Harrogate Theatre
Annual Review 11/12
IMAGE: The Knowledge Emporium presented by Slung Low. Harrogate town centre played host to an airstream campervan packed full of sweets, which passers-by could exchange for snippets of knowledge culminating in a performance in the Studio Theatre at the end of the week
Welcome... This year has seen exciting co-productions with many diverse companies and some great work from our ever buoyant Youth Theatre, as the education department continues to work extensively with young people throughout the region. The third Harrogate Comedy Festival played to sell out houses as we were hailed the ‘Comedy Capital of The North’, attracting many big names. Also the pantomime Beauty and The Beast proved to be the most successful show that Harrogate Theatre has ever put on in its entire 112 year history. Another highlight for me was the Two’s Company Festival, the experience of having a play performed just for my benefit was one i will never forget. Strategically Harrogate Theatre has become an integral part of the town centre economy as it has also taken on the box office delivery for two other major venues in the district - the Royal Hall and the Harrogate International Centre. In addition you will have noticed the new brand of ‘Harrogate Theatres’ that has seen the team here begin to programme for both the Theatre and the Royal Hall. Like many arts organisations Harrogate Theatre has been hit by some drastic funding decisions in recent years; a £260,000 cut in 2009/10 by the Arts Council and last year North Yorkshire County Council reduced its grant by £53,000 with very little warning. Under these circumstances the Theatre’s most pertinent achievement in 2011/12 has been to develop its operational framework to provide a greater artistic choice (and challenge) than ever before. The work on the stage continues to be an inclusive, vibrant and resounding success. Last year the company once again achieved positive results against its targets. However now, more than ever, the Theatre needs sustained support from the public and the business community as government funding continues to be eroded and despite these recent successes there are very difficult times ahead. As always I would like to thank all those that have contributed to making Harrogate Theatre the success that it is the thousands of people that attend, the incredible volunteers that help out front of house, the Friends of the Theatre who work tirelessly at fundraising and our amazingly dedicated staff that make every day a positive experience.
David Bown Chief Executive
A Year in Review 11/12 at Harrogate Theatre: OVERVIEW Harrogate Theatre’s Economic Impact on the District
421 performances at Harrogate Theatre 93,869 tickets allocated which equates to 69% of the overall capacity A visit to the Theatre has a knock on effect for the local economy. Using the widely acknowledged ‘economic impact’ calculation devised by Arts Council, England, Harrogate Theatre’s contribution to the economy of the District in 2011/12 is
£8,667,412.
Artistic Achievements
7 in-house productions with 5 creative producers 124 venues visited on tour 22 performances nationwide 45,587 people attended
Education & Outreach Achievements
264 members of Harrogate Youth Theatre 293 Harrogate Youth Theatre workshops 392 children worked with on after-schools clubs 255 people have been on a backstage tour
A geographic breakdown of all Harrogate Theatre attendees for 11/12
Elsewhere 15760 18%
YO 5337 6% BD 3142 3%
LS 11981 13%
HG 53263 60%
Beauty & The Beast
Made In Harrogate 7 in-house productions 5 creative partners 124 venues on tour 222 performances nationwide 45,587 audience members nationwide
Kala Kahani: Artistic Tales A Kala Sangam & Harrogate Theatre Production
APR & JUN 2011 2 performances 100 attended Harrogate Theatre were delighted to welcome back for its third year running musicians, dancers and storytellers from the highly regarded South Asian arts organisation Kala Sangam for two performances exploring South Asian cultural practice and folklore. The Studio Theatre provided the backdrop for evenings of Indian classical dance, storytelling, song and traditional music.
2011/12 was one of Harrogate Theatre’s most creative and diverse years with an expansion of the number of co-producers which enabled its work to travel further than ever before and be seen by more people.
