Halifax’s Victoria Theatre is a cultural institution which has been entertaining the public since 1901.

As it marks its 125th anniversary, Calderdale Council has been celebrating aspects of its past, and also has an eye on its future.

Cabinet member for public services, Coun Peter Hunt, said the theatre has been important since its inception at the dawn of the last century.

And it continues to be as, if not more, important to the present day and beyond, said Coun Hunt (Reform UK, Elland).

Dirty Dancing cast outside Victoria Theatre, Halifax, in 2019.

placeholder image — Dirty Dancing cast outside Victoria Theatre, Halifax, in 2019.

“It’s a huge artistic, cultural institution of great heritage,” he said.

“People queue out of the door and they’ll continue to come in great numbers – over 100,000 people in a year.”

Coun Hunt said lots of things make it a special place – and it just has the right vibe to pull people in.

“I think what makes the theatre special is it’s feel, it’s heritage, it’s design, layout, the features within and outside of it.

Halifax Choral Society perform Carols And Brass at the theatre.

“It creates a vibe, and that’s why organisations like the Halifax Amateur Operatic Society and the Halifax Choral Society continue to come here,” he said.

Tasteful modernisation recently has seen the theatre become more accessible, including new customer lifts, and bars are undergoing more renovation, but all in keeping with its heritage – and keeping that vibe.

“It’s going to be a place where people are really going to want to come,” said Coun Hunt.

With a varied programme which takes on top touring shows, puts the spotlight on some leading stars, showcases Calderdale’s own artistic talent, has appealing family events and hosting some of the biggest names in music, the theatre has much to celebrate, and in style.

Events, curated by the Friends of Victoria Theatre, include an exhibition at Halifax Central Library, showcasing period costumes, and recalling the bygone days when it hosted cinema, dancing and even sports like wrestling.

The Friends, which runs tours of the theatre, will be following up on that display with another exhibition, this time at Halifax’s Bankfield Museum – from October 17, 2026, to February 6, 2027 – focusing on the theatre’s more recent history, including that of the annual pantomime.

Some open days are also planned.