Harrogate Theatre's Annual Review 2022/23

HARROGATE theatre

Annual Review

2022 / 2023

‘ WE HAVE JUST RETURNED FROM THE THEATRE. THE INSTITUTION HAS CONFIRMED, YET AGAIN, THAT IT IS THE TOWN’S CULTURAL HUB….’

IS ABOUT MORE THAN SITTING IN THE DARK, ENJOYING A ‘ THEATRE SHOW AND GETTING AN INTERVAL ICE-CREAM. IT’S THE WORK THAT

GOES ON WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE TO IMPROVE LITERACY AND CONFIDENCE. IT’S THE OUTREACH SCHEMES TO IMPROVE WELL-BEING FOR PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM ADDICTION. IT’S THE COMMUNITY OF USHERS GIVING THEIR TIME FOR A VENUE THEY LOVE AND STAYING ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY.

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‘ HARROGATE THEATRE IS VERY SPECIAL TO ME. I FEEL INCREDIBLY PROUD AND PRIVILEGED TO BE AN USHER HERE. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE BEAUTIFUL BUILDING ITSELF, AND THE HISTORY BEHIND IT.’ JUST WANTED TO WRITE TO SAY THANK YOU TO ALL THE STAFF ‘ IYESTERDAY WHO WERE CARING AND HELPFUL. MY MUM, WHO HAS

LIMITED MOBILITY, WAS USING A WHEELCHAIR YESTERDAY AND THE STAFF WERE SO FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL. IT MAKES A TRICKY DAY ALL THE MORE EASY AND ENJOYABLE WHEN PEOPLE CARE. THANK YOU FOR A BEAUTIFUL VENUE AND LOVELY STAFF!

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‘ YOU TRULY HAVE THE MOST DEDICATED, CARING AND COURTEOUS

STAFF ON THE CIRCUIT IN [YOUR TECHNICIANS]. NOTHING WAS ANY TROUBLE AND ALL THREE WENT WAY ABOVE AND BEYOND WHAT IS REQUIRED OF A VENUE TECHNICIAN.

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‘ INITIALLY THE TICKETS HAD SOLD OUT BUT WE WERE PUT ON A

RESERVE LIST. IT WAS GREAT TO BE CALLED UP A MONTH AGO TO BE OFFERED THE TICKETS, AS PROMISED. GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE.

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Welcome

from deborah larwood, chair

Photo Credits: Right (Aladdin, Karl Andre), Left (Lore, James Wilton Dance)

This Annual Review offers a summary of a vibrant and successful year for Harrogate Theatre. In this first full year of operation post pandemic, the organisation has gone from strength to strength and presented a rich and varied programme of live events, which have dazzled and delighted the people of Harrogate and beyond.

Our enduring commitment to inspiring the next generation of theatre makers and audiences has enabled us to take theatre into unexpected community spaces, as well as bring people over the threshold of our beautiful Grade II listed building to explore their own creativity. Seeing audiences spilling out of the theatre, the Harrogate Convention Centre and the Royal Hall, brimming with conversation and energy serves as a reminder to us all of the importance of coming together to enjoy cultural experiences.

The organisation owes great thanks to the community, who have returned to performances in their thousands and have once again embraced all that Harrogate Theatre has to offer, cementing our position as an integral cultural beacon for people of all ages and from all backgrounds.

Finally, I would like to express sincere thanks to the staff team and volunteers for their tireless commitment, my fellow Trustees, and to the artists, audiences and communities who are at the heart of what we do.

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Interview

with david bown, chief executive

Photo Credits: Above (David Bown, image by Karl Andre)

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David Bown joined Harrogate Theatre in 2004. He leads a highly skilled and experienced team to provide entertainment and magical experiences across Harrogate from the Trust’s base at the Theatre. As David enters his 20th year as a leading figure within Harrogate’s cultural scene we sat down with him to reflect on the extraordinary achievements of the past year and to look ahead to new challenges.

