Peterloo in Rock
Saturday 27th June 7.30pm
The Reformers of Peterloo
Experience the powerful fusion of progressive folk rock with classic rock, indie and blues as The Reformers of Peterloo showcase Peterloo in Rock. The show begins in the immediate aftermath of the 1819 massacre, guiding the audience through pivotal reforms of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and culminating in the present day.
The Reformers of Peterloo consists of a group of experienced musicians working collectively to spread the word about the injustice and atrocity of the Peterloo Massacre in 1819 and the struggle for fairness that continues today. The message will be spread through a rock opera/musical.
The musical, written by Narrator Robert Carter and originally arranged with his cousin Steve Andrews is in three acts but a shortened version has been written for time constrained performances such as music festivals. As the music has developed all band members have contributed to the musical arrangements and John and Mary have contributed songs as well.
- Act 1 covers the immediate aftermath of the atrocity and deals with the differing perspectives of the victims in Scenes 1 & 3 to those of the Magistrate and Home Secretary in Scene 2. Act 1 with an extended epilogue will be performed at music festivals.
- Act 2 is also in 3 scenes and takes us through the various Reform Acts in the nineteenth century including those in 1832, 1867 and 1884 and the continuing struggle for universal suffrage.
- Act 3 is modern day Britain where the struggles for fairness and against poverty continue because ‘Nothing’s Changed’.
The line up consists of Robert and Steve alongside; Mandolin and Acoustic Guitarist John Bradley; vocalist, acoustic guitarist and keyboard player Mary Moden; lead guitarist Julian Homer; Mat Horton on drums and percussion and Ste Critchley on keyboards. The Reformers of Peterloo have vast individual experience that is brought together to create a complementary dynamic group to create Peterloo In Rock.
Experience the powerful fusion of progressive folk rock with classic rock, indie and blues as The Reformers of Peterloo showcase Peterloo in Rock. The show begins in the immediate aftermath of the 1819 massacre, guiding the audience through pivotal reforms of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and culminating in the present day.
After an autumn tour with sell out venues and standing ovations, The Reformers of Peterloo are heading to the studio to record the first EP featuring songs from Peterloo in Rock. The EP will be available in many formats including CD. The principal writer and composer, Robert (Bob) Carter, explains that the early reformers were looking for many things that have now been changed, such as:
- Fairer distribution of parliamentary seats
- A voice for the working people of the north
- Universal suffrage including a vote for all
- Abolition of the corn laws to allow affordable food
- Greater equality
Despite these historical efforts and successes, Carter poignantly highlights that the struggle for equality continues, as those in power often prioritise their own interests over the welfare of ordinary people. The rich continue to get richer while the poor struggle to make ends meet. In effect, at the root of everything, nothings really changed. This enduring theme of ‘nothing’s changed’ resonates throughout the music, offering a reflective and thought-provoking experience.
The show features a fabulous complementary visual presentation created by famed graphic novelist Polyp (Peterloo, Witnesses to a Massacre; Courage), generating a fully immersive audio-visual experience that promises to be emotional, educational and extremely entertaining. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness a musical journey that blends historical significance with contemporary relevance, all set to an unforgettable soundtrack.
Mark your calendars for the 27th June 2026 at Millgate Arts Centre for an experience of music, history, and powerful storytelling. These are events that you won’t want to miss!
Don’t just take our word for it, this is what Larry Gott, former guitarist with Manchester legends James had to say to Robert Carter after watching the show recently ‘Congratulations on tonight’s performance Bob, an excellent production and a worthy subject matter. Well done on your achievement and the deserved ovation 👏 you should be proud. Lx’
