‘A spirited and inspiring evening’: opening night review of Blue Stockings by Helen Rigby

Opening night review of Blue Stocking at the Millgate Arts Centre, Delph.

Director’s preview of Nell Gwynn

Nell Gwynn was an extraordinary woman. Born in the slums of London’s Cheapside after the Civil War, in the England of Oliver Cromwell, she was the illiterate daughter of a brothel keeper. Yet Nell Gwynn, although she only lived to 37, became one of the first and foremost English actresses as well as the favourite mistress of the restored King Charles II. I have really enjoyed directing Jessica Swale’s play. She manages to give us […]

Review: ‘Saddleworth Players deliver a gripping production of The Children’ (Saddleworth Independent)

Read the opening night review of The Children in the Saddleworth Independent (reproduced below with permission). SADDLEWORTH Players have once again showcased their talent with an excellent production of The Children at Millgate Arts Centre in Delph. Written by Lucy Kirkwood, the play first premiered at The Royal Court in London, earning great critical acclaim, including the 2018 Writer’s Guild Award for Best Play and a Tony Award nomination. Recognised by The Guardian as one of the top three […]

Striking special effects live up to claim of spine-chilling production – opening night review of Haunting Julia by John Rigby

Saddleworth Players have chosen a difficult, challenging play for their latest production. Haunting Julia, written in 1994, was a departure from Alan Ayckbourn’s usual repertoire of comedies involving dysfunctional families trying to get one over each other, or the neighbours. There are not many laughs in Haunting Julia, just the occasional barb of black humour which draws rather uneasy laughter from the audience. “The production team at the Millgate always produce good sets, and this […]

James performing at Words Among the Heather

Our first Words Among the Heather poetry event a great success

As the clocks turned back and the moors darkened, November welcomed the inaugural ‘Words Among the Heather’, a new poetry, spoken word and storytelling night at Millgate Arts Centre, in Delph. The evening was a great success, with a wide range of local poets, artists and raconteurs sharing their rousing writing. There was sincerity, tenderness, humour and, above all, bon homie, as a warm, welcoming crowd was entertained by the wonderful writers of Saddleworth, Oldham […]

Fiendish plans to make your spine tingle!

Hello! I am delighted to be directing Haunting Julia, a spine-tingling ghost story to warm us on a chilly November evening. I now have the excitement of transforming my ideas for the production into reality! Aren’t I lucky? The cast is in place, rehearsals have begun, and we are enjoying teasing out the qualities and motives of the three very different men involved in the action. All three need answers to the untimely death, 12 […]

Join our props team and get in on the act!

The props team for Saddleworth Players is looking for new members to support our future productions at the Millgate Arts Centre in Delph. The team plays a vital role in helping to buy, make or borrow props that contribute to the continued success of our shows. This voluntary role is fun, interesting and creative! You’ll be working with our directors, cast and backstage crew, including the wardrobe team and stage designers – an integral part […]

Audition for Haunting Julia – 7.30pm on Thursday 6 June 2024

By Alan Ayckbourn Run Dates: 16 – 23 November 2024 Directed by Pauline Walsh The audition will be in the form of an informal read through at the Millgate Arts Centre, Delph. You don’t need to be a member of Saddleworth Players – but we’ll happily sign you up! Membership is free. Characters: 3 male Joe: sixties He is a blunt, tactless West Yorkshire man who calls a spade a spade. He provides much of […]

Agatha’s conscience who sits on the sidelines

This is my first ever foray into acting! I am a frequent theatre-goer, but have never performed before, not even at school! So I decided to push myself well and truly outside my comfort zone and auditioned for Murder, Margaret and Me. Much to my surprise I got the part! I then spent a few days wrestling with every fibre of my being that was saying don’t do it . . . but here I am, playing […]

An intriguing character with a dark a secret

We moved to Saddleworth from the midlands just over three years ago and after finding our feet . . . we found the Millgate Theatre! At that first visit I realised that I had sung on that very stage with my bluegrass band probably 10 or more years previously. So, it’s been a while! I loved the first play we saw and was fortunate to bump into the leading lady a few days later who […]