Huddersfield’s Lawrence Batley Theatre is 30 years old this year and is marking the milestone with a season of exhibitions, shows and fundraising events.

It’s the only professional theatre in Kirklees and was redeveloped from what was the largest Methodist chapel in the world when it was originally built in 1819.

The theatre puts on 450 performances a year and celebrations to mark its 30th anniversary start on Thursday, September 12.

They begin with the launch of a photography exhibition called Theatre30 which features 30 portraits of people who all have a significant connection to the theatre from the past 30 years, captured by local photographer Daniel Johnson Gray.

The exhibition celebrates the people of the theatre’s history, sharing their stories and memories and will showcase why the theatre holds a special place in their hearts.

One is Gary Clarke, a miner’s son who grew up in Barnsley and is now a professional choreographer who leads his own contemporary dance company. His first experience of contemporary dance was at the Lawrence Batley Theatre which sparked his passion for it and led to his very successful career.

 

Dame Judi Dench with Mayor of Kirklees Clr John Mernagh and Val Javin, formerly of the Huddersfield Examiner

The Theatre30 exhibition runs from September 12 to January 18, 2025, and has been curated by Keisha Hamilton, creative associate at Lawrence Batley Theatre.

The evening of September 12 sees the opening of the theatre’s annual community production where 60 people of all ages from across Huddersfield will take to the stage in a modern adaptation of F Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby adapted by local writer Chris O’Connor.

The theatre is a registered charity and in its 30th year aims to raise £30,000 to help make ends meet. So far it’s raised just over £10,000 and people who want to give the theatre that extra support can donate at https://www.thelbt.org/support-us/30th-birthday/

When the theatre was built one of the main financial contributors was the late Huddersfield cash and carry tycoon and philanthropist Lawrence Batley who set up Batleys Cash and Carry which is why the theatre bears his name.

 

 

Lawrence Batley Theatre chief executive Becky Dash (above) said: “Thirty years ago a group of passionate local people banded together to fundraise £5 million to transform a derelict building into Lawrence Batley Theatre because they felt it was essential that the town had a world-class theatre. In 2024 we know this is true now more than ever.

“As the only professional theatre in Kirklees we have a duty to welcome, entertain and inspire our community. Over 70,000 people come through our doors each year as we bring the shows to our town that people deserve to see on their doorstep and we are honoured to celebrate the wealth of local talent on our stages.”

Work redeveloping the Lawrence Batley Theatre started in 1992 and two of Yorkshire’s finest actors were involved in the project. Dame Judi Dench laid the foundation stone in October 1993 and Sir Patrick Stewart OBE officially opened the theatre on September 11, 1994.

 

Sir Patrick Stewart with Mayor of Kirklees Clr Harold Sheldon at the opening of Lawrence Batley Theatre on September 11 1994

 

What’s On in Huddersfield in September 2024 with Holmfirth Food & Drink Festival, Heritage Open Days, Circus Zyair at Greenhead Park & more!