Saddleworth Players – MILLGATE ARTS CENTRE

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 […]

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 […]

SP NEWS September 2025

Dear Players and Friends, Welcome back!Now that Summer seems well and truly behind us, it’s time to cosy up and look forward to evenings of entertainment at the Millgate. The dust had barely settled from our mad cap Dickensian romp, Bleak Expectations, when we began rehearsals for our first play of the Season, Waiting for God by Michael Aitkens. Those of you who remember the 1990s sitcom which ran for 4 seasons, will find some […]

Opening Night Review of Waiting for God

Plays set in homes for the elderly have become almost a sub-genre of their own, and “Waiting for God” challenges the typical portrayals of old age. Diana Trent, played with bracing cynicism by Gill Barham, refuses to be a mere caricature of a dear old lady. Her sharp wit and dark humor shine through as she navigates life at the Bayview Retirement Home, alongside the larger-than-life Tom Ballard. With energetic direction by Verity Mann, this production promises an evening filled with laughter, emotional depth, and a refreshing take on aging. Don’t miss this captivating performance!

THE SADDLEWORTH PLAYERS

a poetic tribute to Saddleworth Players by Robert Knotts (With thanks to Trevor Baxter for his article, which inspired the writing and illustration of this poem.) (illustrations created using Loveart AI) In Delph, they gathered, the ladies so bright, At St Thomas’s Church on a frosty night. They sought more joy than hymns and tea, A stage! A script! Some artistry! The Girls’ Friendly Society took its chance, Exchanged their sewing for song and dance. […]

Director’s Preview Waiting for God

Waiting for God is a very funny comedy which highlights the art of growing old disgracefully. In it, Diana Trent, who is quite a rascible lady living out her retirement days in the Bay View retirement home and actually at war constantly with a conniving manager meets a new resident, Tom Ballard, who is he’s eccentric, he’s funny and very warm hearted. And there it is, a friendship that turns to romance. It’s a very […]