What were your highlights of 23/24?

The incredible scale of diverse work that we as a small team can bring to the region stands out for me.

This year we’ve witnessed Billy Ocean raise the roof at the Harrogate Convention Centre, we’ve watched proudly as Harrogate Youth Theatre alumni Maisie Adam performed to a sold-out Harrogate Theatre as part of the Comedy Festival and we have witnessed a new network of step free venues being established throughout the town to provide greater access for all.

I must mention the local community companies, who consistently demonstrate such high production values and a real love for the theatre.

Emerging from the pandemic the Theatre has had an extraordinarily successful financial year. Tell us about it.

The pandemic was tough for everyone and recovery from it was never guaranteed. Our audiences appreciate the value of being together and the joy of a shared experience from attending live performance.

It is testament to our loyal and engaged audiences that we have had such a strong year with capacity to continually attract new attendees. We also listened to our audiences, they wanted ‘to go out and have a great night,’ so we carefully programmed specific events that accommodated those demands. There is strong evidence that we have new patrons who are willing to take greater risks, which is very satisfying.

Off stage the staff team and the Board work incredibly hard to give everyone a great live experience and it’s thanks to everyone at the theatre that we had such a good year. We are also so grateful to our stakeholders who recognise the value of creativity and culture, working alongside us to provide high quality entertainment for the town.

What challenges lie ahead in 2023 / 2024?

Our turnover relies almost entirely on ticket sales, which can make us vulnerable compared to heavily funded organisations. Whilst we have an annual turnover of over £4 million, between 70% and 90% of ticket revenue goes to the theatre companies and performers who take to our stages. We survive on what is left. With the huge increases we’re all experiencing with the cost-of-living, rises to the minimum wage and larger hire fees at the Royal Hall and Convention Centre every penny counts. Over this year we’ll be looking at new initiatives to generate additional income and provide further value for money. However, without continued support, some much-loved aspects of our work may become vulnerable so I urge everyone to continue to attend our events. Other ways to support include taking part in youth theatre or community theatre groups, becoming White Rose Members or becoming a business sponsor.

It’s a time of great change in Harrogate with the beginning of the North Yorkshire Council. Where do you see the opportunities and challenges?

I think there is real benefit of being more widely connected throughout North Yorkshire. Local authority officers will have a county-wide overview that will

develop a holistic understanding of the positive impact of our sector. The theatre is an economic powerhouse bringing over 150,000 people into the town centre each year. The social benefits that the theatre provides through work in schools, youth theatre, partnerships with Harrogate Homeless Project and our local community groups demonstrate that the arts can really make an impact on everyone’s day to day life.

However, we are mindful that being in an authority that covers such a large and diverse geographical area will result in a competitive need for funding. So, we have to work harder and be more responsive to genuine place making that contributes to vibrant and sustainable activity in all our communities. Cultural organisations across the region need to work closely together to utilise expertise and resources, which is an exciting challenge.

What does Harrogate Theatre mean to you?

It’s a creative outlet, a place of fun, debate, education, communion and reflection. The theatre plays an intrinsic part in the well-being of our daily lives, it’s a place of celebration and making memories. I’m immensely proud to be a part of that.

You’ve been the Chief Executive at Harrogate Theatre now for almost 20 years. What stands out as you reflect back and look ahead to the future?

The pantomime stands out for me. Seeing how that has grown in people’s affection and the incredible feedback we get every year from our huge audiences is very special. Having the pleasure of writing it with the late Phil Lowe was so much fun and his presence and humour is very much felt as I continue to help create the show.

Harrogate Theatre has been labelled the Comedy Capital of the North by the press due to our superb annual festival. We attract some of the biggest names in the industry and many of the more successful comics choose to develop their material with us. It has been very gratifying to see how that has grown.

Harrogate Theatre’s artist development scheme has an industry-wide reputation for excellence, as we have provided a platform for new, emerging and exciting work. I’ve watched proudly as some of our participating companies have gone on to make a significant national and international impact.