The performances fascinated all, from those new to South Asian cultural practice to those familiar with the art forms and even those who came to previous performances and wished to develop their understanding. Kala Sangam aims to deliver high quality South Asian arts through innovative collaborations accessible to people of all ages. Through its work the company notably values diversity and aims to bring communities together by promoting cultural understanding and mutual respect and ensuring fair access to the arts. “A feast for the eyes and ears and a treat for the imagination� Audience Member
Weekend Breaks
Fagin’s Last Hour
By John Godber
Written by James Hyland Adapted from Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist
A Reform Theatre & Harrogate Theatre Production
A Brother Wolf & Harrogate Theatre Production
THUR 15 – SAT 17 SEPT 2011
THUR 15 – SAT 17 SEPT 2011
NATIONAL TOUR 8 Venues 10 performances 1856 attended
NATIONAL TOUR 8 venues 12 performances 1740 attended
Reform Theatre Company have had a long and successful history of bringing productions to Harrogate Theatre and Weekend Breaks was the first show by them as an associate company.
Harrogate Theatre was delighted to host the world premiere of Fagin’s Last Hour, based on Charles Dickens’ classic tale of crime and punishment, Oliver Twist, adapted and performed by award-winning actor and writer James Hyland. Told from the point of view of Fagin the Miser, one hour before his execution, this brand new stage adaptation offered a fresh insight into literature’s most controversial villain.
A Sheffield based theatre company, Reform Theatre Company was formed in 1998 by actor and director Keith Hukin. The company is dedicated to producing plays by Northern playwrights and tours throughout the country to small and mid-scale venues. Written in 1997, John Godber’s classic comedy tells the tale of Martin, who has travelled to the Lake District to concentrate on writing his Hollywood blockbuster – with all the peace and quiet he could hope for, or so he thought. He’s also invited his parents along for a nice cosy weekend getaway. When they turn up after last visiting the Lakes years ago, it’s still raining. It’s cold, damp and wet, they’re dropping to bits and there’s a tablet for every complaint. What should have been an enjoyable weekend away soon takes a dramatic turn as revelations and pent-up family frustrations reveal themselves.
Following its opening in Harrogate the show went on a national tour including a West End run where James was awarded Best Performer in Theatre at the Fringe Report Awards 2012 as well as a nomination for The London Theatre Award. The enduring success of James’ universally acclaimed one-man show also led to an invitation from Buckingham Palace to attend a reception by The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh to mark the Bicentenary of the birth of Charles Dickens. “Riveting acting... stunning voice work... Unforgettable” The Stage
The Rocking Horse Winner
Beauty & The Beast
Written & Directed by Nobby Dimon Adapted from D.H Lawrence’s Novel
Written by Phil Lowe & David Bown
A North Country Theatre & Harrogate Theatre Production
A Harrogate Theatre Production
WED 21 - SAT 24 SEPT 2011
FRI 25 NOV 2011 - SUN 14 JAN 2012
NATIONAL TOUR 49 venues 55 performances 5,633 attended
75 performances 31,945 attended
Harrogate Theatre once again teamed up with North Country Theatre - originators of the Olivier Award-winning West End and Broadway Hit The 39 Steps and 2010’s hugely successful A Blood Wedding in Wensleydale – to present a new adaptation of D.H. Lawrence’s psychological thriller, The Rocking Horse Winner. Following its opening at Harrogate Theatre the show toured nationally and rurally.
For the first time ever Harrogate Theatre presented the magical Beauty & The Beast as its festive pantomime. Once again the annual Christmas show broke box office records with nearly 32,000 people attending over its run making it the most successful production in the history of Harrogate Theatre.
Founded in Richmond, North Yorkshire, by Artistic Director Nobby Dimon, North Country Theatre has been delighting audiences and critics with their witty adaptations and hilarious spoofs for over fifteen years. Renowned for their tongue-incheek humour and theatrical invention they have toured to rural communities locally, regionally and nationally performing in village halls, small theatres, arts centres, churches, auction marts, castles, railway waiting rooms, hotels, gardens, almost anywhere in fact. “The moments when the creepy rocking horse, to which Paul owes so much, comes alive are genuinely spooky in this atmospheric little piece that continues North Country Theatre’s run of good form” Yorkshire Post
Retaining all the hallmarks of Harrogate’s truly traditional pantomime this festive feast of family entertainment once again proved why people travel from all over the region to experience a Harrogate Theatre pantomime and why the Theatre is gaining an unrivalled reputation for Christmas entertainment. “This year’s Harrogate Theatre panto exudes the feeling that, well, the festive season has really begun” Harrogate Advertiser
Housebound
My Favourite Summer
Written by Nick Lane
Written by Nick Lane
A Reform Theatre & Harrogate Theatre Production
A Reform Theatre & Harrogate Theatre Production
TUE 29 NOV - SAT 3 DEC 2011
TUE 6 - SAT 10 MAR 2012
NATIONAL TOUR 24 venues 30 performances 1856 attended
NATIONAL TOUR 34 venues 40 performances 2557 attended
The prolific Reform Theatre Company returned with a World Premiere production of Housebound written by the acclaimed Nick Lane. This brand new dark comedy tackled many pressing social issues and brought them to the stage.
