Boiler Room chosen for Tim Bobbin production

Mads theatre company has disclosed that their next production, The Tale of Tim Bobbin, will take place in the boiler room at Ellenroad Mill in Newhey.

Over the years the world famous steam engine has welcomed thousands of visitors but never before has it played host to a theatrical production.

It’s a first for the boiler room in other ways as well, for it will be a world premier for the play which tells the story of Milnrow’s most famous son, Tim Bobbin.

The idea of presenting the play at Ellenroad mill was the brainwave of Mads production manager Philip Berrie. He said: “We were looking at a number of possible venues when the boiler room was mentioned.

“The idea immediately gathered speed and enthusiasm. We visited the boiler room to tell them about the plan, and the volunteer workers at the Mill trust were fantastic. They welcomed the idea and they have since done everything possible to make sure that the production will be a success.”

The production has not been without its teething problems, but solutions were quickly found, as the play's author and director, Jon Comyn-Platt, explained: “We were concerned that the costs of heating, seating, costumes and putting on the production would not have been covered by ticket sales. That was when the Moor End Trust, the Council and Heritage Funding came to the rescue. All we need now is to learn the lines and put on the play with Mads' normal high standards.”

The production promises an evening of fun, drama and entertainment.

The play follows the life and career of Tim Bobbin, an eccentric but brilliant rebel whose appetite for controversy was matched only by his devotion to his family and his love of Milnrow. His biting sarcasm and satire were reflected in everything he did, in his poems, his letters, his plays and his paintings.

Any story about Tim Bobbin cannot help but make you laugh.

For tickets or more information contact Jon Comyn-Platt on 07977 039335 or email joncomyn-platt@talktalk.net