Macclesfield Amateur Dramatic Society is currently celebrating its milestone 75th year of performances.

Macclesfield Nub News met with Amy Leech of Macclesfield, who is the 16th Chair of the organisation.

Amy is the second woman, and the youngest person to date, to take on the role.

She was elected in July 2023.

Amy in Shakespeare In Love, March 2023. (Credit to SamSi Theatre Photography)

"I've always done performance, dancing, singing, music, acting," said Amy.

"I first performed on the MADS stage when I was about 5 with a local dance school."

"I really got into the acting side of it by doing Shakespeare when I was young."

After a school trip to the West End to see Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera, Amy describes her revelation; "Theatre, it's what I want to do."

The MADS 75th birthday celebrations. The anniversary do was attended by the current MADS generation, alumni, and the Mayor of Macclesfield. (Image - MADS Theatre)

Amy officially joined MADS as an active member six years ago.

"Anyone can join," explained Amy.

"Whether you've got an interest in acting, or helping out backstage, doing any of the set build or lighting tech, or just as a social group. MADS has something for everyone.

"There is no better connection with other people than with your cast and crew.

Upcoming shows. (Image - MADS Theatre)

"The camaraderie on some of the shows is like nothing else."

The MADS venue is located on Lord Street, Macclesfield, and includes two performance spaces: a theatre and a studio.

MADS's most recent production was Macbeth, the Shakespearian supernatural tragedy.

"Macbeth was unexpectedly successful, our best ticket sales since 2017."

The cast and crew of 'Macbeth'. (Or should we say Macc-beth?)

The production, which ran in December 2023 and was directed by Andrea Buccino, has been nominated for 10 awards.

Upcoming shows include Tomorrow In The Battle in February, and Burke and Hare in March.

Amy speaks of her excitement for Amanda Whittington's Kiss Me Quickstep, which is being performed by MADS in June 2024. Amy put forward the script to be considered for performance, and it was accepted by the committee.

"I've got a soft spot for it," said Amy.

"It follows 3 couples who are dancing at the Ballroom and Latin finals at Blackpool. It does have some dancing in it, it will be very exciting, lots of glitter."

Any MADS member can suggest which plays they wish the company to perform.

MADS plays a big part of the Macclesfield community, by taking part in events such as Macclesfield Pride, the Barnaby Festival, and fundraising for causes such as East Cheshire Hospice.

Anyone can contact or join MADS by contacting them via their website or on Instagram.

They have an offer until the end of the year, with two tickets for £20. (Email [email protected] to take advantage of this offer).

Macclesfield: Tickets for upcoming shows can be booked HERE.