In 2012 Reform Theatre remounted Nick Lane’s My Favourite Summer.
Housebound revolves around a housebound elderly couple Lucy and Jim, and Ash, a parentless teenage criminal, whose life now belongs to the world of housebreaking and drugs. In the middle of a robbery, Ash gets caught by the elderly couple and the victim himself as they hold him against his wishes. Over a period of time we follow this unlikely chain of events as secrets, regrets and turmoil are unearthed and the choices they have taken in life are reflected upon. Reform Theatre Company founder and Housebound director Keith Hukin stated in a recent interview “I am very excited to be working with one of the most respected up and coming young playwrights in the business. Housebound showcases a very different direction for Nick’s writing, and suits exactly what Reform Theatre is trying to achieve with live theatre.”
Set in 1995, the story revolved around Dave Lees (played by ex-Emmerdale regular Matthew Booth), who takes a summer job whilst trying to save money. Dave spends a month working alongside Melvin (played by director Keith Hukin) in the summer job from hell. Melvin becomes the selfappointed mentor to Dave on everything from cleaning scaffolding fittings to winning the girl he loves. Doncaster born writer Nick Lane maintains that the storyline of My Favourite Summer and, in particular, the character of Melvin, are based on his own diary entries from the early nineties: “I worked in a scaffolding warehouse for about a month. Here was a guy [Melvin] so incredibly different to me; who scared the hell out of me and who was utterly unforgettable. He dominated my diary for a month; his unusual wisdom, his odd advice; his ‘adventures’ with his friends... I should say that a huge amount of what you see in the play is true - at least according to my diary.”
Played In Harrogate To complement our produced work Harrogate Theatre also presented a rich and varied programme of shows from some of the most acclaimed theatre companies and performers in the country. Our flourishing artistic programme saw us develop our commitment to showcasing productions that stimulate audiences, push boundaries and above all entertain. 45 different shows from 42 different companies 106 performances
Xerxes FAMILY Our programme of live entertainment for families continued to expand this year, with much loved characters from children’s books such as Julia Donaldson’s Gruffalo’s Child (April), Stick Man (October) and Holzworth and Erlbrauch’s The Mole Who Knew It Was None Of His Business (June) brought to life onstage. Live theatrical adaptations of popular children’s television characters also went down a storm with younger audiences, with comedy double act Big Howard Little Howard making two appearances (April & February) and Peppa Pig continuing to mesmerize young and old in her charming and energetic birthday party show. The Theatre hosted companies that excel in introducing children to the theatre such as Little Angel Theatre who engrossed young
Another Someone
audiences with two magical puppetry shows: the insect-filled Fabulous Flutterbys (April) and The Tempest adaptation The Magician’s Daughter (October) with the Royal Shakespeare Company. The National Black Light Theatre of Prague delighted audiences young and old with their amazing circus-style Adventures of Baron Munchausen (May/June), while Gonzo Moose continued to gain a reputation with Harrogate audiences with their very silly family fairytale adventure Grimm & Grimmer (November). Sticks, Stones, Broken Bones (June) saw unusual and highly entertaining characters be created from household items and rubbish – a real treat for all the family. DRAMA & THEATRE Revivals of theatrical classics, new writing and devised work
Bound
from emerging and established companies helped to make this season of theatre the most interesting and diverse yet. TV’s most famous detective Lieutenant Columbo made his stage debut with Lieutenant Columbo in Prescription Murder (April) starring Coronation Street’s Brian Capron, while classic Victorian drama Cranford, made famous by a recent BBC adaptation, was staged in May. Harrogate Theatre also hosted the only Yorkshire date of Timberlake Wertenbaker’s Olivier award-winning play Our Country’s Good (March), which proved especially popular with schools in the region. Work by Northern writers and companies continued to be featured heavily - Hull Truck Theatre presented three very different but equally well-received productions: an adaptation of D.H.
