The Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield has announced its full autumn/winter season as it celebrates its 30th anniversary.
The birthday season sees the return of Sadler’s Wells associate artist Jasmin Vardimon MBE, a brand-new version of The Great Gatsby and a compelling new musical from Leeds-based Red Ladder Theatre Company.
Following the huge success of ALiCE, Jasmin Vardimon MBE returns to Huddersfield with a new show, NOW.
The Jasmin Vardimon Company celebrates their 25th anniversary with this new production reflecting on the current moment, the present and the continuous movement of time.
The company have been visiting Lawrence Batley Theatre for over 15 years, cementing the venue’s leading status in the region for showcasing the latest in contemporary dance.
The sixth annual community production by the theatre promises to be bigger and better than any of its previous versions.
With a brand-new adaptation written by Yorkshire-based playwright Chris O’Connor, this production features over 60 actors from the Huddersfield community.
Led by a professional team of directors, choreographers, designers and stage managers, this fresh take on The Great Gatsby is the perfect play for all.
During the show’s run there will be a special relaxed performance, for audiences who prefer a quieter show. This is ideal for neurodivergent people and people who live with dementia.
This year Lawrence Batley Theatre has been awarded Theatre of Sanctuary status, which recognises the engagement work the theatre does with refugee and asylum seekers in the area.
This is complimented this season by Red Ladder Theatre Company’s visit with their touring production Sanctuary.
Sanctuary is a compelling new musical written by Boff Whalley (We’re Not Going Back) and award-winning playwright Sarah Woods, charting one man’s plea for help and refuge at a time when not all strangers are welcomed.
This is the first production by the company to be directed by their new artistic director Cheryl Martin.
Becky Dash, chief executive of the Lawrence Batley Theatre, said: “This autumn as we celebrate 30 years of Lawrence Batley Theatre – the only professional theatre in Kirklees – it’s an opportunity for us to look back on all the things that have been achieved in our building, but it’s also a time for us to look forward to the future.
“Theatres like ours, charities like ours, that give local people the opportunity to access world class entertainment are not a ‘nice to have.’ Instead they are essential places that bring people together, spread joy when we need it the most and give people a reason to get out of bed in the morning.
“I am incredibly proud and honoured to be the custodian of Lawrence Batley Theatre as we celebrate this landmark with a season of performances which combines cutting edge new work, family fun, exceptional northern talent and puts our community front and centre.
“Help us to keep doing this for another 30 years by donating to our cause.”
Tickets for the autumn/winter season are now on sale. For more information and to make a donation visit thelbt.org.
