Directors Preview by Carol Davies Kenneth Graham wrote ‘Wind in the Willows’ for his son Alistair and it has been beloved by generations of children, and adults, ever since. The story, written in 1908, was first adapted for stage by A.A. Milne (later the creator of ‘Winnie the Pooh’) in December 1929 under the title ‘Toad of Toad Hall’. It premiered at the Liverpool Playhouse before moving to the West End. Since then it has […]
I first got involved with this version of ‘Wind in the Willows’ in April 2023 when I was asked by Hyde Little Theatre to write and play some folk style music for the songs in the play. In 2025 I repeated this for The Partington Theatre in Glossop, so when Carol Davies asked if I’d like to be involved in her production at the Millgate, I jumped at the chance. In addition to the music I […]
A heartwarming and hilarious comedy delivered with aplomb and professionalism The Saddleworth Constable by Martin Paul Roche Review by Jane Lum It’s always a treat to visit Saddleworth Players at the Millgate Arts Centre. Not only is it a gem of a little theatre in the heart of Delph, but the Players themselves are known to stretch the boundaries with a season that packs a punch with both modern and traditional plays. They also do […]
At it’s core it’s a love story…. When I write, I am constantly referencing how the work would or could be directed and presented. If it’s not achievable in any aspect (casting, staging, cost, selling etc) it’s potentially a lovely idea and story which no one will ever see. I also have an eye on the marketplace because I write stories which I enjoy but hope others will too. I think ‘The Saddleworth Constable’ is […]
By Leslie Kerwin @ Saddleworth Independent (reproduced by permission) “I’VE BEEN involved at the Lyceum and at the Playhouse 2 in Shaw – but this is the place which feels like home.” So says Pauline Walsh, theatre director and long-time member of the Millgate Arts Centre in Delph. Strewn across the stage behind her sits a podium, balcony, and a large banner that reads ‘Degrees for Women’ – the leftovers of the theatre’s latest play, Blue Stockings. But on this one unusual […]
Opening night review of Blue Stocking at the Millgate Arts Centre, Delph.
Dear Members and Friends, There are just three weeks to go before opening night for Jessica Swale’s Blue Stockings; the story of the first female students to attend Girton College Cambridge against a back drop of misogyny and ridicule. (Blood boiling as I think of it!) Of course now is the time when everyone involved is in a flurry of line learning, stage and large props building and painting,, small props collecting etc. etc. For […]
In 1896 Girton College Cambridge was the first college to admit women. If you were a young woman at University in the 1800’s you would face long walks from out of town colleges to attend lecture, mocked by other students and teachers, forced to sit at the back, have your work left unmarked or rejected, denied entry into lectures as tutors would deem you unworthy of their time, humiliated in the street and as universities […]
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 […]
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 […]