Lawrence’s controversial novel Lady Chatterley’s Lover (May) in the Studio Theatre, and in the Main House, John Godber’s classic comedy April in Paris (May) starring Wendi Peters and Alan Bennett’s masterpiece The Lady in the Van (July) starring Nichola McAuliffe. Rich Seam Theatre Company presented John Godber’s play Beef (September) in the Studio Theatre, starring acclaimed actor Matthew Booth (Emmerdale, At Home With the Braithwaites). Alongside their collaborations with Harrogate Theatre, associate company Reform Theatre also presented Gordon Steel’s hilarious and moving comedy Studs (May). Three Stones Media’s brand new production of Broken Time (September), written by Mick Martin, explored the people and stories behind the establishment of Rugby League, which was accompanied by a wellattended pre-show discussion on the history of the sport and the writing of the play. A whole host of innovative new work was at the forefront of Harrogate Studio Theatre’s theatre programme this year. Paines Plough, the foremost exponent of new writing in British theatre, toured their energetic exploration of Britishness in Tiny Volcanoes (April) while Tales from the Blackjack (May), a one man portrayal of casino culture thrilled audiences. The powerful award-winning new play by Bear Trap Theatre Bound (July) hurled audiences overboard with their haunting depiction of the decline of the fishing industry. July also saw a blistering new adaptation of a classic story; Hyde re-looked at Jekyll & Hyde in an atmospheric new staging. September saw two sell-out shows from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival tour to Harrogate – Maison Foo’s topsy turvy tale of memory and loss in Memoirs of a Biscuit Tin and Little Bulb Theatre’s quirky, musical and magical coming-of-age tale Operation Greenfield. Comic theatre at its very best played to sell-out audiences in You’re Not Like The Other Girls Chrissy (February) by Caroline Horton, while perfomer John Osborne presented the 5 star smash hit show John Peel’s Shed (February) – an ode to John Peel’s
Broken Time
Memoirs of a Biscuit Tin
Th record collection. Multimedia theatre innovators Analogue Theatre returned to the Main House with their story of one man’s contribution to neuroscience in 2401 Objects (March). Local companies were represented in full force in the theatre programme. The new show Thirsty (February) from Leeds-based Fringe First award-winning Paper Birds – an honest exploration of binge drinking in modern society, while Unlimited Theatre tackled quantum physics in a fusion of science and theatre in Ethics of Progress (March). Rash Dash Theatre performed their Edinburgh Fringe First hit Another Someone (May) while Harrogate town centre played host to an airstream campervan packed full of sweets, which passers-by could exchange for snippets of knowledge in Slung Low’s The Knowledge Emporium (September) culminating in a performance in the Studio Theatre at the end of the week. Faulty Optic intrigued audiences with their haunting fairy tale Plucked (September) using puppetry,
animation, film and projection to pull the story along. MUSIC Music to suit all tastes was programmed in the Theatres two spaces this year. A classy evening of music saw Claire Martin & Richard Rodney Bennett (July) perform the Irving Berlin songbook while Britain’s most popular soprano Lesley Garrett (January) presented a delightful evening of song and chat. Fans of big band and swing music were catered for with evenings with the Syd Lawrence Orchestra (February) and the Pasadena Roof Orchestra (March). Important figures in British popular music were well represented, including jazz-funk stalwarts James Taylor Quartet (April), consummate entertainer and musician Rick Wakeman (April), a spectacular evening of entertainment by Toyah Wilcox (July) and sold out shows by 1970s rock legends Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel (July), Julian Cope (July) and Nick Lowe (February).
