A SADDLEWORTH theatre is looking forward to welcoming guests in for the first time in more than a year when restrictions ease.

The newly refurbished Millgate Theatre is offering a range of plays, theatre and music as it look forward to a range of entertainment later in the year.

The establishment has revealed the range of offerings guests can look forward to from September.

Alan Stockdill’s Le Grand Return was the last thing to be performed before the pandemic struck.

So fittingly his new play, The Cow Fields of Slack Bottom, will be the first act on when the theatre returns in September.

His latest work is described as a Yorkshire comedy based on a story by Anthon Chekhov and the author himself makes an appearance.

The next month Mirriam Lawton will entertain friends for the Millgate Night at the Proms.

The annual event, which raises funds for the theatre, will include songs from Broadway and West End shows.

In November Sarah-Louise Young will perform An Evening Without Kate Bush, which invites the audience to enjoy the work of the singer.

In December a play by Mark Farrelly which explores the comedian Frankie Howerd and his clandestine relationship with Dennis, which ran from the 1950s until his death in 1992.

The Big Tiny Theatre Company will also put on a pantomime with Dick Whittington.

A spokesperson for the theatre encouraged people to come along.

They said: “We hope you enjoy the shows.

“We can't wait to get back to the theatre once again.

“The Millgate Arts Centre is a gem of a venue and we are very fortunate to have such a place in Saddleworth.

“None of this would be possible without the fantastic support we get from our audiences.

“Please continue to lend your support by coming out and having a good time. In the meantime, we're already planning an exciting programme for 2022.”