Helping to build our education and creative engagement over the past fifteen years from nothing has been a huge achievement. Many thousands of young people have taken part in theatre related activity and it’s a vital part of what we do and will become increasingly important as we take on a greater regional remit. We continue to inspire the performers and audiences of the future.

The Trust and the Board of Directors have gone through huge positive change over the past twenty years and it’s been a rollercoaster at times of riding out various funding cuts, but that seems to be the nature of the arts. The theatre staff are really creative thinkers and hardworking and I cannot see that changing as we approach the many challenges that lie ahead.

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Performance Overview 2022 ⁄ 2023

Photo Credits: Left (Run Rabbit Run, Levantes Dance Theatre), Right (Emergence, Joss Arnott Dance)

In 22/23 there have been a sensational 435 performances in just 12 months. We’re proud to say our audiences showed tremendous faith in us and have returned post-pandemic in their thousands.

Harrogate Theatre is operated by the Harrogate (White Rose) Theatre Trust team who programme events not just at Harrogate Theatre but also at the Royal Hall, Harrogate Convention Centre and in step-free spaces

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across the town as we endeavour to bring a wide range of exciting performances to Harrogate.

Harrogate Theatre has been programming events at the Royal Hall since 2012 and Harrogate Convention Centre since 2014 on behalf of the former Harrogate Borough Council. This partnership enables Harrogate Theatre to attract bigger names to Harrogate and play its vital role in the local economy by attracting tourists from further afield to see the incredible acts we programme.

£20 MILLION ESTIMATED ECONOMIC IMPACT

£3,534,481 TOTAL INCOME IN 22/23 (£2,843,381 IN 19/20)

134,784

TOTAL TICKETS SOLD IN 22/23 (117,801 IN 19/20)

29,652

TOTAL BOOKERS IN 22/23 (25,335 IN 19/20)

£25.80

AVERAGE TICKET YIELD IN 22/23 (£24.32 IN 19/20)

3.17

AVERAGE PARTY SIZE IN 22/23 (3.17 IN 19/20)

70%

OF OVERALL CAPACITY

Productions at harrogate theatre

‘ THE RECENT REP PLAYS – THREE IN A ROW HAVE BEEN TRULY EXCELLENT. MANY CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CAST AND BACKSTAGE. WONDERFUL ENTERTAINMENT - VERY PROFESSIONAL. ’ AUDIENCE FEEDBACK

Photo Credits: Left (Abigail’s Party, Ant Robling), Right (Aladdin, Karl Andre)

REP

September saw the return of Harrogate Theatre’s repertory season in partnership with Phil&Ben Productions. The cast and crew rehearsed three plays and staged 18 performances to 3,500 people in just 28 days.

Abigail’s Party

by Mike Leigh directed by Marcus Romer

Gaslight

by Patrick Hamilton directed by Ben Roddy

Men of the World

by John Godber directed by Amie Burns Walker

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Aladdin

NOVEMBER 2022 – JANUARY 2023

ALADDIN KEY STATS

Aladdin’s wishes came true with another magical box office success for our much-loved pantomime. Written by David Bown and Phil Lowe; Directed by Marcus Romer.

85%

‘I just wanted to say how much I and my family enjoyed Aladdin today. Great family fun, no innuendoes or smutty jokes, and great acting from all involved. Please pass on my praises and best wishes to all concerned. Keep up this great tradition!’

AUDIENCE MEMBER

CAPACITY

32,362 TICKETS

6,152

TICKETS TO 50 LOCAL SCHOOLS

1,000

TICKETS SOLD TO YOUTH GROUPS

£23.59

AVERAGE ALADDIN TICKET PRICE

10,500

ICE CREAMS SOLD

122 Love Stories

Run Rabbit Run

122 Love Stories was a co-production between All Points North Productions and Harrogate Theatre building on the success of Our Gate, the first immersive community play we staged in 2021. It championed the power of theatre & storytelling whilst encouraging audiences to explore the theatre building with our intergenerational company. Participants ranged from 15 to 60 years of age, and involved those who have not previously engaged in community theatre before.