Stick Man
Time Gentlemen Please
he Lady In The Van Harrogate’s most successful band Wally put on a show to remember in June, as well as The Counterfeit Stones; – a tribute to the Rolling Stones that is to be seen to be believed. Gigs by Super Furry Animals frontman Gruff Rhys (July) and Idlewild’s Roddy Woomble (October) continued to prove the versatility of the Theatre’s space, perfect for enjoying an evening of live music. Fresh and funky ukulele group The Ukulele Project (July) reinterpreted many modern songs in their own unique style while The Magnets (July) showcased glorious harmonies and impressive beatboxing in their popular show. The talent of guitarist extraordinaire Preston Reed (February) was equally astounding when he sold out two concerts in the Studio Theatre. Scotland’s most celebrated fiddle ensemble Blazin’ Fiddles (June) presented a riproaring celebration of traditional Scottish music while boundary-defying Moishe’s Bagel (February) brought their unique style of jazz-inflected Balkan music to the stage.
CABARET
OPERA
Irreverent topical humour combined with real musical talent in shows by two of the most popular cabaret acts on the UK circuit – Olivier awardnominees and You Tube sensations Fascinating Aida (March) went down a storm with all their latest hits while London’s sharpest cabaret performers Bourgeois & Maurice (March) merged bitingly witty songs with a truly staggering collection of outfits.
There was plenty to keep fans of opera entertained this year with Swansea City Opera’s production of Rossini’s most famous comic opera The Barber of Seville (April). English Touring Opera presented a trio of baroque operas in November, with Purcell’s midsummer’s night dream The Fairy Queen, Handel’s tale of two star-crossed lovers Flavio and his hilarious comedy of manners reset during The Battle of Britain: Xerxes.
FAMOUS FACES Many famous faces took to the Harrogate Theatre stage this year, including politician, novelist and TV personality Ann Widdecombe (April) talking about her life and work. Actress and musical theatre personality Patricia Routledge performed an hour long musical homage to Dame Myra Hess entitled Admission: One Shilling (June) accompanied by Piers Lane on the piano. Actor and impressionist Alistair McGowan appeared alongside Charlotte Page in an extremely well received evening of entertainment celebrating the work of Noel Coward entitled Sincerely Noel (February). Finally, cricket commentator and personality Henry Blofeld (March) packed out the Theatre auditorium with his evening of anecdotes and chat.
DANCE In March hip hop dance met folk tradition in a dance extravaganza called Time Gentlemen Please (March), featuring musicians The Demon Barber Roadshow. Truly a night to remember, several local Morris dancing groups lined Oxford Street to greet audience members before the show, while during the interval and after the show, young hip hop dancers performed in the Circle bar at the Theatre.
COMEDY AT
HARROGATE THEATRE This year boasted a whole host of stand-up comedy gigs firmly continuing to establish Harrogate’s reputation as one of the North’s comedy hotspots. Some of the most acclaimed performers on the national and international comedy circuit performed attracting record audience numbers, many of whom were attending the Theatre for the first time. Sell-out shows this year included performances by some of the biggest names on the circuit including comedy megastar Lee Evans (May), TV favourite Andy Parsons (May), Charles Ross’ intergalactic masterpiece One Man Star Wars (May), bringer of Good News Russell Howard (May), Britain’s most irrepressible innkeeper Al Murray (December), award-winner Josie Long (January), comedian/actor/writer Chris Addison (February), the wickedly sardonic Stewart Lee (February) and Radio 4 raconteur Count Arthur Strong (March). Other comedy highlights this year included enduring eccentric Simon Munnery (April), sketch troupe Pappy’s (April), musical comedy cabaret duo Frisky & Mannish (April), comedian/actor/writer Dan Clark (April), the fast and furious Imran Yusuf (May), author and sports pundit Mark Watson (June), star of Trigger Happy TV Dom Joly (June), acclaimed stand-up Rob Rouse (June), Fringefavorites The Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre (June), funnyman Patrick Monahan (November), awardwinning stand-up comedy show Your Days are Numbered (February) and the inimitable Richard Herring (February). Harrogate’s longest running monthly comedy club, the Hyena Comedy Club, entered its eighth year and boasted appearances from Mike Gunn (April), Hal Cruttenden (May), Pete Firman (June), Justin Moorhouse (July), Adam Bloom (December), Jason Cook (January) and Tom Deacon (February).
