Theatre to earn stripes with anniversary show
AN award-winning theatre company is gearing up to celebrate a landmark anniversary.
Hamer-based M6 Theatre Company is to mark its 40 years since its formation.
Founded in 1977, it has produced an astounding 85 shows with over 8,000 professional performances seen by over half a million people.
The shows have toured both nationally and internationally in theatres and festivals, schools and community settings.
To celebrate the anniversary year a new play commissioned from award-winning playwright Mike Kenny, based on the extraordinary story of Fenella, The Holmfirth Tiger, will be produced by M6.
A Tiger’s Tale will feature a mix of circus, puppetry and steam punk with live music.
The company will be also performing their ‘modern classic’ Mavis Sparkle at the Edinburgh Fringe during August.
Artistic director Gilly Baskeyfield said: “Over 40 years, M6 have created groundbreaking original work and have continued to develop, adapt and learn, taking shows to many different places, audiences and venues.
“We didn’t reach this milestone alone.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to M6’s founding members, patrons and previous M6 teams who have built a strong foundation and reputation for us to continue to build on; our wonderful board and team, whose commitment and passion helps the company to continue to thrive in an uncertain funding environment; our funders who have continued to believe in the impact and quality of what we offer; the amazing diverse artists and collaborative partners who have enriched our work and most importantly, the children and young people who continue to inspire and inform M6’s artistic programme.”
Bafta Award winning actress and M6 patron Sue Johnston said: “Theatre will always feed into children’s imaginations, awake their little souls and let them fly.
She continued: “M6 excels in creating rich, powerful theatre which inspires young audiences across the North West and beyond.” ●●Mayor Coun Ian Duckworth and Mayoress Christine Duckworth with M6 Theatre Company patron Dot Wood, artistic director Gilly Baskeyfield and managing director and CEO Debs Palmer