Our third Phase of the ‘Building the Future’ appeal at Millgate Arts Centre will land in summer 2027: We are planning to develop the bar to create a flexible space that will act as a bar and studio theatre: Flexible studio theatre space for 60 audience members, new bar, new kitchen, installation of a lift to improve access for audience members and rebuild the front 4 rows of the main auditorium to move entrances to the side.
This third phase has been possible through a generous grant from the Antony J Adler Trust.
Antony John Adler (Tony) wore many hats throughout his life. Giving something back was a clear theme within everything he did. But it was within local theatre that he devoted so much time, service and of himself.
It was perhaps unsurprising with the influences from his family that the arts and particularly theatre became, not just an interest, but a passion.
His father, Sam, was a local GP. He was very fond of music and a great supporter of the Halle Orchestra for many years. Tony’s sister, Peggy, was a professional harpist who trained at the RNCM and was of international standing making several recordings. She was a member of the Scottish National Orchestra and later, a casting director in the film industry. His other sister, Joan, was a barrister.
He was educated at Manchester Grammar School and went on to study law at Manchester. Eventually after working for a few years in London and Manchester, he returned to his hometown and became a well-known local solicitor, practising out of offices in Oldham and Shaw.
He was a member of the local Liberal party of which he became chairman in 1968. He was elected councillor for the Mumps ward in 1966 and again in 1969 but stood down in 1972.
He was Oldham’s first ever chairman for community relations and from 1979 to 1986 he also served as chairman of the Oldham District Health Authority.
He was a very active Freemason throughout his adult life which provided him an outlet to do so much good for charity, something which was at his very core and an overriding principle until the day he died.
From his late teens, Tony was interested in amateur theatre and trod the boards with what was then, Oldham Amateurs. He was ‘allegedly’ a dancer in a production of ‘West Side Story’ but somehow managed to change the subject whenever it was raised. He was apparently also given a line in a production of ‘The Desert Song’ in which had had to say “This is the edge of the desert.” Being Tony, he turned it into a singularly dramatic highlight and managed to deliver it differently at each and every performance.
It was, therefore, a given that Tony would become involved with the National Operatic and Dramatic Association and he served for many years as their area representative. The role involved visiting all the local productions of member societies which he relished and then, writing his reports (reviews) about them. They were published in their regional magazine and in themselves became legend. Tony had a unique style of writing his reports and his trademark wit and eloquence ensured that his reports were eagerly awaited! And if you didn’t see Tony at a production, you knew he was there due to the air being filled with the aroma of his favourite pipe tobacco or brand of cigar.
Tony was very proud of his Jewish heritage and the positive impact that his community had on Oldham; a town he was immensely proud of and loyal to. He was a keenly private man and towards the end of his life, he retired to Knott End, a part of Lancashire he was very fond of. But he always ensured that he retained his Oldham and specifically, his theatre connections.
Tony had a life-long love for cats of which he regularly had several. Throughout his life, he loved trains and train sets and amassed a collection of the latter which was second to none.
He was, in short, a character in every respect and as such, a personality which the world could do with more of. But above all, a better friend to theatre one would struggle to find.
Tony died in 2015 aged 81 after a brief illness. He had ensured that his estate would be his legacy and would continue to help others.
Even now, several years after his death, he has through the work of his dedicated trustees ensured a legacy for his beloved world of theatre – and much more. It is fitting that his generosity will allow future generations to appreciate and share his passion for it. And Millgate Arts Centre are proud that their new studio theatre-bar will bear his name.
Martin Paul Roche JP DL