Al Murray
Count Arthur Strong HARROGATE COMEDY FESTIVAL The festival continues to be a rising fixture in the comedy circuit attracting top comedians wanting to perform in the intimate environment of Harrogate Theatre. This year over 35 comedians performed live over 26 events running across 17 days in October, with over 4,700 people coming through the doors. Sold out shows this year included performances from Al Murray, Shappi Khorsandi & Jon Richardson, The Boy with Tape on his Face, Russell Kane, Ed Byrne and Jason Byrne. Other highlights in this year’s Comedy Festival included live performances from familiar faces including comedian and best-selling author Tony Hawks, star of Phoenix Nights and Mancunian gag-meister Justin Moorhouse, celebrated broadcaster Nicholas Parsons, children’s comedian James Campbell, cabaret superstars Frisky & Mannish and Irish comedian, actor and writer Tommy Tiernan. Elis James & Chris Ramsey completed the bill in the Main Auditorium, with the Hyena Comedy Club Closing Gala featuring four comedians to end the Comedy Festival in style with a bumper night of funny stuff. The Studio Theatre played host to an expanded line-up for this year’s Festival with the best of emerging talent alongside shows, which have been drawing acclaim at Comedy Festivals around the world. Transformed into a seventies-inspired comedy lounge complete with flock wallpaper, flying ducks and a fully working bar, there were performances from comedy duo Peacock & Gamble, awardwinning writer and performer Diane Spencer, Canadian stand-up Tony Law, acclaimed ‘anti-comic’ Edward Aczel, the affable and impressively bearded Alex Horne, musical comedy performer James Sherwood, comedy metalhead Andrew O’Neill and gross-out sketch group Late Night Gimp Fight.
A mini festival of theatre adventures awaits you...
Comp 2’s any
This year saw the launch of the mini-festival Two’s Company – a unique line-up of productions, which were united by the fact that they allowed audiences to experience theatre in a totally different and truly unforgettable way. The festival kicked off with Tea is an Evening Meal (Northern Stage & Third Angel), which invited audiences to come dine with us ‘up north’ as Lancashire-lass Faye Draper invited audiences to join her at the teatime table. Performed in a dinner party style Tea is an Evening Meal allowed thirteen audience members to reminisce and take a glimpse into other people’s mealtime experiences. Running on Air (Laura Mugridge & Tom Frankland) was performed in a vintage, yellow VW campervan called ‘Joni’ parked behind Harrogate Theatre. Created by Fringe First awardwinning comedian Laura Mugridge and performed for just
five audience members at a time, Running on Air recreated the beauty of the great outdoors inside the campervan, taking audiences on an intimate journey from Lands End to Edinburgh to hear stories of marriage, camping and Laura’s love of the good life. The closing event of the festival was Lecture Notes on a Death Scene (Analogue), which was performed for one audience member at a time. This immersive performance took audiences into a dark forest of possibilities, along many paths, with many possible destinations. Given a brief list of instructions, participants put on a hoodie,
“Harrogate’s perfectly formed festival of small” Lyn Gardner, The Guardian
followed a white line into a darkened space and sat in a leather armchair. The 30 minutes that followed placed the audience member as multiple characters, across multiple viewpoints to tell everbranching stories.
Education & Outreach Education & Outreach is at the heart of everything that happens at Harrogate Theatre and through this department the Theatre aims to provide opportunities for people from all over the District. From after school clubs to work experience and workshops, people of all ages were given the chance to interact and experience every aspect of the Theatre. Harrogate Theatre’s Education & Outreach Department liaises closely with educational establishments around Harrogate & District providing customized workshops, resource packs and backstage tours.
Pantomime workshops for Hampsthwaite C of E Primary School & St. Peters Brafferton C of E Primary School. 3 Fairytale workshops at Western Primary School.
Play in a Day workshop at Youth Center RAF Menwith Hill for 30 children.
3 Children of the Blitz workshops for Dacre Braithwaite Primary School.
6 workshops in a day for Intake Day at Harrogate High School on the theme of Transitions.
