SPRING 2023
Booking
Online: thelbt.org
In person: Mon - Sat from 10am - 5pm
By phone: 01484 430528
Phone line open at times above
Getting Here
Our address is:
Queen Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2SP
Parking: Visit the Kirklees Council website for the most up-to-date parking information.
All information is correct at time of printing. Please visit thelbt.org for the most up-to-date information.
Visiting
We’re open to the public Mon-Sat from 10am-5pm and from 90 minutes before show times.
Pop in to see the exhibitions or see how you can get involved at our new studio.
Café-bar open Wed and Sat 12pm-5pm and for shows.
Age guidance for shows available online at thelbt.org.
CAP Captioned Performance
Cover Image: Macbeth, retold by imitating the dog. More info on page 19.
Key Welcome
The Tempest (2022)Lawrence Batley Theatre Community Production.
Photo by Ian Hodgson.
This season is packed full of incredible shows carefully picked especially for you with lots of variety on offer. imitating the dog return to our stage in May, with their brand new production of Macbeth. The company have a unique and ground-breaking style of live performance that is combined with film and technology which creates a truly magical experience like no other. Worldclass dance-circus company Motionhouse are stopping off again on their global tour with Starchitects, this fun show full of thrilling surprises is made for families and follows five children who dream of reaching the moon.
I am thrilled to welcome back mystery maestros Highly Suspect with their new show An Austentatious Murder. They visited us last year and played to a sell out crowd in our cellar. This was our first sell out show since we reopened, so they will always hold a special place in my heart.
Our co-produced show Jesus, Jane, Mother & Me returns ahead of its national tour this year. Last year we had great success with it at the Edinburgh Fringe, where it was critically acclaimed gaining five star reviews and an award for best solo performance.
In everything we do, we continue to strive to be the creative heart of Huddersfield. To help us fulfil this ambition I am proud to tell you that we are keeping our tickets affordable for everyone. This year sees us launch more schemes and partnerships with local organisations to ensure that as many people as possible get the chance to experience the magic of live theatre. See you here soon,
2 3
Becky Atkinson
Chief Executive of Lawrence Batley Theatre
££ off! Book multiple
at once and get
British Sign Language Audio Described
RP Relaxed Performance
shows
See page 23 for more info
George wishes he wasn’t the scruffiest giant in town.
So when he sees a new shop selling giant-sized clothes, he decides it’s time for a new look: smart trousers, smart shirt, stripy tie, shiny shoes.
Now he’s the smartest giant in town . . . until he bumps into some animals who desperately need his help – and his clothes!
Based on the bestselling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, this heart-warming tale about friendship and helping those in need is brought to life in a musical, puppet-filled adventure.
Adam Perchard’s
Bathtime for Britain
The monthly night of words returns!
Hosted by award-winning poet Rose Condo, each month features a special guest performer sharing poetry and stories along with open mic performances.
Attic Stories Mon 30 Jan, Mon 27 Feb, Mon 27 Mar, Mon 24 Apr Attic Theatre 7:30pm Pay as you Feel
SPOKEN WORD & TALKS
Main House 4pm - Thu 11:30am & 2pm - Fri-Sat Tickets from £14 Thu 19 – Sat 21 January FAMILY ★ ★ ★ ★ “A joy” Evening Standard
Dr
Fri 27
Main House 8pm Tickets £16 “Hugely
CABARET & VARIETY A FIERYLIGHT & LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE CO-PRODUCTION A musical adaptation of the bestselling book by The Smartest Giant in Town © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 2002 –Macmillan Children’s Books
January
talented” - The Times Big hits, belly laughs, booming vocals, and Liberace-level costumery from queer cabaret legend Dr Adam Perchard.
