Page 16 - Real Rochdale Issue 23 August 2024

The 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.
REAL ROCHDALE - AUTUMN 2024
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
M6 Theatre’s commitment to the community is and creativity.
unwavering. Over the decades, they’ve
performed in nearly every primary and One notable initiative is the
secondary school across Rochdale, often Linking Schools project, which
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
Laura Rodwell
16
A Tigers Tale
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.
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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.
REAL ROCHDALE - AUTUMN 2024