This included art makers from Henshaws Art & Crafts Centre. Participants shared that taking part hugely benefited them as their confidence, self-esteem & future outlook had grown, allowing themselves to fully engage & realise their newfound ambitions.

Through our Supported Artists scheme Harrogate Theatre were instrumental in the creation of Levantes Dance Theatre’s new intergenerational midscale dance/ circus show Run Rabbit Run. The show previewed with us in September 2022 launching our autumn season and went on to deliver a second preview at Lighthouse, Poole. The show is continuing to be developed and will embark on a 5 venue pilot tour soon. As part of the performance local 50+ womxn attended movement workshops and performed in Harrogate in a model which will be replicated across the tour. This provides meaningful opportunity for communities to participate in a new activity and gives a voice to womxn over 50, developing representation in dance. Run Rabbit Run is Levantes Dance Theatre’s biggest scale work to date and develops their audiences in England & Wales.

Harrogate Theatre’s ability to be able to support that transition to the mid-scale was key in this.

JULY 2022

‘So full of spirit and kindness which is absolutely what we need right now, you could tell everyone in it was so pleased to be a part of it and having the time of their lives.’

AUDIENCE MEMBER

‘Flipping brilliant, I would come again tomorrow.’

AUDIENCE MEMBER

SEPTEMBER 2022

‘Thank you so much for all your help these past 2 weeks!

We enjoyed our stay and everyone in the theatre was so lovely and accomodating.’

ELENI, RUN RABBITT RUN

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Genres

Photo Credits: Left (Macbeth, imitating the dog), Right-top (Richard E. Grant), Right-bottom (Verve, Northern School of Contemporary Dance)

Theatre

From classic to contemporary and everything in between Harrogate Theatre’s drama programme delighted audiences in 22/23. Touring highlights this year include NoMad (May) which was presented in association with Harrogate Homeless Project as part of their 30th anniversary fundraising campaign. Local actress Faye Weerasinghe starred in Full English (June) which used first hand stories to explore mixed race identity to powerful effect. The peerless Northern Broadsides brought their refreshing style to As You Like It (June) whilst The John Godber Company saw us reliving an 80s night out in the iconic Bouncers (February). We were also thrilled to welcome imitating the dog and their audacious and daring retelling of Macbeth (February).

Solo shows have led the way in our Studio work this year with the intimate space lending itself perfectly for

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sharing real and imagined personal stories. We saw an increase in solo performance in the post-pandemic landscape as work created in lockdown began to tour and the financial impact of the pandemic on artists continued to be felt. Highlights included Lost in Blue (April) which was fuelled by playful sound technology and an epic performance by Debs Newbould to explore a young women’s struggle with the fragility of life. Unnatural Cycles (January) drew on personal experiences of writer/performer Avital Raz in a nuanced exploration of infertility, faith and inherited generational trauma. Harrogate audiences love ghost stories and we welcomed two of our favourite ghostly performers back this year. R. M. Lloyd Parry terrified us with two tales of terror in H.P. Lovecraft: Gallery Of Screams (June) and Adam Z. Robinson performed two classic ghost stories in Haunted (March).

Dance

Our dance audiences saw exceptional growth as we welcomed incredible post-graduate talent from Joss Arnott Dance with Emergence (May) and Northern School of Contemporary Dance with Verve: Triple Bill (March). The incredible Untold Dance examined how people managed in the pandemic in On The Inside (April) and the award-winning James Wilton Dance wowed audiences with Lore taking them into a pagan world of gods, demons and humans. Finally Diversity (May) brought their incredible dance spectacle to the Convention Centre.

