A Prestwich performer who balances her council job with a passion for the stage has been honoured with a top acting award – and is now in line for a second.
Isobel Cunliffe, 25, works as a communications officer with Bury Council but has spent much of her life performing with PADOS Youth Theatre. This year she won a Greater Manchester Drama Federation (GMDF) award for her role as Audrey in the group’s production of Little Shop of Horrors. She has now been shortlisted for an Association of Community Theatre (ACT) award for the same role.
Isobel began performing with PADOS at just ten years old and says amateur dramatics has provided her with a lifeline to pursue her passion despite financial barriers.
“I’ve always connected with acting and hoped to pursue it as a career,” she explained. “But like many people in the current climate, I haven’t been able to step away from a full-time job or pay for traditional training. Thanks to small arts companies and amateur groups, I’ve been able to keep performing in several shows a year while working at Bury Council.”
She added that groups like PADOS offer vital opportunities for those who can’t afford drama school or the cost of relocating to London. “Amateur dramatics offers a simulation of the professional world, complete with auditions, rehearsals, and awards, but without the prohibitive costs. For many performers, especially those from working-class backgrounds, it’s the only way to stay connected to their craft.”
Beyond stage experience, Isobel credits amateur theatre with providing emotional support, creative growth and “a sense of belonging”. She hopes more people will back grassroots arts groups by supporting local theatre productions.
This December, she will return for her third year in pantomime, playing Dandini in Cinderella at The Playhouse 2 in Shaw.
Man charged in relation to Heywood incident
Town centre crackdown uncovers illegal trading and unsafe properties in Rochdale
Oldham man says cancer charity support helped rebuild his life alongside NHS care
Local election candidate fuming over his name being spelt wrong
The town with a solution to their traffic problem
Local Elections 2026: What every party in Rochdale has to offer ahead of local elections
Family secures £16200 key worker support to move into new home in Bury
Four men charged after incident at Rochdale AFC match against York City
KYP Easter programme brings creative activities and healthy meals to Rochdale children
Middleton widow appeals for answers after husband dies from asbestos related cancer
Man in his 20s fighting for life after Royton crash as police urge witnesses to come forward
Fun five-days in Spain boosted the confidence of high school students ahead of their Spanish exams
