A Message from our Chairman

2020 has been an interesting year, to say the least.

Like many theatres across the county and country, we’ve had to close our doors to performing plays and musicals – and for the first time since the original society was formed as part of the war effort in 1943, we fell silent. However over the past few months, despite the lockdown restrictions, I am proud of the “wartime spirit” our members have displayed.

We’ve been able to use the time to sort, clear, repair, sell and catalogue props, furniture, costumes and tech equipment. We’ve had working parties (socially distanced!) to clean and refurbish furniture, to paint various areas of the building and to enhance our facilities. We also took the opportunity to go ahead with the installation of air conditioning in the auditorium, which in normal times would have caused major disruption to our performance schedules. We’ve headed online to run Quiz Nights, social evenings and a series of ‘In Conversation with’ events where we welcomed industry professionals to share their knowledge, stories and tips! We also held our first Young Playwrights’ Competition which was very successful and showed us what immense talent there is out there amongst younger members.

We are all looking forward to re-opening the theatre when Gerald Dickens visits us on 12th December with his rendition of A Christmas Carol. I am grateful to those who have worked hard to ensure that, when we do re-open, we will be able to do so safely and in-line with government regulations. The entire building will have a fresh look, thanks to the works that have gone on during the restrictions by our members and patrons, which I know will be appreciated and admired.

We are also looking forward to the time when our members can return to the rehearsal room and the stage to put on performances ourselves. Plans are underway to bring other activities back to The Mill as and when the restrictions allow it – watch this space!

I’d like to thank you for your continued support during this year and I look forward to welcoming you back to The Mill soon.

Sincerely,

Douglas Pope
Chairman