Batley Theatre in association with KETCHUP productions and Richard Jordan Productions
matinee CABARET & VARIETY ★★★★★ “Spellbinding” The Daily Telegraph WINNER Best solo performance
Young
This twisted coming-of-age The Northern Swing Orchestra A Tribute to the Rat Pack Sat 11 February Main House 7:30pm Tickets from £17.50
story blending pitch black humour and heartache by awardwinning playwright Philip Stokes (Heroin(e) for Breakfast) explores family dynamics, who our idols are and just how hard life can be when you’re a little bit different. MUSIC
Main House 7:30pm 2:30pm - Sat
Tickets £15 Lawrence
Jesus, Jane, Mother & Me Thu 2 – Sat 4 February DRAMA ★★★★★ “Gripping & visceral” The Stage Whether you’ve been a fan for decades or recently joined the shoal via the Stranger Things phenomenon, this is a glorious homage to the music, fans and mythology of one of the most influential voices in British music. 6 7 Main House 7:30pm Tickets £20 Sarah-Louise
and Russell Lucas An Evening Without Kate Bush Wed 15 February Sixteen-piece Leeds based
Swing Orchestra return for a fun filled evening with their Rat Pack and Big Band
the
the show will include some timeless songs
as The Lady
and
and
Meet Daniel Valentine. It’s Mother’s Day and he has returned to his family home to celebrate. He’s here to tell you his story. A story of a domineering mother, church trips, youth club discos and a transformative trip to the theatre to see a certain Yorkshire songstress that ultimately changes everything. But do all stories have a happy ending? That A Kick In The Head.
Northern
show. Featuring
music of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.,
such
Is A Tramp, Me
My Shadow
Ain’t
February for families! OPERA The much-loved tale of Cinderella is told in this beautiful opera, with rich songs and soaring vocals. The characters speak in English and sing in French with English subtitles, this 70 minute show is a great introduction to opera for families of all ages. Cinderella – The Opera By Pauline Viardot Thu 9 – Fri 10 February Main House 7pm 2:30pm - Thu matinee Tickets £22/Child £14 Buxton International Festival A fantastic, fast-paced family experience filled with breath-taking magic and fun! The Gasps & Giggles Show Sun 12 February Main House 2:30pm Tickets £14.50/Child £12 High Jinx Magic, Illusion & Circus Show Sat 18 February Main House 2:30pm & 7pm Tickets £14.50/Child £12 High Jinx OPERA Based on the music and story of Janáček’s opera The Cunning Little Vixen, join Opera North for this family-friendly interactive and relaxed concert. Opera North Little Listeners: Mini Vixen Sat 11 February Dewsbury Library – 10:30am Pay as you feel Lawrence Batley Theatre - 1pm Tickets £5 8 9 Retelling the famous Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, Ugly Duckling is the perfect opportunity for your little ones to enjoy live ballet, music and theatre for the first time. Northern Ballet Ugly Duckling Sun 19 February ★★★★★ - The Stage ★★★★ - The Guardian Main House 2pm, 4pm & 6pm Tickets from £8 TOURS Step into the limelight in our special backstage tour! Take in the stories of our historic building, have a behind-thescenes sneak peek and be treated to some delicious refreshments in our café-bar. Backstage Tour Sat 18 February Sat 15 April 11am Tickets £15 FAMILY CIRCUS Family of 4 (max 2 adults) £45 Family of 4 (max 2 adults) £45
It’s Ally’s 21st birthday. It’s time to down your drink, get on the dance floor and go ‘out out’ with best friend Pip. As the night descends into a haze of expectations vs. reality will it be game over for Ally, or should she just stop playing? “Where there’s muck there’s brass” A hilarious and moving comedy-drama about the great outdoors and the people who enjoy it. Collected from real local interviews, Ladies That Dig is a fertile blend of live music, comedy, and true tales from women who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.
DRAMA A hilarious and interactive whodunnit event
acclaimed
maestros. Cellar Theatre 7:45pm Tickets £12 Highly Suspect An Austentatious Murder Sat 25 February
Saher Shah Vitamin D Mon 6 March Main House 7:30pm Tickets £15 DRAMA Ladies That Bus Theatre Co. Ladies That Dig Fri 24 February Dark Horse Theatre #Unit 21 Wed 22 – Thu 23 February 10 11 DRAMA Main House 7:30pm 1pm - Thu matinee Tickets £10 World Premiere CAP All performances captioned Main House 7:30pm Tickets £15 DRAMA
from
mystery
Larki’s moved back in with her parents after her divorce. Now she’s facing friends, family, aunties and the epic decision between jalebi or gulaab jamun. With an all-female cast, Vitamin D looks at the changing relationships between women, emotional crises, British South Asian culture and the stigma of divorce. Sometimes funny, sometimes dramatic, Vitamin D explores what it means to be happy in the face of judgement.
