Annual Review 12/13

“…a year in which Harrogate Theatre has re-established itself as one of the best theatres in Yorkshire” Harrogate Advertiser

Andrew Jones MP

“Harrogate Theatre is more than just a theatre - it has become an institution in our local community. It reaches way outside the confines of its building, engaging the community and bringing a compelling mix of entertainment and education to the area. With the new management arrangements for the Royal Hall agreed in partnership with Harrogate Borough Council we are seeing that artistic quality reaching a wider audience still. The theatre is not just a vital ingredient in our cultural life it is also a player in the economic life of the town and the whole of the district. It provides jobs and experience to many and attracts people to its performances from far beyond the immediate area.”

Wallace Sampson, Chief Executive, Harrogate Borough Council

“The cultural offer within the Harrogate district is extremely strong at the present time, and the Harrogate Theatre plays a large part in the cultural success of the district. Over the past twelve months I have been impressed with the quality and variety of the performances that the theatre has brought to Harrogate, which in itself is a recognition of the strength of both the Harrogate Theatres brand and Harrogate as a destination. I have been equally pleased to see the Royal Hall put to much greater use over the past twelve months through productions signed by the Theatre, and I hope that this continues over the coming years. There is a strong partnership developing between the theatre and HIC which bodes well for the future.”

Alex Moran, Associate company Thunder Road Theatre Co

“Over the last two and a half years Harrogate Theatre has guided and nurtured our ideas, and turned them into full scale productions to exceptional feedback from touring venues and the media.

We were a small company with a dream - Harrogate Theatre has helped us bring our dreams to fruition.”

A Year in Review

12 9 6150 347100,720

129,269tickets

485 70%

£15.34

38%65%

performances of the overall seating capacity was filled

people attended Harrogate Theatres work on tour

increase in Harrogate Theatres audience throughout the District

increase in Harrogate Theatres audience nationwide

performancesnationwide

average ticket price which ensured that tickets were affordable and performances accessible

venuesnationwide

in-houseproductions

creative partners

world premieres

Geographic breakdown of patrons

Artistic Achievements

Harrogate Box Office sold tickets for performances

at venues throughout the region for events other than Harrogate Theatres activity

48%

2,211,984

43,708 21624

218,214 321,024

205 56268

18315

2372551,342

of tickets were purchased online

members of Harrogate Youth Theatre

enjoyed a backstage tour of Harrogate Theatre

performances from local community groups

front of house volunteers

assisted performances for patrons with hearing and sight impairments

Harrogate Youth Theatre workshops

children worked with in after-school clubs

local people performed on Harrogate Theatres stages

Education & Outreach Achievements

6,608 Twitter followers

page views at www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk

new visitors at www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk

unique visitors at www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk

4,375 Facebook followers

A Year in Review

For every £1 of public subsidy Harrogate Theatres turns that into £38.22 back into the Harrogate economy

For every £1 of public subsidy Harrogate Theatres turns that into £85.18 back into the UK economy

£31,973,341UK ECONOMIC IMPACTHarrogate Theatre’s contribution to the economy of the UK during 2012/2013 was:

£14,347,862

£1 £85.18

ECONOMIC IMPACTA visit to the theatre has a knock on effect for the local economy.Using the widely acknowledged calculation devised by the Arts Council, England, Harrogate Theatre’s contribution to the economy of the District during 2012/2013 was:

£1 £38.22

Harrogate Theatre: UK ImpactThis year saw the work of Harrogate Theatre travel beyond its four walls on Oxford Street and into the District and around the country as productions, sets and workshops engaged more people across the UK then ever before.

David BownHarrogate Theatre Chief Executive

Harrogate Theatre CEO David Bown has been in situ for nearly nine years and has seen many changes during that time. One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is his devotion to his venue. ‘It’s the longest I’ve been anywhere and I look forward to each day,’ says Bown. ‘I firmly believe in the people who work here and in the artistic programme that is shaped by Kevin Jamieson, our executive producer – he has very exciting ideas.’

‘Before I joined Harrogate Theatre,’ he continues, ‘I used to attend as a board member as part of my role with the Arts Council, and it was a quality little theatre then. It struggled, but the work on the stage was good, it was well-supported and there was a passion about the place.’

Fast-forward nine years and that passion is still evident, particularly when Bown talks about the theatre’s artistic programme and the staff he trusts wholeheartedly. It’s taken a fair few transformations to get the theatre in good health and keep it there. ‘Physically it’s changed,’ he says. ‘The actual fabric of it, thanks to the refurbishment [2007-9] and it’s now a magnificent place to be. Quite frankly, it wasn’t six years ago. It was on its knees and threadbare.

