In 1701, the date around which our play Singers not Sinners is based, religion played an integral role everyday people’s lives. Sketches of Oldham in this period show a largely rural landscape, a few scattered cottages and St. Mary’s Church, on the crest of the hill, dominating its surroundings. With the church central to much of the action in the play, it seemed fitting that we use the interior as a backdrop for photographs of […]
We love a good challenge down in the costume store, and Singers not Sinners presented us with challenges in spades. Not only is it set in 1701 – a time when linen, wool and leather ruled the day, but the cast of 16 has expanded to include extras for the town scenes, bringing us to a total of 21 actors and singers to be clothed in an authentic and credible way. Having passed the script […]
Hi, I’m Ian Ball and I’m playing the role of Elias Hall the choirmaster at St. Mary’s parish church in Oldham. Set in 1701 ‘Singers not Sinners’ tells the true story of how Elias Hall convinces the vicar and the Bishop of Chester to allow women to sing in church, something that had been forbidden since the birth of Christianity. It was a dangerous task and he could have been severely punished for his actions. […]
The greatest joy in directing your own work is that you don’t have to keep to the script! Rehearsals can be creative experiences, and when actors deliver lines they sometimes do so in ways that were not anticipated. And if their way is good, or better, than was originally conceived then on this occasion it becomes the authorised version. But the author-director also has to ride the passing humour of the performers, in this case […]
I can tell that the lockdown blues are far behind the Saddleworth Players after sitting in the audience at their latest production at the Millgate Arts Centre – Nobody’s Perfect. A slick performance of whit and humour, with amazing choreography using the whole of the stage to its full potential. Sitting within the front four rows of the auditorium, we felt we could easily join in the doorstep chats and follow the characters into the […]
Meet Linda: she leads the bar and needs some help. The bar is an important part of Millgate Arts Centre and for Saddleworth Players. Audiences can enjoy a drink before, and after the show and cast and crew members can relax after performances. It’s the social centre of this creative community in Saddleworth. We are looking to recruit an assistant bar leader whose duties will include: Our face at the bar for audiences and members, […]