The Lawrence Batley Theatre has announced its Spring season which features a brand-new commission, the return of an internationally acclaimed dance company and some of the bravest, boldest shows from Northern theatre makers.
Commissioned by ThickSkin and Lawrence Batley Theatre, Peak Stuff on Tuesday February 20 is the new play from the award-winning duo, following up from their partnership on many projects including the hit-show How Not To Drown.
The new production features three fast-paced and funny stories which take a deep-dive into consumer culture and the role it plays in shaping our identity.
Winner of the New Play Commission Scheme, the show is under-scored by live drumming, spectacular lighting and features a striking video design. Three characters try to save the world or themselves.
Directed by ThickSkin’s Neil Bettles (How Not To Drown, The Unreturning), Peak Stuff, written by Billie Collins, is a cautionary tale for modern times.
The legendary choreographer Jasmin Vardimon MBE’s work returns to the Yorkshire stage, ahead of an international tour. ALiCE (Tuesday January 23 to Wednesday January 24) is a bold re-imagining of Lewis Carroll’s ground-breaking 1865 novel, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
The show tells the story of a woman, or perhaps a child, unsure of her identity or where she is going. Escaping and exploring, discovering the powers within her changing body. The world around her is different, curious and compelling – at times absolutely bonkers!
Some of the bravest and boldest shows from Northern theatre makers are visiting Lawrence Batley Theatre’s experimental space the Cellar Theatre this spring.
BI-TOPIA (Wednesday February 7) directed by Rikki Beadle-Blair MBE, is Sam Danson’s semi-autobiographical show about his struggles with mental health, his sexuality and masculinity.
Performed by Sam, this candid but comedic performance is set in a metaphorical warzone as we watch Sam navigate through everyday life as a bisexual young man in the early 2010s.
The Polar Bear (Is Dead) on Wednesday March 6 is a playful show with a serious ecological message, performed by two people, Natalie Bellingham in the room, and Daniele Pennati on Zoom from Milan.
Ultimately full of hope, it includes a plant, a polar bear, the Spice Girls and a conversation with Natalie’s mum about the end of the world.
Meet Parveen (Saturday March 23) penned and directed by the brilliant Beccy Durham, this production promises to be hotter than a hot spell in July.
Parveen, played by Lawrence Batley Theatre community ambassador and talented actor Madiha Ansari, is a relatable character who embodies the everyday struggles experienced by many women navigating the menopausal journey.
At 45 or 46 (she can’t quite remember), Parveen grapples with a myriad of symptoms – from night sweats to forgetfulness – as she tries to maintain a sense of self amid the changes.
Becky Dash, chief executive of the Lawrence Batley Theatre, said “As we move into another exciting year of music, dance, drama, musicals and comedy we also mark a milestone for Lawrence Batley Theatre as we celebrate 30 years of bringing the best entertainment to Huddersfield.
“Creativity is for everyone and has proven benefits to mental and physical wellbeing, it reduces loneliness, increases confidence, and gives us all a community to belong to and be proud of.
“Live performance venues are one of the things that a town needs to be a great place to live and work, and we are here to do our community proud. People need a little magic in their lives, now more so than ever and we make magic happen.”
Tickets for the spring season are now on sale. More information and tickets can be found at www.thelbt.org
