Once Upon a Time in Wigan
by Mick Martin
7-14th February 2026
a celebration of the rise and fall of Northern Soul
Wigan Casino . . . from 1973 to 1981 the heart of Northern Soul, unlike anywhere else in the world. All-night dancing to 60s and 70s American soul music classics, you had to be there.
Once Upon a Time in Wigan is a celebration of the rise and fall of one of the most unique of musical times, before raves, and club culture, as Eugene (Cameron Kennedy), a butcher’s assistant from Bolton and his mate Danny (Harry Garrity) find a reason to live in an otherwise dismal existence.
Eugene’s love of soul soon brings Maxine ( Niamh Connor) into his life, and together they ride a rollercoaster relationship that parallels the ups and downs of the infamous nightclub. Maxine’s friend Suzanne (Eleanor Prestwich) is also aching to fill a void in her own life, but will she find it with Northern Soul and Danny?
Together the two couples come of age in the changing face of social, political and cultural 1970s Britain.
“All good fairy tales begin with ‘Once Upon a Time’, and this celebration of the heyday of Northern Soul is no exception.” – The Stage
Cast
Maxine… Niamh Connor
Suzanne… Eleanor Prestwich
Eugene… Cameron Kennedy
Danny… Harry Garrity
Crew
Director…. Mark Rosenthal
PA… Sue Borg
Choreography… Helen Wilkinson
Set… Chris Bannatyne
Set Painting…John Lees and Frank Brown
Lighting… David Plowright and Alayne Whitworth
Sound and video… Mark Acton & Patrick Warrington
Costumes… Verity Mann
Props … Liz O’Driscol, Sally Newman, Cath Bradbury
Prompt…
Stage Manager .. Sue Borg
Assistant SM … Cath Bradbury
Publicity… Andrew Mann / David Ebden / Alan Gorst
Mick Martin the playwright of Once Upon a Time in Wigan came to watch the show and loved it! here he’s pictured ( Centre) with cast l–>r Harry , Cameron, Eleanor, and Niamh
Hi , is this a live show ?
Hello, I was in the original production of Once Upon A Time in Wigan at West Yorkshire playhouse in Leeds.
I live locally and would be happy to meet the director and cast to share thoughts and ideas regarding the play and Northern soul music.
I can be contacted via email or 07941858855