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1:00 AM 29th January 2025
arts

Harrogate Theatre Celebrates Its 125th Birthday With A Spectacular Spring Season

Harrogate Theatre first opened its doors on 13th January 1900, with a special benefit gala supporting soldiers returning from the Boer War, followed by a production of the pantomime Dick Whittington. Now, 125 years later, the theatre is delighted to launch its spring season; an exciting lineup of shows to celebrate this extraordinary milestone.

The birthday celebrations began in style with a gala performance of Beauty and the Beast on Wednesday 15th January. The magical evening treated audiences to party bags, balloons and cake as part of the festivities. A post-show Q&A with the cast was also a highlight, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the production.

The jam-packed spring season will delight audiences with a range of performances. From comedy and music to kids shows, drama and dance there is something to suit everyone.

Music lovers can look forward to a wonderful range of spectacular performances. Highlights include The Elvis Years, (Sun 16 Feb) a celebration of the King of Rock and Roll, Buddy Holly and the Cricketers, (Fri 14 Mar) and What’s Love Got to Do With It? (Fri 11 Apr) a powerful tribute to Tina Turner. Jazz enthusiasts can enjoy Clare Teal (Sat 15 Mar), while rock and roll fans won’t want to miss An Evening with Francis Rossi (Fri 25 Apr) featuring songs from the Status Quo frontman’s legendary career. The season also features Chris de Burgh (Sat 22 Feb), celebrating five decades of iconic hits.

For theatre and dance enthusiasts, there’s a variety of standout performances. Audiences can immerse themselves in The Picture of Dorian Gray (Fri 28 Feb) an innovative adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s classic tale, and Buffy Revamped, (Wed 12 Mar) a one-man parody of the cult TV series. John Godber’s Do I Love You? (Wed 19 – Sat 22 Feb) delves into the vibrant Northern Soul phenomenon, while DeNada Dance Theatre’s Mariposa (Fri 14 Feb), presents a stunning reimagining of Puccini’s Madame Butterfly.

For the younger audiences, the Little Stages festival returns running from February to May, bringing the magic of theatre to children. Sponsored by Your Harrogate, the festival will include family favourites, Room on the Broom (Sat 08 – Sun 09 Mar), The Detective Dog (Sat 15 Feb), Northern Ballet’s Hansel and Gretel (Tue 15 Apr) and much more.

Special one-off events include Guenther Steiner (Sun 27 Apr) who will be offering Formula 1 fans an entertaining look at the world of racing and Lemn Sissay (Tue 11 Mar) master of spoken word and Sunday Times number one bestseller will unravel some of the original stories behind his poems. South (Sat 05 Apr), a silent film with live music will present Shackleton’s 1914-16 expedition to Antarctica and BANFF Mountain Film Festival (Tue 04 – Wed 05 Mar) will return for two nights to present a brand-new line up of short films.

Comedy takes centre stage in May with an incredible month of laughs. Julian Clary (Fri 02 May) with his outrageous A Fistful of Clary, Richard Herring’s (Wed 07 May) poignant and hilarious Can I Have My Ball Back?, and Jenny Eclair’s (Sun 11 May) riotous Jokes! Jokes! Jokes! will be sure to have audiences in stitches. Rhod Gilbert (Thu 15 May) returns to the stage with his hilariously absurd new show The Giant Grapefruit, at the Royal Hall while Carl Hutchinson (Thu 15 May) brings his unique comedic charm to Harrogate Theatre.

As always there is a wonderful selection of shows brought to you by Harrogate Theatre's fabulous community companies. Ripon Amateur Operatic Society presents Annie (Wed 09 – Sat 12 Apr), Harrogate Phoenix Players bring the timeless magic of The Wizard of Oz (Wed 26 – Sat 29 Mar), and Harrogate Dramatic Society will stage One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Wed 30 Apr – Sat 03 May) and Women in Mind (Wed 12 – Sat 15 Feb).

Throughout the year, Harrogate Theatre will be partnering with local businesses and organisations to make this anniversary year unforgettable. Keep an eye out to see what you can get involved in. As it reflects on 125 years of unforgettable performances, it also looks to the future with an ambitious fundraising target of £125,000. From attending shows to supporting fundraising efforts, Harrogate audiences are invited to help keep the theatre thriving for another 125 years.

To view the full programme and find out more about access shows please visit Harrogate Theatre’s website at www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk, view the digital programme here or pick up a brochure from the box office on Oxford Street.