THERE is no distinguishing the best seat in the house at the Millgate Arts Centre because they are all top notch.
When the curtain goes up for the first event on Wednesday, September 11, the audience will be seated in a newly refurbished auditorium.
After a 12-month campaign to raise £50,000 and more than two months hard graft, the Delph venue is ready to open its doors for the first time since its makeover and installation of 160 of the plushest seats around.
Arts Centre chairman John Tanner said: “Bring on the new season.
“I am absolutely thrilled because the auditorium looks superb and I am sure will do so for the next 40 years.
“Since the refurbishment started in June, we have now come to the point of completion due to the hard work of project manager, Stuart Coleman, and many others.
Deputy chair Verity Mann added: “I am thrilled we have been able to update the Millgate Arts Theatre and make the auditorium a comfortable, modern space for audience members.
“That’s not just for Saddleworth Players’ shows but also for Saddleworth Live, Saddleworth Concerts Society and Saddleworth Film Society.
“I am looking forward to being an audience member myself,” laughed Verity taking one of the leading roles in My Cousin Rachel, the opening Players’ production of their 2019-20 season.
Stuart, also a member of the Millgate management company, said: “It has been a really enjoyable project.
“I have had lots of support from great tradesmen from the local area.
“We have built this auditorium in such a tight timescale so it is hat’s off to the people involved and a big thanks from me.
“Personally, I have seen it through from beginning to end and having a full-time job, it hasn’t always been easy.”
The first event at the Millgate is a concert by the Victoria Quartet and Richard Simpson OBE on Wednesday, September 11. This is followed by Saddleworth Live’s hosting of Millgate Night at the Proms on September 14.
There are still a few seats available for sponsorship at a cost of £150. For more details visit the website: millgateappeal.org/
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