Autumn 2024The timeless magic of Rochdale’s M6 Theatre

M6 Theatre Company has been enchanting audiences with its innovative and heartfelt productions for nearly half a century. Established in 1977, this pioneering touring theatre company has grown to become a cherished local institution, and 2024 promises to be another exciting year of creativity and engagement.

Managing director Laura Rodwell has a deep-rooted passion for the transformative power of theatre. “Seeing the impact we have on the children and young people we work with is incredibly rewarding,” she says.

Laura’s journey with M6 began as a child when she saw an M6 performance at her primary school, igniting a lifelong love for theatre. Today, she channels that inspiration into her work, as part of a dynamic team dedicated to making theatre accessible and impactful.

M6 Theatre’s commitment to the community is unwavering. Over the decades, they’ve performed in nearly every primary and secondary school across Rochdale, often introducing children to the magic of live theatre for the first time. Laura recalls how M6’s past productions have addressed important social issues, such as a show on young parenthood that coincided with a notable decrease in teenage
pregnancy rates in Rochdale.

Their productions are designed to challenge minds, nurture hearts, and ignite imaginations. Last year’s show, Nest, for example, inspired a love for and desire to nurture the natural world.

M6’s Youth Theatre offers young people aged 8-18 the chance to develop not just their acting skills, but also invaluable life skills like communication, teamwork, and confidence. Participants work with professional theatre makers, creating new plays based on their ideas. Laura notes, “So many parents and carers tell us that they’ve seen a positive change in their young person since joining one of our groups.”

Their Youth Theatre programme includes a group for those living with disabilities, run in partnership with Barnardo’s, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all young people in the community.

M6’s outreach projects extend their impact beyond the stage. They have worked with diverse groups, including families accessing local food banks, young LGBTQIA+ individuals, young carers, and the Gypsy, Roma & Traveller community. These projects provide a safe, nurturing, and creative space for participants, exploring relevant themes and issues or simply offering a place for fun and creativity.

One notable initiative is the Linking Schools project, which fosters friendship, respect, and understanding among children from diverse backgrounds. Another, the Speech Bubbles project, supports children with speech, language, and communication needs, helping them develop essential skills for life and learning.

This year, M6 Theatre is bringing back one of their most popular plays, A Tiger’s Tale. This enchanting show, written by Olivier Award winning playwright Mike Kenny, tells the true story of Fenella, the Holmfirth Tiger.

With circus elements, live music, and puppetry, it’s a must-see. Performances will be held at Rochdale Town Hall on 29 October and at M6 Studio Theatre on 2 November and 15 December.

Joining the M6 team is more than just a job; it’s becoming part of a supportive and empathetic community. Laura, who has been with M6 for almost two years, praises the team for their kindness and respect, values that resonate through both their productions and behind the scenes.

For audiences, M6 offers a unique theatre experience. “Our shows are funny, sometimes silly, and always full of heart and warmth,” Laura said. The pay-what-you-feel performances at their Studio Theatre make it accessible for everyone to enjoy, ensuring that financial constraints don’t stand in the way of experiencing the magic of M6.

For more information on their shows, youth theatre, and outreach projects, visit www.m6theatre.co.uk.