying the Gallagher brothers have been taken from the outside of a small theatre close to Heaton Park.

Volunteers at the Prestwich and District Operatic Society (PADOS) studio theatre, a charity based in St Mary’s Road, Prestwich said they were ‘hearbroken’ on Friday morning to find the depictions of Liam and Noel Gallagher, installed on outside windows, had been taken.

The group said the two panels had been ‘lovingly painted for us’ by ‘one of our amazing volunteers’ to celebrate the five homecoming Oasis shows taking place nearby. The paintings, which were to be auctioned off to raise money for the theatre group, show Noel strumming an acoustic guitar and Liam in his familiar ‘chin up to the microphone’ singing stance.

In a post of Facebook the group said ‘no questions would be asked’ if the pieces were returned. The post, said: “Sadly, someone has taken the beautiful artwork that our amazing volunteer, Claire Lyons, lovingly painted for us.
“These pieces were not just art — they were made to be auctioned off to raise vital funds for our little theatre.

“As many of you know, we’re a small charity doing our best to bring creativity and community together. “We’re kindly asking ‘please return the artwork, no questions asked’.

“Please share this far and wide so we can get Liam and Noel back where they belong, on the windows of PADOS theatre. “Thank you for your support.”

PADOS dates back to November 1887, after merging with the Glee club in Prestwich.

The society features an adult group, who perform two or three plays each season and a grand musical production held at Bury Met Theatre.

It has a junior group (ages 7-11) and a youth group (ages 12 to 18).

All of the groups have an aim to ‘rise to the challenge of emulating the success of West End hit shows and groundbreaking new-wave theatre’.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Seven Sisters tenants reaction to the news they could soon be removed

Billy Jackson has called Rochdale’s Seven Sisters home for 40 years. But shock decision means 2025 will be his final year in the iconic tower blocks.
Festive magic arrives in Bury as North Pole Safari Trail transforms town centre

Free augmented reality trail, festive lights switch-on and family events launch Christmas celebrations in Bury
Replacement mosque plans approved despite concerns about parking

Plans to knock down and rebuild a mosque in Prestwich have been approved despite a 1,630 person petition opposing it.
Andy Burnham ‘taken aback’ by decision to move hundreds out of Seven Sisters towers

Andy Burnham was ‘taken aback’ by a decision to clear Rochdale’s iconic ‘Seven Sisters’ tower blocks, forcing hundreds from their homes.
Nine-bed HMO built ‘without permission’ discovered after neighbours complain

Council enforcement officers discovered a nine-bed HMO had been created without permission after a complaint from neighbours, councillors have heard.
Rochdale’s music legacy takes centre stage with iconic Cargo Studios reunion

Rochdale’s rich musical heritage was centre stage at a packed launch event marking the beginning of a new borough-wide celebration called ‘Rochdale Music Stories’, featuring big names like Peter Hook, Clint Boon and Andy McCluskey.
Naked man stops traffic on Rochdale Road in Bury in shocking mid-morning incident

A naked man caused disruption on a busy Bury road on Wednesday morning, swatting at cars and attempting to open vehicle doors before being detained and taken to hospital.
Seven Sisters tower blocks to be emptied over safety concerns

Residents of the iconic tower blocks that have dominated the skyline of Rochdale since the 1960s have been told they will be evicted due to safety concerns.
Culture Co-op secures £1 million to give Rochdale residents more say over arts and creativity

Rochdale’s Culture Co-op has been awarded £1 million to put local people at the heart of cultural decision-making, as part of a £42 million national programme run by Arts Council England.
Hollin pupils turn happiness into poetry during magical session in Middleton

Middleton Library plays host to spellbinding session with Rochdale’s poet laureate Sammy Weaver
Waugh presses government to ensure grooming inquiry tackles race and class ‘head on’

Rochdale MP Paul Waugh says national grooming inquiry must win survivors’ trust and 'follow the evidence wherever it leads’
Goodbye garlic bread? Sandbrook Park Pizza Hut to shut as 68 UK branches axed

Rochdale’s Pizza Hut restaurant is among dozens of UK branches set to permanently shut, after the company that operated the brand in the UK fell into administration.