
Happy New Year to everyone, although I begin with some sad news.
Peter Womby our President of nearly sixteen years and the last of the founding members passed away on 11th January, not far off his 96th birthday. The funeral is on 10th February, 13.15 hours at St James Church, Church Lane, Sutton, Macclesfield SK11 0DS and afterwards at Macclesfield Golf Club. Please let Martin know if you plan to attend the wake.
Peter was a source of knowledge and has helped us over the years with both legal and financial affairs. He was one of the driving forces in purchasing the ‘new’ theatre in 1999 and helped in converting the squash courts to create the fabulous theatre we have today. In his younger years he trod the boards many times, appearing in both comedies and dramas. My lasting memory is when he played my ill father in a ‘Month of Sundays’. He joined our executive meetings via zoom when he could and took an interest in the theatre right until the end. He was a fine actor and a trusted and loyal member of the theatre. He will be sadly missed. Our condolences go to Nancy, to their two sons and the wider family.
Now, back to the business of the theatre.
The first play of the season ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ based on the novel by Oscar Wilde and written by his grandson, Merlin Holland and his collaborator, John O’Connor was ably directed by Cass Buck with a very modern twist on set design which was seen as innovative by the adjudicator. The cast worked really hard to portray this disturbing story and produced a show that was well received by all who came to see it.

The pantomime, ‘Snow White’, was a sellout even though it included an extra night on the Monday! The set design was wonderful (so much so I am using it as a base for Fantastical Musicals). Thanks to Jackie and her amazing team, especially, Shirley who is such a talented artist. It has to be said that Jackie has slotted into the role of directing the panto with ease. I don’t mean it’s easy, far from it. It is a gargantuan task co-ordinating so many performers and pulling it all together. I think we can safely say the panto is in good hands. She must enjoy it as she is willing to direct next season’s panto. Well done to all the actors for an amazing show.
The Fantastical Musicals rehearsals are well underway and once again we have some talented performers. The youth theatre will be much more involved this year, taking part in some well-known numbers from ‘The Wizard of Oz’, ‘Wicked’, ‘Shrek’ and ‘Chitty, Chitty Bang, Bang’ and the older ones ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Megan is again Musical Director and Lorraine Kerr our Choreographer. It’s up to me to bring it all together. Thanks to Sue for leading on costumes. As you can imagine it is huge task with over forty performers to dress. Get your tickets early. It’s bound to be a popular show.

This will be followed in April by a beautifully tender play, ‘Big, Big Sky’ by Tom Wells. Set in Kilnsea, East Yorkshire it explores nature’s influence on love, friendship and family and the belief that anyone who is lost can be found even in the remotest of places. The play will be directed by Ryan Ellershaw. There have been a number of changes to the original cast and the young couple will now be played by Evie Prescott (former YAC member) and Oliver Skinner (present YAC member).
Finally, ‘Stepping Out’ will grace our stage. This is a rollicking comedy about a group of amateur dancers. The dance teacher is trying to get them ready for an upcoming show while trying to deal with the life dramas of the cast. It will be directed by Gaelle Roques and choreographed by Emma Haughton. Tap dancing lessons have already started, and I must say they are looking fab. This is a largely female cast with one male played by Ewan Henderson.
With regards to the 2025/26 season, the Executive have listed some plays (see below) but are waiting on licencing confirmation for some. Further annoucnements to follow.
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Many of you will now know that the plans for developing Gatley Golf Club, have been passed by the independent inspector. Martin and I went down to the first day of the appeal in November and were a bit bamboozled by all the jargon, but I did get the opportunity to speak on behalf of the theatre. On his visit to the site, the inspector asked to see the theatre and I think he was somewhat impressed, especially that it was run by volunteers. Although he gave nothing away at that point!
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Chris
Proposals for season 2025/26 – Auditions Sunday 16th March 2pm
7th – 11th October 2025– Emma (stage adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel) – Charlie Cook
Director: Chris Hall
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1st – 7th December 2025 – The Witch of Alder Edge – a pantomime by Charlie Cook
Director: Jackie Vandyes
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17th – 21st February 2026 – Unfriend by Steven Moffat (subject to licence)
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7th – 11th April 2026 – Rope by Patrick Hamilton
Director: Cass Buck
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2nd – 6th June 2026 – Calendar Girls adapted by Tim Firth
Director: Gaelle Roques
Dates in the Diary
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18th – 22nd February – Fantastical Musicals
25th February 7pm – Executive
1st/2nd March – Hire: Shana Keeler School of Dance
16th March 2pm - Auditions
8th- 12th April – Big Big Sky
3rd – 7th June – Stepping Out
10th/11th/13th/14th June – Hire: Alderley and Wilmslow Musical Theatre Company
21st/22nd June: Hire – Sally Williams
28th/29th June – Hire: MMMT Show (Nicola Crooks)
4th July – Gatley Comedy Night
6th July – Gatley Festival
13th – 19th July – Hire: Perform Studios (Nicola Crooks)
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