Smiling Wolf to rebrand Liverpool Philharmonic and Oldham Coliseum Theatre

Smiling Wolf, a Liverpool brand and digital studio, has won two major cultural projects in the North West.

After a competitive multi-agency process, it was chosen to create a new identity for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and for its home, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

The Philharmonic is both an internationally recognised orchestra and a landmark civic venue. The project will look at how it can keep its sense of heritage and occasion while staying relevant, open and welcoming to a wide and changing audience.

The studio is also working with Oldham Coliseum Theatre on its future brand and identity, ahead of the launch of the revamped venue in 2027.

The Greater Manchester theatre closed, apparently for good, in March 2023 after Arts Council England controversially cut its funding. It was saved after a public outcry and a campaign fronted by Coronation Street actress Julie Hesmondhalgh, backed by local residents and actors including Christopher Eccleston, Maxine Peake and Suranne Jones.

Oldham Council reversed its earlier plan to build a new, smaller venue and is instead supporting a £10 million restoration of the original Victorian building. The work was first due to finish in 2025 but was delayed by its complexity, and the theatre has been aiming to reopen in 2026 in time for the pantomime season.

Simon Rhodes, creative director at Smiling Wolf, said: “We are thrilled to be working with such incredible cultural institutions in our home region.

“Both the Liverpool Philharmonic and the Oldham Coliseum Theatre allow us to explore how civic pride, authority and excellence can sit alongside accessibility and invitation, creating meaningful connections with audiences today and in the future.”