Music

Our eclectic music offering saw a blend of original artists bringing a real party spirit to the theatre and incredible tribute acts inviting us to bask in nostalgia. Memorable nights out at Harrogate Theatre this year included Limehouse Lizzy (May), An Evening Without Kate Bush (March), The Real Thing (January) and The Clare Teal Seven (March) to name but a few acts audiences danced the night away to throughout the year.

The Royal Hall and Convention Centre are perfectly designed for spectacular music events, and this year has seen the magnetic Paloma Faith (June), the pianomaster himself Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra (November) and the legend that is Billy Ocean (March) amongst others.

We know Harrogate and its visitors love a nostalgic party night and we’re happy to deliver a mix of everything you could wish for from sounds of the 50s with Elvis Years (April) and Jive Talkin’ (June) to the swinging sixties with The Bootleg Beatles (December) and Don’t Stop Believin’ (September), to the 80s with Radio Ga Ga (June).

Famous Faces

We are endlessly curious to hear about fascinating lives and the Royal Hall and Harrogate Convention Centre provide the perfect settings. Grayson Perry (April) and An Evening with Monty Don (November) saw familiar faces from tv bring their humour and insight to the Convention Centre. An Evening with Richard E Grant (October) was a moving celebration of the life he shared with his beloved wife and Paul Young: Behind The Lens (March) gave us a glimpse into his life beyond music. Steve Backshall’s sold-out Ocean (May) saw families sharing in the magic of his adventures whilst Levison Wood: The Art of Exploration (October) and Jason Fox: Life At The Limit (January) entertained audiences with their unique perspectives on travel and self-discovery.

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‘ SUCH A BRILLIANT NIGHT. SO GLAD TO BE BACK IN THEATRES. WE LAUGHED SO MUCH. JUST WHAT WE NEEDED.’ COMEDY FESTIVAL FEEDBACK

Photo Credits: Left (Sofie Hagen), Right-top (Barely Visible, Rowena Gander), Right-bottom (Tales From Acorn Wood, Norwell Lapley Productions)

Comedy

Over the last 15 years Harrogate has firmly established itself as an essential touring destination for the country’s brightest and best comedians. 2022 / 2023 saw 38 comedy nights exercising Harrogate’s funny bones including the acclaimed Comedy Festival and the regular Hyena Comedy Club. Lucky for us 4,686 tickets were sold for our 13th Annual Comedy Festival in October 2022. Audiences packed out the Studio, Main Auditorium and Royal Hall as comedians brought the haha to Harrogate.

Festival regular Jason Byrne returned with Unblocked and comedian and musician Mitch Benn helped us look at time in a new way in It’s About Time. Welsh wonder Kiri Pritchard-McLean brought her brilliant and thought-provoking Home Truths to Harrogate, whilst Sofie Hagan visited with Fat Jokes, a show bursting with big jokes and fat punchlines. We were proud to

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work with Sofie to update our website information signposting our seat accessibility.

Podcasting royalty Fi Glover and Jane Garvey stopped off at the Royal Hall on their tour of Did I Say That Out Loud? We were thrilled that Henning Wehn, local legend Maisie Adam, Jenny Eclair and Jon Richardson played to sell-out crowds.

Away from traditional stand-up audiences were treated to comedy musicals from Friendsical and Showstopper! and bewitching renditions of jazz, musical theatre and pop classics from La Voix–Eighth Wonder of the World. Finally, in A Bit of a Carry On actor Tyler Butterworth, told the funny, moving and unashamedly nostalgic story of his much-loved parents. As always the festival was rounded off with the brilliant Hyena Comedy Closing Gala.

Pride in Diversity Week

In June we were proud to host a range of performances supporting Harrogate’s Pride in Diversity week by offering a brilliant line of shows which encompassed life in all of its diversity.

