Joy after flood devastation for iconic theatre

Volunteers have been working hard for months to get the theatre back into shape.

Liz McLaughlin, for Todmorden Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, said: “The main construction work is finished, but to welcome you back into the theatre our amazing volunteers have worked countless hours cleaning, polishing, painting, fixing and mending to do just that. We are so grateful for the physical help, messages of encouragement and donations we’ve received from far and wide.”

The theatre will reopen on Tuesday, June 28, with the play The Accrington Pals written by Peter Whelan and directed by Martin Cook. On July 1, it will mark 100 years since the first day of the Battle of the Somme. On that day, more than 500 of the 700 men that made up the Accrington Pals were killed, injured, or declared missing. The play tells the story of a handful of imagined characters who fought and fell at the battle.

A bucket collection from the performance will be used to pay for improvements to the memorial gardens in Centre Vale Park, to commemorate those in Todmorden who gave their lives in service to their country. The Accrington Pals runs from Tuesday, June 28 to Friday, July 1. Tickets are £10 with £8 concessions. All tickets on Tuesday are £8. Tickets are available from our www.todhip.org or from Todmorden TIC, Burnley Road.