Intro to Comedy workshop for 15 people as part of Harrogate Comedy Festival.
Intro to Opera singing workshop for 14 as part of ETO week.
After School Drama Clubs Over the past year we have worked with: Bilton Grange Primary School, Hampsthwaite C of E Primary School, Killinghall C of E Primary School, Saltergate CP School (2 clubs), Starbeck Community Primary School (2 clubs), St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School & Woodfield Community Primary School (2 clubs) Total numbers of children taking part: 181 children Total number of Studio performances: 20 February Half Term Workshops 152 participants. 10 workshops over 5 days in Stage Combat, Nursery Storytime, Mask, Puppetry and Making a Comic. 15 Backstage tours to approximately 255 people from 12 organisations including: 1st Clifford Scouts, 4th Bilton Brownies, Almscliffe Cubs, Brimham Cubs, Harrogate High School, King James High School, St Paul’s Rainbows & St Peter’s Brafferton C of E Primary School. Work Experience Students 11 students from: Doncaster College, Knockbreda High
School, Ripon Grammar School, St Aidan’s C of E High School x 2, St John Fisher Catholic High School, St Mary’s School – Menston & 4 independently organised placements.
Community Productions Harrogate’s local amateur performing companies have once again demonstrated their consistent enthusiasm and incredible passion for theatre, by offering an assortment of classic, modern and original productions across both theatre spaces. Each group has contributed greatly to the diversity and variety of the Theatre’s successful programme. In total 13 Amateur Companies performed 20 productions for a total of 76 performances.
Choir From carols at Christmas, spooky tunes at The Hound of the Baskervilles, the Choir engaged with the Theatre’s programme through tuneful performances both on stage and in the foyers. 15 Choir Members
FOH Volunteers Harrogate Theatre’s entire Front Of House operation relies on a dedicated team of hardworking volunteers. In 2011/12 120 people gave their time to ensure all patrons had a fantastic time at each show.
Access Performances During 2010/11 there were 8 assisted performances which allowed patrons with hearing or sight impairment to access Harrogate Theatre productions.
Harrogate Youth Theatre Harrogate Youth Theatre has 264 members and runs weekly term-time workshops in two satellite venues based in Harrogate and Knaresborough. During 2011/12 293 workshops were held for Youth Theatre members aged between 6-16 years.
In Performance 2010/11 saw Harrogate Youth Theatre performing all over the District in a wide variety of locations from Harrogate Theatre’s Studio Theatre to backstage area’s as well as in the Valley Gardens. This year’s Summer production, Area HG1, took over the subterranean backstage areas of Harrogate Theatre as an alien invasion occurred in a unique promenade production. The cast worked with professional company TongueTied Theatre to create and devise the piece. 65 people attended over 12 performances. 20 Members performed in Area HG1 Harrogate Youth Theatre once again helped Henshaws College for the Blind raise much needed money by donating their services for the annual Halloween walk. This took place in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens and HYT performed an adaptation of some fairy tales. Over £1,300 was raised toward Henshaw’s ongoing fundraising efforts. 219 people attended over 12 performances. 21 Members performed in the Halloween Production The 15 years+ group tackled a hard-hitting double-bill of plays with Burn by Deborah Gearing and Awkward which the group devised. Both pieces were united by examining what its like to be a teenager and the growing pains associated with that. 78 people attended over 2 performances. 32 Members performed in Burn & Awkward
The 12-14 year group turned their attention to the approaching London Olympics. In Swifter, Higher, Stronger they looked at pivotal moments in the Games’ history and brought them back to life in a highly energetic performance. 132 people attended over 3 performances. 43 Members performed in Swifter, Higher, Stronger
Education & Outreach
Area HG1
Artist Support & Development
Hyde presented by Thunder Road Theatre Company
Associate Companies 2011/12 saw both Reform Theatre Company and Thunder Road Theatre Company join Harrogate Theatre as Associate Companies. This new scheme will ensure these two exciting companies will be nurtured by Harrogate Theatre and work collaboratively on bringing new work to the Harrogate stage prior to national tours. Support In 2011/12 Harrogate Theatre also supported: - The Paper Birds production of Thirsty. Marketing support was offered to this Leeds based company following a funding cut which threatened to affect their whole production. Harrogate Theatre’s help ensured they could forge ahead with the show and it gained huge critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Festival and the subsequent National Tour.