Gender Rebels, presented in association with Harrogate Film Society and Yorkshire Silents, showcased queer goings-on in a double bill of silent film comedy with an original improvised musical score. How To Be Lucky movingly examined the reality of being a Syrian refugee whilst The Lawnmowers Theatre Ensemble presented Retake, Remake! a funny and thought-provoking performance where actors take back films made about learning disabled and disabled people but without learning disabled or disabled actors.

Our commitment to diversity extended beyond the theatre’s walls and included a performance at St Wilfrid’s Church Hall as we continue to stage smallscale work in accessible spaces. Barely Visible was an empowering physical solo performance focusing on common issues faced by queer women, using a 100kilo vertical pole. Howerd’s End rounded out the week and took audiences to the heart of Frankie Howerd and Dennis Heymer’s clandestine relationship.

Little Stages Festival This year Harrogate Theatre launched its first Little Stages Festival; a festival of work designed for our youngest theatre-goers as they visit the theatre, often for the first time. From stage adaptations of muchloved books like Zog (March) and the Tiger Who Came To Tea! (May) to the beauty of dance from Northern Ballet’s Pinocchio (April) children were welcomed into the magical world of live performance.

‘Thanks to @harrogatetheatre for putting these [children’s] shows on and allowing our little ones to have such good theatre experiences so early on!’

AUDIENCE MEMBER

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Community

Photo Credits: Left (Kinky Boots, HOPS), Across-left (The Mechanicals, Harrogate Dramatic Society), Across-right (Cracked Nuts, Glitterbomb Dancers)

Theatre Groups

Venues

This year we have welcomed:

StrongWomen Science (April) sold out at Wesley Centre, which proved a great setting for sparking young scientific imaginations in this exciting family show. We were warmly hosted for a number of events at Wesley Centre this year including an urgent interrogation of racial identity in My Voice Was Heard But It Was Ignored (October).

Harrogate is incredibly lucky to have a number of brilliant community theatre groups who bring fantastic performances and well-known titles to our stages and enable so many people to experience the joy of taking part. 9,188 people enjoyed seeing community productions in 22/23.

HARROGATE DRAMATIC SOCIETY A Bunch of Amateurs (April), The Mechanicals (June), Improbable Fiction (October) and The Arsonists (Beaton) (February) RIPON AMATEUR OPERATICS COMPANY Oliver (April) HOPS MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY Kinky Boots (June) HARROGATE ST ANDREWS PLAYERS Shrek: The Musical (October) WOODLANDS DRAMATIC SOCIETY Baskerville: Sherlock Holmes Mystery (November) HARROGATE PHOENIX PLAYERS All Shook Up (March)

Since the pandemic we’ve been taking low-tech performances which would have traditionally been programmed in our Studio out into step-free community spaces. Through this we support community partners by helping them to animate their spaces and we open up innovative performance to include more of our audience members.

Harrogate Library hosted The Purple List (May) and Heartfelt (November) as well as providing an inspiring setting for Harrogate Youth Theatre to create literatureinspired performances. Our 8–10 years youth theatre members devised performances centred around their favourite books in Open A Book (March) and our 15+ year members imagined how the future could look if they had a Blank Page (March).

Across this year we also programmed Barely Visible (June) at St. Wilfrid’s; exposed political spin in Dead Cats (November) at Harrogate Grammar School and supported the creation of a blisteringly inventive take on The Nutcracker in Cracked Nuts: Camper Than Christmas (December) at Cold Bath Brewery.

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Creative Engagement

Storytime at The Library Harrogate Theatre began delivering Storytimes at Harrogate Library in summer 2022 to nurture a love of performing stories and introduce theatre to young families. The Storytime sessions have built positive relationships with parents/guardians and very young children.

‘A massive thank you to Niki who is always brilliant at the library. We tell everyone about your Storytime sessions and how good they are.’

