Bobbin and catch drama at t’mill

PLAYWRIGHT . . . Jon Comyn-Platt

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Oldham solicitor Jon Comyn-Platt is switching from the courtroom to a Victorian mill for his latest drama.

He has written a play to celebrate the 300th anniversary of birth of Tim Bobbin, the Lancashire dialect poet who lived in Milnrow until his death in 1786.

The amateur production is being performed by the MAD Theatre Company in the famous Ellenroad Steam Mill, Newhey, a stone’s throw from where Bobbin lived for 60 years.

Actors will be performing in the boiler room alongside the mill’s huge high beam engine and 20ft diameter flywheel.

And to make sure the audience stay warm during the 90-minute long play, an industrial heater has been brought in and hot drinks and mince pies will be available.

Jon, a former Oldham councillor, who also appears in play, explained: “Tim Bobbin used his skills as a painter, caricaturist, satirical writer and poet to attack the pillars of society and adopted the pen name Tim Bobbin to try to hide his real identity.

“The play tells the story of this eccentric and engaging rebel, in an entertaining and light-hearted story from cradle to grave.”

The play — highlight of the lottery-funded Tim Bobbin Festival — runs for three nights starting on Tuesday, 7.30pm. Also appearing will be local folk group Mick and the Moonshiners who have written and recorded a song specially for the play.

Tickets priced £5 (£4 concessions) can be obtained by calling 01706 843124 or 01706 357947.