One of Tameside’s longest-established cultural venues is preparing for a busy autumn season, with murder mysteries, new writing and family events all taking centre stage at Droylsden Little Theatre.
Founded in 1929, Droylsden Little Theatre (DLT) has been bringing live theatre to local audiences for more than 95 years.
The award-winning venue, located on Castle Close in Droylsden, boasts a 100-seat auditorium and has built a strong reputation for producing a wide range of plays while nurturing local acting, directing and writing talent.
The theatre is run by volunteers and remains at the heart of the local arts community.
Operating under the motto “Little Theatre, Big Ideas,” DLT continues to combine classic productions with contemporary works and original writing projects.
The venue has become a popular destination for theatre-goers across Tameside and Greater Manchester, offering audiences an intimate and immersive theatrical experience.
The theatre’s upcoming programme begins with a Summer Fun Day on Sunday, August 9, providing a family-friendly day of entertainment.
Visitors can enjoy activities including a bouncy castle, story sessions, music, arts and crafts, games, demonstrations and refreshments. The event is free to enter and aims to introduce more local families to the theatre and its community activities.
Later in the month, DLT will showcase emerging local talent with “Raised Voices”, running from August 20 to 22. The production features four new plays written by members of the theatre’s writing group, Mightier Than The Sword. The writers developed their skills through Guide Bridge Theatre’s Fresh Voices programme before progressing to create full-length works for the stage.
One of the highlights of the autumn season will be Agatha Christie’s “The Mirror Crack’d”, adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and directed by John Cocks-Evans. Running from September 14 to 19, the production brings the Queen of Crime’s famous Miss Marple detective to Droylsden as she investigates a murder linked to a glamorous film star and a seemingly perfect village community.
The season concludes in November with “The Ballad of Maria Marten”, running from November 9 to 14. Written by Beth Flintoff and directed by Sophie Barclay, the play revisits the infamous Red Barn Murder of 1827, one of Britain’s most notorious true-crime cases.
The varied programme reflects the theatre’s commitment to offering something for everyone, from family entertainment and original drama to timeless detective mysteries and historical storytelling.
Droylsden Little Theatre is located at 7 Castle Close, Droylsden, Manchester, M43 7AS. Tickets for upcoming productions are available from the theatre’s box office and ticketing service
Visit www.droylsdenlittletheatre.co.uk