50 Years of M6

A group of primary school students sat in an audience.

In 2027 M6 turns 50!

Keep an eye out for a whole range of exciting projects and shows as we celebrate this exciting milestone.

In the meantime, check out what we’ve been doing to become leaders in creating theatre with, for and by children and young people.

Founded as a TIE and community theatre company

1977

A black and white image of M6 Youth Theatre. A group of people are dancing.

M6 Youth Theatre created

1983

A black and white image from a performance of Grounded 1991. A scene with two performers stood close together with serious facial expressions.

Priority given to theatre for young audiences

1991

A black and white image of two people sat on stage in the front of the image. In the background of the image are two people leant over.

Produced ground breaking bilingual production

1997

A close up image of a performer on stage near the lens of the camera. In the background of the image is someone looking at them from afar.

Performed at Milk International Children’s Festival in Toronto

2003

The outside of the blue M6 Studio Theatre building. Featuring red bricks and a green M6 Studio Theatre sign.

Our purpose built studio theatre opens

2004

A couple of young performers on stage. An older girl is dressed in pale blue holding a snowflake and a younger boy looks up at her intently.

Created multisensory early years installation

2006

A close up of a lady with blonde shoulder length hair wearing a grey cardigan.

Patron Dot Wood receives MBE

2006

A group of 3 performers on stage. 2 people are sat down in front of signs on a wall about bullying. The 3rd person stands up holding their arm in the air with their fingers up.

First major national tour of Danny King of the Basement

2007

A group of performers on stage in different poses with their arms stretched upwards. The performers have t-shirts with the logos of different social media networks on them e.g. YouTube and TikTok.

First Youth Theatre international exchange

2007

A close up of two people laying on a blue sheet on their stomachs, wearing blue pajamas, with their legs in the air and a white sheet draped over their backs.

One Little Word performed at international festivals

2011

A close up of a young child holding a star in their hands, close to their face.

Awarded Arts Council England National Portfolio status

2011

A close up image of someone performing with a prop of a felt sunflower in their hands.

First Christmas Residency

2014

An image of two performers holding hands whilst looking happily at each other. In the background is a cardboard house with a rainbow light projected over it.

OFFIE Winner Best Production for Children and Young People

2016

A group of primary school children and teachers sat on the floor with their legs stretched out and shoes touching.

Speech Bubbles programme launched in Rochdale

2016

A man in a Nike short sleeve black gym shirt exercising with grey dumbbells in his hands.

First digitising of Curriculum for Life monologues to support young people’s mental health

2016

Celebrated 40 years of creating theatre with, by and for children and young people

2017

A medium close up image of a lady wearing a green coat sticking some flyers to a wall.

Performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for the first time

2017

A close up of 2 children holding hands.

Began partnership with Rochdale Linking Schools

2017

Two young performers on stage wearing green fairy costumes and sitting underneath a large book prop that acts as a roof.

Launched Rochdale’s first youth theatre for disabled children and young people

2017

A couple of people having a conversation. There is a speaker explaining something using hand gestures and the other person is listening with folded arms.

Won three categories at the Rochdale Borough Culture Awards

2018

An older man wearing a red cardigan sat in a patchwork armchair on stage.

Made all our products available for families and pupils to access during lockdowns

2020

A young performer on stage with long auburn hair wearing a black t-shirt. In the background is a giant red heart with the word 'Kindness' on it. The heart is surrounded by small lights.

Became one of Rochdale Priority Place’s lead organisations

2021

A speaker sat down in a tent next to some minature houses on a table. There are children sat on a rug in front of them watching intently.

Performed at Rochdale’s inaugural Feel Good Family Picnic

2023

Two performers dancing on a black and white checkerboard mat. One of them is holding the other persons foot as they lean over in a cartwheel-like shape.

Launched Bright Idea commission to support talent development

2023

Won the Cultural Legacy Award at the Rochdale Culture Awards

2026

More from M6

Schools

Explore our work and partnerships with schools in and around Rochdale.
Schools
Our Work

Learn more about our productions, films and partnership work.
Our Work
What’s On

Take a look at our current upcoming events and book tickets today.
What’s On