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 […]
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!
This summer Millgate Arts Centre have made a significant investment in the building to make long term repairs to a building that started off as a cooperative warehouse and shop and has since the 1970s been entertaining the Saddleworth Community. In 2022 as we prepared for their annual panto, they recognised that the backstage of the theatre had suffered significant structural deterioration over many years. Water ingress which was hidden behind decoration had worked its […]
Saddleworth Players have chosen a difficult, challenging play for their latest production. Haunting Julia, written in 1994, was a departure from Alan Ayckbourn’s usual repertoire of comedies involving dysfunctional families trying to get one over each other, or the neighbours. There are not many laughs in Haunting Julia, just the occasional barb of black humour which draws rather uneasy laughter from the audience. “The production team at the Millgate always produce good sets, and this […]
The props team for Saddleworth Players is looking for new members to support our future productions at the Millgate Arts Centre in Delph. The team plays a vital role in helping to buy, make or borrow props that contribute to the continued success of our shows. This voluntary role is fun, interesting and creative! You’ll be working with our directors, cast and backstage crew, including the wardrobe team and stage designers – an integral part […]
The play is set in a ski lodge in France where Daniel Corban has just reported that his newly wedded wife has been missing for 10 days to the police. The Chief Inspector seems unhelpful but promises he will investigate for him. Seconds later the new local priest, Father Maximin, exclaims he’s found his wife and brings her to the chalet. However, Daniel claims he’s never set eyes on this woman before. As the story […]