Millgate Arts Centre – Page 2 – MILLGATE ARTS CENTRE

Celebrating Saddleworth Concert Society’s 50th Anniversary

On March 18th, Saddleworth Concert Society (SCS) celebrated 50 years of concerts spanning across jazz, classical, folk and contemporary music genres. Formed by Roger Tanner and Ruth Gillespie in 1975, the society’s aim was to curate classical music concerts by professional musicians, contributing to the local cultural scene in Saddleworth. Throughout the years, concerts have been given by musicians and ensembles such as the Lindsay Quartet, the King’s Singers, the Brodsky Quartet, and Paul Lewis; […]

Theatres Trust grant lights up Millgate Stage

We are delighted to have be awarded a grant from Theatres Trust which enabled us to purchase new LED Lighting to improve the quality of shows and attract more external shows. The new lighting has been used to create sell out shows across 2025 and 2026. Our lighting rig, a stock of 60+ conventional fixtures and 4 LED RGB pars, plus a 48 way dimmer bank, needed modernising for Saddleworth Players shows , concerts and […]

A breath-stopping thriller lights up Delph: Wait Until Dark at Millgate Arts Centre

Review by Gemma Carter The Saddleworth Players have delivered a gripping and assured production of Wait Until Dark at the Millgate Arts Centre, a masterclass in tension that keeps audiences on edge from start to finish. Originally a West End and Broadway hit, this expertly constructed thriller wastes no time drawing the audience into its web. For those unfamiliar with the story (as I was), the plot unfolds unpredictably. A trio of criminals, sinister con […]

SP NEWS April 2026

Dear Players and Friends, I hope you all had an enjoyable Easter and were able to make the most of the improving weather. Saying that, I know you’re a hardy lot—supporting the shows, concerts and films at the Millgate despite the driving rain and sub-zero temperatures. Back stage we’ve definitely felt the benefit of the improved insulation and radiators. I don’t think we’ve killed off any stage managers or prompts at all this Season. 2025-26 […]

what a wonderful evening Once Upon a Time in Wigan

Review of Once Upon a Time in Wigan by Mick Martin directed by Mark Rosenthall What a wonderful evening we spent watching this play at Saddleworth Players, located in the lovely Millgate Arts Centre. We were welcomed by friendly front of house staff and directed into the beautiful auditorium which is a complete sell out for the entire production. The pre play announcement was amusing and entirely in keeping with the era of the play […]

SP NEWS Feb 26

Dear Members, So —we have a sold out show on our hands! Once Upon A Time in Wigan by Mick Martin will be playing to a packed house from the 7th to 14th February. It’s a gritty tale told by a committed team with an amazing soundtrack. It has energy and heart and feels like a very fresh look back into the roots of the Northern Soul culture. Reflective of the time and absolutely in […]

Looking to volunteer in theatre?

are you good with numbers, systems and love the theatre? We are looking for a new volunteer treasurer Millgate Arts Centre is a creative community theatre that supports and develops all elements of the creative arts in Saddleworth. We have grown in the last 10 years and have plans to continue to develop in the next 5 years and beyond. To support and lead this growth as a community theatre we are looking to find […]

Saddleworth Panto dazzles Audiences

Two very different festive productions — Hansel & Gretel in Delph and Aladdin in Stockport — prove just how magical a first taste of live theatre can be. Ian Cheeseman reviews… My favourite thing about panto is that it’s often a child’s first introduction to live theatre — and a good one makes them want to come back for more. I’ve just experienced two fantastic shows, very different in style but equally enjoyable. Hansel & […]

SP NEWS November 2025

Dear Players and Friends, In less than two weeks the curtains will open on Jessica Swale’s bawdy romp of a play, Nell Gwynn, which will be a feast for the eyes and ears as we travel back in time to the court of King Charles II and to the rough and ready world of the newly opened theatres. It’s a huge undertaking, a massive, talented cast and crew with music and singing alongside the drama. […]

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 […]