About the Rossendale Players

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Rossendale Players have been presenting plays for the people of the Rossendale Valley for over 80 years. Established in 1936 the Players rented a wooden hut on a hillside in Stacksteads to meet and rehearse. Their first public performance was Somerset Maugham`s “The Circle”using the Waterfoot Conservative Club as a venue.

This venue was available to them until their 50th performance, with continuity unbroken for the war. The Players then used various venues around the valley to present plays with a growing reputation throughout the North West receiving several awards for Drama Festivals.

With scenery, props, lighting equipment and costumes stored in various places a more permanent home was found in Bacup Leisure Hall.

Fundraising continued and in 1994 the Players were able to buy the former Bethel Baptist Lecture Hall in Waterfoot with the intention of converting the building into a theatre.

This was achieved and the New Millennium Theatre was opened in the year 2000 with a performance of “The Circle” (The fist play performed in 1936)

We now have a thriving theatre company serving the community presenting five plays a year with a successful record of receiving awards from the Greater Manchester Drama Federation on a regular basis.

We work closely with other neighbouring theatres, also hosting performances from other groups and sharing experience.

Our members are committed and enthusiastic; we now have a vibrant group of young people supporting the Players developing their skills and providing shows of a very high standard.

We support local charities by offering a charity night during each run by allowing them to raise funds for their organisation; this is very much appreciated and brings new people to the theatre.

Social events and open days are held on a regular basis to allow members to integrate and get to know each other.

We are all very proud of what our theatre achieves and the input from all members is amazing. Rossendale Players is valued and respected by the people of Rossendale and the surrounding areas.