Uncategorized – MILLGATE ARTS CENTRE

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 […]

Little Voice has pace, great cartoon energy and heart.

Opening Night Review by Peter Fitton “The Rise and Fall of Little Voice” seems to be Farnworth-writer Jim Cartwright’s tribute to Shelagh Delaney’s “A Taste Of Honey”. Blowsy, mutton-dressed-as-lamb mother, Mari, despairs of her misfit daughter, LV, whilst trying to hang on to her fancy man, Ray Say. Wayward parenting certainly looms large and both plays walk a tightrope between the mother’s brash, slatternly lifestyle and the daughter’s desperate need to escape loneliness and neglect. […]

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 […]

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 […]