Hyde Little Theatre playing a big part in the community

An amateur dramatic society in Hyde is playing the perfect supporting role for people in need.

Hyde Little Theatre is a community star, thanks to services they are providing. 

The local thespians are running free weekly musical sessions that include soup and a sandwich, theatre tickets, transport and winter pamper packs.

The support they provide is aided by winter funding allocated by Tameside Council's Adult Service team.

It was made available from central government and has all now been shared with voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations in the borough to provide community-based support for those in need.

The theatre, which was founded in 1967, hosts a soup and sing-a-long session every Tuesday lunchtime, from 11am to 1pm, at their Studio 9 premises at the top of Market Street in Hyde. All are welcome and there's no need to book.

The sessions began at the beginning of December, with around 30 people currently attending.

The social activity benefits people who are isolated, while providing the free hot meal, and other essential items, helps those in need.

Chef Toni Savaris serves the soup

Committee member Steven Oliver said: "The sessions have been really good and everyone who has come has always come again. The funding has been vital in getting the sessions started and bringing people in." 

Cllr Eleanor Wills, Tameside Council Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Population Health, said: "Hyde Little Theatre is putting on a great show of support for people in need. It’s great to see such an organisation in the heart of the community using its talents and resources to bring people together and entertain while providing nutritious food and other assistance.

"This is one of a number of fantastic initiatives that the winter funding has been able to help in supporting vulnerable people across Tameside." 

Main image:

(from left to right) Hyde Little Theatre Committee members Janet and John Rothwell, music director Michael Holmes and chef Toni Savaris.