- Rich Seam Theatre Company’s production of Beef. Marketing and technical support was offered to Matthew Booth who established Rich Seam Theatre Company to tour John Godber’s play Beef. Matthew already had an existing relationship with Harrogate Theatre and we collaborated with him to bring his new show to life. By offering professional marketing support and a technical week of rehearsals it meant Rich Seam’s maiden tour was a huge success on its extensive national tour. Development In 2011/12 Harrogate Theatre developed two pieces of brand new work: - Laura Mugridge returned to Harrogate following her success in Two’s Company with Running On Air. We commissioned her new show along with The Junction, Cambridge and she spent time in Harrogate working on this new show which is planned for a national tour in 2013.
- Thunder Road Theatre Company enjoyed a very successful residency as they re-worked their previous production of Hyde. They also worked with Harrogate Theatre on the first stages of their brand new production The Count Of Monte Cristo which will tour the UK in 2013.
“As an emerging artist, the support from Harrogate Theatre has been extremely important in making me feel supported and free to explore ideas. I have been welcomed with enthusiasm, generosity and a sense that all ideas were welcome. The building feels like a creative and open space, in which the staff embrace new work.” Laura Mugridge
Harrogate Theatre Scenic Services Harrogate Theatre Scenic Services combines over 60 years industry experience and expertise to bring design visions for the Theatre, Conference and Exhibition arena to life. The Scenic Services branch has been running for five years with the reputation growing rapidly on a national scale. With everything from scenic construction to prop making and scenic painting to staging hire Harrogate Theatre Scenic Services prides itself on bringing clients inspiration to reality. Recent commissions include OverWorlds And Underworlds - the Leeds Canvas project for 2012, which was part of the UK Arts Councils’ flagship project for the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad, curated by The Brothers Quay. Another recent commission included constructing and installing the set for ZooNation Dance Company’s multi awardnominated Some Like It Hip Hop. The piece opened in the West End before embarking on a national tour – it was also nominated for two Olivier Awards. An impressive client list includes The Scoop, Fiery Angel, Sheffield Theatres, Tamasha, Hackney Empire Hull Truck Theatre, Harrogate International Centre, Newcastle Live Theatre and Oldham Coliseum.
What our audiences said... “I have enjoyed these years so much and I don’t know how I will live without HYT.” HYT member “Just wanted to say what a great evening it was last week when I watched my son amongst others performing those two pieces. I particularly enjoyed Awkward – it came together very well and each encounter was brilliantly done. Well done to you and everyone, I look forward to seeing more of the same.” HYT parent “The theatre has a lovely feel of opulence about it. Staff couldn’t be friendlier and more helpful. You seem to get some really good acts there. Great that you can buy drinks and take them in with you. Above all I highly recommend visiting and supporting such a wonderful local venue.” Audience Member “The teacher Niki helped us out along the way and [I enjoyed] the experience of performing at our theatre where all magic begins.” Workshop participant. “What a great workshop for the kids they thoroughly enjoyed it.” Youth Leader “This was the best workshop ever.” Workshop participant
”A BIG thank-you for the tour last Thursday. It had a huge effect on the class and they have not stopped talking about it since. It has inspired the topic we are starting and was something I will do again if I move schools.” Teacher “We have gone to the panto at this theatre for the past 2 years. We travel an hour from the far side of York because we think it is the best panto in the area. BRILLIANT! Lovely theatre.” Audience Member “I enjoyed the whole placement, but the thing I liked most was the fact that I got to learn new skills which will help me in the future and I also got to work with the staff that are all helpful and are willing to go through anything that your aren’t sure about.” Work Experience Student “Linking up with Harrogate Theatre has enabled North Country to launch its tours with a much higher marketing profile, given us access to new (and larger) audiences, and given us great technical staff support in the critical production week. Together we have demonstrated that good theatre can bridge the gap between village hall and main house stage” Nobby Dimon, North Country Theatre
Harrogate Theatre gratefully acknowledges support from