Hebden Bridge Little Theatre celebrates 100 years with a number of centenary shows in 2024

A Calder Valley theatre is marking 100 years of performances this year with a programme full of centenary productions.
By Abigail Kellett
Published 21st Jan 2024, 14:00 BST
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Every thespian knows that ‘the show must go on’, but during 2024 Hebden Bridge Little Theatre is celebrating keeping it on for 100 years.

Since being founded in 1924, the theatre has only ever suffered two brief periods of closure – the COVID lockdown in 2020 to 2021 and when building and relocating to its current 120-seater venue in Holme Street in 1992 to 1993.

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Not even the Second World War could prevent the curtain being raised, with well over 70,000 seats being sold during the six-year conflict, despite fears of air raids and gas attacks.

Cast from the Hebden Bridge Little Theatre's Gym and Tonic back in 2004.Cast from the Hebden Bridge Little Theatre's Gym and Tonic back in 2004.
Cast from the Hebden Bridge Little Theatre's Gym and Tonic back in 2004.
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Programmes even warned that patrons were expected to bring their gas masks to the performance.

The same Blitz Spirit has been evident in overcoming the floods back in 2015.

Even though the Boxing Day floods covered the theatre two feet deep in foul water, the help of volunteers, the army and the community ensured that everything was up and running again within a few weeks, and no shows had to be cancelled.

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Leaning over the victim in a scene from the Hebden Bridge Little Theatre production of "A Murder is Announced" back in 2007Leaning over the victim in a scene from the Hebden Bridge Little Theatre production of "A Murder is Announced" back in 2007
Leaning over the victim in a scene from the Hebden Bridge Little Theatre production of "A Murder is Announced" back in 2007

Hannah Stow, President of Hebden Bridge Little Theatre, said “We have since installed flood doors, and although there will doubtless be other challenges to face, the resilience we have always shown in the face of adversity should help us overcome them.

“I am so proud to be the theatre’s president during the Centenary year, and hope the public helps us celebrate in style by attending some of the superb events we have lined up in honour of the anniversary.”

The five-play Centenary schedule kicks off with Noel Coward’s Hay Fever, which was fittingly written in 1924, and will be staged between February 26 and March 2.

Hannah, who is directing the production, continued: “This play sees Coward at his hilarious best, and we have a highly talented and experienced cast who are already smashing it in rehearsals. I’m confident this will prove a cracking Centenary showpiece.”

For tickets for Hay Fever and other Centenary productions cost £11-£9, and can be obtained online at www.hblt.co.uk.

Related topics:Calder Valley