By Richard Watson
The Huddersfield Thespians return this October with an entertaining mix of comedy and drama for all tastes.
There are backstage tragedies, Christmas comedy favourites, glorious eccentrics and new political quandaries.
The Thespians offer a mix of classic and modern at the Lawrence Batley Theatre, starting with Ronald Harwood’s 1980 hit ‘The Dresser’, and finishing with 2017’s ‘Labour of Love’ by rising star playwright James Graham.
Meanwhile at Longwood Mechanics they are serving up a spread of classic comedy in their sketch show ‘Comedy Christmas Crackers’, and the (mostly) true story of Alan Bennett’s unexpected long-term visitor in ‘The Lady in the Van.’
In ‘The Dresser’, Norman has the unenviable task of trying to keep an ageing impresario in line, and the show on the road, amid tempests both on and offstage.
Ronald Harwood was inspired to write his acclaimed war-time drama by his own experiences and those of fellow wardrobe dressers working for domineering actor-managers across the provinces.
The dangers of war, age and backstage drama threaten to derail Sir’s greatest performance of King Lear to date. Catch ‘The Dresser’ at the Lawrence Batley Theatre in October.
For Christmas, the Thespians are following the success of their last tribute to British TV comedy sketches, ‘Sketchy at Best’, with top hits of Christmas sketch comedy at Longwood Mechanics.
With sketches and songs from the likes of Monty Python, the Two Ronnies, Victoria Wood, Fascinating Aida and Morecambe & Wise, ‘Christmas Comedy Crackers’ is sure to appeal to all tastes, in a reminder of Christmases past. Laughs are guaranteed at the hall in December.
Then (almost true) real-life comedy and tragedy combine in the third play, based on the experience of Alan Bennett and his van-dwelling whiffy squatter.
In ‘The Lady in the Van’, what began as a grudging favour turns into a funny, poignant and life-affirming story from one of the nation’s best-loved playwrights. The custard-coloured camper will be parking up at Longwood Mechanics in March.
The fourth play unites the personal and the political, with a Labour MP anxiously awaiting the result of his tough re-election campaign, and interrupted by the return of his ex-wife with a surprising proposal.
Rising star James Graham has made a name for himself with dramas that expose the humanity behind the headlines – think ‘Dear England’, ‘The Vote’ or ‘This House’ – and his 2017 Oliver-winner ‘Labour of Love’ is no different.
Join the Thespians back at the Lawrence Batley Theatre in June 2025 where they promise nobody will ask for your vote!
The Thespians look forward to welcoming audiences once again to the Lawrence Batley Theatre and Longwood Mechanics Hall, for their 105th season of quality local theatre in Huddersfield.
To find out more or to book go to the Thespians’ website HERE.