Woodhouse Musical Theatre Company
Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Tue 21 – Sat 25 March
Main House
7:30pm, 2:15pm - Sat matinee
Tickets from £15
Book by Stephan Elliot and Allan Scott
Musical arrangements and Orchestrations by Stephen ‘Spud’ Murphy
Developed for the Stage and Originally Directed by Simon Phillips
Join us on a heart-warming, uplifting adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship and end up finding more than they had ever dreamed of. With outrageous costumes and a host of dancefloor favourites, this show is guaranteed to have you dancing in the aisles.
“Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical” is presented through special arrangement with and all authorised performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW), www.theatricalrights.co.uk
Better Days
Tue 7 March
Cellar
Theatre 8pm Post-show talk Tickets £16
1990. Danny is a 19-year-old who stands at the crossroads of football violence and house music. Better Days takes the audience on a musical journey from 1990 to 1993, combining poetic storytelling with top tunes from the best era ever!
In the Gallery
Open Mon-Sat from 10am – 5pm and for shows
FREE ENTRY
The Half by Simon Annand
Three decades of actors preparing for the stage.
35 years photographing 35 minutes.
MUSICAL
Ben Tagoe
12 13 DRAMA
★★★★★ - What’s Good to Do EASTER FUN! FAMILY Zog tries so very hard to win a golden star at Madam Dragon’s school as he bumps, burns and roars his way through. Luckily, the plucky Princess Pearl is on hand to patch him up as he gets ready to face his biggest challenge yet! Based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Zog Tue 28 – Thu 30 March Main House 4:30pm 10:30am - Wed & Thu Tickets from £15 Freckle Productions in association with Rose Theatre FAMILY Join Mr. Bubbles for a unique blend of magic, storytelling, and bubble art in an interactive, fun, international awardwinning bubble extravaganza! The Bubble Show Mon 3 April Main House 2pm Tickets from £7 ★★★★★ “flawlessly simple and full of wonder” - Deadline News
sea,
mermaid Ariel
her
home to live in the world above.
In a magical kingdom beneath the
the beautiful young
longs to leave
ocean
Light Opera
are
with another fairy-tale
by Disney.
.
Main House 7:15pm – Mon - Fri 2:15pm - Mon matinee 11am & 3pm – Sat - Sun Tickets from £7 Mon 10 – Sun 16 April MUSICAL 14 15 Book by Stephan Elliot and Allan Scott Music by Alan Menken Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Glenn Slater
Following their roaring success with Shrek the Musical, Huddersfield
Company
back
classic
This fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs including Under the Sea, Kiss the Girl, and Part of Your World
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.MTIShows.co.uk
Huddersfield Light Opera Company
Motionhouse
Starchitects
Sat 22 April
Main House
2pm & 6pm
Tickets from £10
Five children dream of reaching the moon from their bedroom…join the ‘Starchitects’ as they plan their daring mission. Will they succeed? And if they do, what will they find there..?
Full of fun and thrilling surprises, Starchitects, the new show from Motionhouse for children and families is engaging for audiences of all ages –from tiny tots to older siblings, parents and grandparents who can all enjoy and join the magical adventure. Starchitects is a visual spectacle using the dance-circus fusion and digital projections that Motionhouse is renowned for, with an easy-to-follow fun and imaginative storyline, making it a perfect outing for the whole family.
The University of Huddersfield Big Band
Wed 26 April
Main House
7:30pm
Tickets £13
The renowned student band from the University of Huddersfield return to the Lawrence Batley Theatre stage!
Expect an eclectic mix of classic swing, evocative ballads, exciting latin and original funk.
Young Company
Running during term time, our Young Company offers young people aged 6-15 weekly classes to help develop their performance and creative skills.
Each term our passionate Young Company leaders focus on a specific theatre-related theme building up to an informal sharing to family and friends. Previous sessions have seen the young people work towards creating their very own murder mystery play, radio play and pantomime.
