Page 17 - Real Rochdale Issue 23 August 2024

The timeless magic of makers, creating new plays

based on their ideas. Laura
Rochdale’s M6 Theatre 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 A Tigers Tale
community.
fosters friendship, respect, and With circus elements, live
M6’s outreach projects extend understanding among children music, and puppetry, it’s a
their impact beyond the stage. from diverse backgrounds. must-see. Performances will be
They have worked with diverse Another, the Speech Bubbles held at Rochdale Town Hall on
groups, including families project, supports children with 29 October and at M6 Studio
accessing local food banks, speech, language, and Theatre on 2 November and
young LGBTQIA+ individuals, communication needs, helping 15 December.
young carers, and the Gypsy, them develop essential skills
Roma & Traveller community. for life and learning. Joining the M6 team is more
These projects provide a safe, than just a job; it’s becoming
nurturing, and creative space This year, M6 Theatre is part of a supportive and
for participants, exploring bringing back one of their most empathetic community. Laura,
relevant themes and issues or popular plays, A Tiger’s Tale. who has been with M6 for
simply offering a place for fun This enchanting show, almost two years, praises the
M6 Theatre Company has been enchanting M6 Theatre’s commitment to the community is and creativity. written by Olivier Award- team for their kindness and
audiences with its innovative and heartfelt unwavering. Over the decades, they’ve winning playwright Mike respect, values that resonate
productions for nearly half a century. performed in nearly every primary and One notable initiative is the Kenny, tells the true story of through both their productions
Established in 1977, this pioneering touring secondary school across Rochdale, often Linking Schools project, which Fenella, the Holmfirth Tiger. and behind the scenes.
theatre company has grown to become a introducing children to the magic of live theatre
cherished local institution, and 2024 promises to for the first time. Laura recalls how M6’s past For audiences, M6 offers a
be another exciting year of creativity and productions have addressed important social unique theatre experience.
engagement. issues, such as a show on young parenthood that “Our shows are funny,
coincided with a notable decrease in teenage sometimes silly, and always full
Managing director Laura Rodwell has a pregnancy rates in Rochdale. of heart and warmth,” Laura
deep-rooted passion for the transformative said. The pay-what-you-feel
power of theatre. “Seeing the impact we have on Their productions are designed to challenge performances at their Studio
the children and young people we work with is minds, nurture hearts, and ignite imaginations. Theatre make it accessible for
incredibly rewarding,” she says. Last year’s show, Nest, for example, inspired a everyone to enjoy, ensuring
love for and desire to nurture the natural world. that financial constraints don’t
Laura’s journey with M6 began as a child when stand in the way of
she saw an M6 performance at her primary M6’s Youth Theatre offers young people aged experiencing the magic of M6.
school, igniting a lifelong love for theatre. 8-18 the chance to develop not just their acting
Today, she channels that inspiration into her skills, but also invaluable life skills like For more information on their
work, as part of a dynamic team dedicated to communication, teamwork, and confidence. shows, youth theatre, and
making theatre accessible and impactful. Participants work with professional theatre outreach projects, visit
Laura Rodwell www.m6theatre.co.uk.
REAL ROCHDALE - AUTUMN 2024 16 17 REAL ROCHDALE - AUTUMN 2024