Visitors to New Mills Art Theatre last week were treated to outstanding performances of Lionel Bart’s Oliver by NMAODS (New Mills and District Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society). This well loved musical was brought lovingly to life by the dedicated and talented cast – including fourteen under 13 year olds!! The leads, particularly Fagin, Nancy and Oliver, were worthy of the professional stage with their acting and singing prowess, and are well supported by a dedicated team technical and stage management team.
With a history starting as far back as 1911, this theatre has gone from strength to strength in its performance facilities – it has a permanent revolving stage allowing innovative and flexible delivery of scenes. The skilled back-stage team re-created the London of the 1850’s with considerable attention to detail and a real treat for the audience’s eye.
Considerable investment has also been made in the important areas of stage sound and lighting. The theatre has the advantage of having Paul Holt as their Technical Director. As well as being a New Mills’ resident, born and bred and part of NMAODS since a teenager in the early 1980’s, Paul is the Managing Director of PG Stage, theatre facilities specialists based in Manchester. “From the continued support of the New Mills’ and district community and hard work of the members, we have been able to invest in both the stage lighting and sound systems to compliment and enhance the performances. At PG Stage, we have been working closely with some of the largest theatres in the UK since 1985. New Mills Art Theatre gets just as much attention as any of our professional clients making the audience experience what feels like a truly professional performance.”
Paul and PG Stage look forward to supporting the New Mills Art Theatre next production of an Aladdin Pantomine at the end of January put on by the Friends of the Art Theatre.