Find out more about getting involved at thelbt.org
DANCE
16 17
MUSIC
Photo: Jon Robert
Main House 7:30pm Tickets from £10
2016 Olivier Award Winners – Best Entertainment and Family Show
A brand new musical comedy is created from scratch each night, as audience suggestions are transformed on the spot into an all-singing, all dancing production with hilarious results. So whether you fancy Hamilton in a hospital or Sondheim in the Sahara, you suggest it and The Showstoppers will sing it!
Macbeth
By William Shakespeare Retold by imitating the dog Wed 3 – Sat 6 May
Main House 7:30pm 2.30pm - Thu matinee Post-show talk: Wed 3 May Tickets from £10
original” (The Stage on Dracula: The Untold Story 2021)
It will have blood, they say Three mysterious figures enter the stage. They talk of the hurly-burly, of thunder and lightning, and of a young couple who believe they can overthrow the old regime. They conjure the Macbeths, placing them in a dangerous new world where paranoia, betrayal and brutality rule.
Blood will have blood Fusing live action with innovative video technology, imitating the dog’s daring retelling of Macbeth is a neon noir thriller made for now, where Shakespeare’s original language collides with startling new scenes, stunning visuals, and a powder-keg intensity.
18
★ ★ ★ ★
“Dazzlingly
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical Fri 28 – Sat
April MUSICAL DRAMA ★★★★★ - Daily Telegraph ★★★★★ - Time Out Critics’ Choice ★★★★ - The Times ★★★★ - Evening Standard ★★★★ - The Stage
29
22 23 BOX OFFICE: 01484 430528 | THELBT.ORG Come and relax in our café-bar Enjoy speciality coffee from Dark Woods, roasted locally and served expertly by our baristas, with a choice of savoury treats, cakes and confectionery for you to tuck into. We also serve some of the finest local beers from Magic Rock, along with a full range of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. Order your interval drinks from the scan points in the theatre before you go in to avoid the queues! Open every Wed and Sat 12pm – 5pm and for shows JANUARY Thu 19 - Sat 21 The Smartest Giant in Town Thu 19 Comedy Cellar Fri 27 Bathtime for Britain Mon 30 Attic Stories FEBRUARY Thu 2 - Sat 4 Jesus, Jane, Mother & Me Thu 9 - Fri 10 Cinderella - The Opera Sat 11 A Tribute to Rat Pack Sat 11 Little Listeners: Mini Vixen Sun 12 High Jinx - Gasps and Giggles Wed 15 An Evening Without Kate Bush Sat 18 High Jinx - Illusion and Circus Sat 18 Backstage Tour Sun 19 Ugly Duckling Wed 22 - Thu 23 #Unit 21 Thu 23 Comedy Cellar Fri 24 Ladies That Dig Sat 25 An Austentatious Murder Mon 27 Attic Stories MARCH Fri 3 Hal Cruttenden Mon 6 Vitamin D Tue 7 Better Days Sun 19 Eshaan Akbar Tue 21 - Sat 25 Priscilla Queen of the Desert Thu 23 Comedy Cellar Mon 27 Attic Stories Tue 28 - Thu 30 Zog Fri 31 Carl Hutchinson APRIL Mon 3 The Bubble Show Mon 10 - Sun 16 The Little Mermaid Sat 15 Backstage Tour Sat 22 Starchitects Mon 24 Attic Stories Wed 26 Huddersfield University Big Band Thu 27 Comedy Cellar Fri 28 - Sat 29 Showstopper! The Improvised Musical MAY Wed 3 - Sat 6 Macbeth Schedule *Shows must be booked at the same time, offer not available in retrospect. Only available on select shows, marked by Season Deal ticket 15% off! 2 shows in the season and get 20% off! Book 3 shows in the season and get 25% off! Book 5 shows in the season and get * * * We wouldn’t be here without our incredible funders. Thank you so much for your continued support!
Visit thelbt.org for more information For just £30 per year, you can get these exclusive benefits: Priority booking on headline shows Invitations to special meet the artist events and talks Members only newsletters Annual thank you from the Chief Executive The opportunity to support and sustain an arts charity INTRODUCING
Batley Theatre Membership Scheme
Lawrence