PARENT

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Shows: Left-top (Blank Page), Left-bottom (Open A Book), Right (Tuesday) Photo Credits: Helen Tabor Photography

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PRODUCTIONS

12

PERFORMANCES

106

HOURS OF SUPPORT FROM SENIOR YOUTH THEATRE MEMBERS ASSISTING WITH YOUNGER AGE GROUPS DEVELOP LEADERSHIP AND MENTORING SKILLS

149

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 5-18 TOOK PART IN HARROGATE YOUTH THEATRE ACROSS THE YEAR

Harrogate Youth Theatre

Harrogate Youth Theatre continues to deliver high-quality theatre-based activity to children and young people aged 5–18 throughout the year. Participants develop confidence, build communication and expressive skills, create long lasting friendships through working as an ensemble and learn to think flexibly as they create characters and perform in stories they have created and adapted.

‘But most importantly for me is that HYT has immeasurably improved my confidence; the reason I joined theatre in the first place was because of how quiet and shy I was when I was younger, and even though I’m still quite quiet, I feel like doing theatre has made me a much more confident person. I really appreciate how HYT always made me feel like my ideas were listened to (even when I said them really quietly!)’

HARROGATE YOUTH THEATRE MEMBER

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1000

CHILDREN INVOLVED

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AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS

20

AFTER SCHOOL CLUB PERFORMANCES

Schools

In 2022 we launched the School Partnership Scheme.

This year we have proudly partnered with Grove Road Community Primary School and Pannal Community Primary School to work with every child in school through after school drama clubs and to explore the curriculum creatively through workshops. The partnerships have helped to build new relationships with families from the school communities and we are proud to have been able to offer creative opportunities to young people who might not have accessed theatre experiences before.

‘Launching the School Partnership Scheme was an absolute highlight for me. It’s been fantastic to have closer relationships with our schools over a year and for schools to recognise and appreciate the value of what we offer.’

NIKI ALDERSON, CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

‘Our partnership with Harrogate Theatre has been a great success. Every class have experienced high quality drama workshops and the after-school club received great feedback from both pupils and parents. It has been a pleasure working with such a professional organisation whilst also knowing we are raising awareness in our school community about this important & historic resource.’

HEADTEACHER, PANNAL PRIMARY SCHOOL

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Thank you North Yorkshire Council Arts Council England Bob Partridge & VetDentist Chris Bentley Your Harrogate All of our wonderful White Rose members.

Our terrific ushers who donate so much of their time.

Everyone who donated to our Together We Will campaign in 2020.

Our Board of Trustees Deborah Larwood - Chair Fiona Hunt - Vice Chair Sandra Wiggins Stuart Wright Matthew Hill Vicky Ackroyd We are continually grateful to everyone who supported our Emergency Appeal and Harrogate Theatre Together campaigns. It is thanks to this support that we were able to re-open and welcome audiences, artists and participants once again to experience the magic of live performance.

Photo Credits: Cover (Elvira Zaikova), Left (Open A Book, Helen Tabor Photography), Right (Reel Film)

Ushers

Harrogate Theatre is incredibly fortunate to have a large volunteer team of ushers who provide a warm welcome to all visitors, ably directing patrons around the building, selling ice-creams and confectionary and helping the team to tidy up after each performance.

We’re incredibly thankful that they give their time and help us to welcome over 138,000 visitors to our events each year.

In 2022/2023, 98 ushers volunteered 12,702 hours over 3175 duties. Thank you to each and every one of them!

Moving Forward 23/24 As we look ahead to 2023/2024 there’s a lot to be optimistic about alongside a number of challenges.

There are so many ways you can help us to deliver our outstanding programme of work and creative opportunities for Harrogate’s residents and visitors.

From sponsoring our extensive work with young people, the artistic offer, working with us on the 125th birthday plans or supporting the Trust to upgrade the facilities within this magnificent Grade II Listed Building.

Get in touch with David Bown at info@harrogatetheatre. co.uk to arrange a chat to find out more.

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With Thanks: Harrogate (White Rose) Theatre Trust Ltd., Registered Charity No.225342. Registered Office: Oxford Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QF.