‘The artistic programme had become threadbare too,’ he adds, candidly. ‘We needed to invite more people to be part of what Harrogate Theatre is, so we sat down and looked at what we wanted it to be. As a result, the identity of the theatre received a complete overhaul. Today we’re more things to more people.’

Looking back over 2012/13, what stands out for you?

‘Harrogate Theatre has become an essential part of our local economy as well the cultural industries. We have a wide ranging and challenging artistic programme, we work with the formal and informal education sectors, we provide a centralised box office for the District, We build sets for clients as far reaching as Newcastle and London, we provide artist/company development for a range of emerging practitioners, we co-produce with partners such as Northern Broadsides and Oldham Coliseum, we are a business hub for an increasing number of corporate clients and we have a significant economic impact locally and throughout the UK.

‘Harrogate Theatre has a National 360 degrees value and without us there is an enormous amount of economic and artistic activity that simply would not happen up and down the country.’ The Arts has suffered some harsh cuts. How problematic has that been?

‘The problem that we’ve had hasn’t been just over the past year; it’s been the rate at which public funding has been cut over the past five years. Adapting to that has been extremely tough and we’ve had to be incredibly creative. We have to source new income, rather than relying on funding. That’s been very difficult. We have had to come up with different business models every year for the past five years. It’s been tough, but we’ve done it without compromising the quality of the artistic programme or reducing the impact in other areas, such as the workshop [a national set-building facility] and Education - audience development at its most fundamental.

‘Keeping the quality of what we

do without compromising our professional sensibilities is a priority.’

The forecast for the Arts doesn’t look like it’s going to get any brighter. How will the theatre cope with that?

‘Everything is about the bottom line: financial viability. Nothing can just be put down to artistic endeavour – there’s a financial responsibility. We have to maintain relationships and find new ones with the right partners - artistic and business - to sustain the viability of the theatre. The Business Club and sponsorship have become imperative, but people and organisations won’t give unless the product’s good.

‘Government funding is contributing less and less to the arts so we need everybody else to support what we do, which means we need to keep the artistic programme as fresh as possible, forge relationships with other theatres and get out there into the schools and enthuse people.’

You’ve stressed the importance of a fresh artistic programme. What turned your head in 2012/13?

‘1927’s The Animals and Children Took to the Streets was a definite highlight. I saw that in Edinburgh and it got snapped up by The National, which says everything about its quality, and we got the only Northern date. Getting the quality of Robin Herford [who directed Sugar Daddies], Conrad Nelson [associate director of Northern Broadsides] and leading companies in the building and thoroughly enjoying their time here is great. Broadsides is coming back; Robin wants to come back – it speaks volumes.

‘The one experience that really stands out for me happened as part of the last 2’s Company, when I found myself

sat in a hotel room with the woman from The Sleepwalk Collective, in a one-on-one theatre experience. That was extraordinary. Then I came back to the theatre for Il Pixel Rosso’s And The Birds Fell From The Sky... where I was trundled about in a wheelchair, wearing video goggles and headphones. I genuinely staggered home in a daze that day. Opening night of pantomime is always very special. The whole building comes together and celebrates what is largely regarded as one of the best Christmas shows in the region.’

Harrogate Theatre played a huge role in programming the Royal Hall last year, how was that?

‘The Royal Hall’s been a fantastic experience. It’s an amazing building with an incredible atmosphere and we’ve seen some tremendous artists there over the past year. It’s a great facility for the town and we’re proud that we - alongside all the other great local organisations - are part of the process of animating it. We’re grateful we can continue to play a part in keeping it a meaningful facility for

the town.’

Producedin Harrogate

Image: A Government Inspector (September 2012)

Over the last twelve months the artistic output of Harrogate Theatre has continued to cement its reputation as a creative hub for theatre makers and audiences.

Harrogate Theatre once again met the challenge of producing work that is exciting, entertaining and stimulating for people of all ages.

During 2012/2013 Harrogate Theatre worked with a growing number of companies and artists to deliver a record number of brand new productions.

With the majority of these shows leaving Harrogate to undertake wide-scale national tours it allows the work of Harrogate Theatre to travel further than ever before and to be seen by even more people.

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“This theatre is doing more than punching above its weight, it has adopted a striking new profile.”

“One of the country’s most innovative and bold theatres, producing work at the fringes of theatrical innovation”

The Stage

Yorkshire Post

Thunder Road Theatre Co & Harrogate Theatre

Manchester Evening News

Written by Robert Louis Stevenson

Adapted for the stage by Polis Loizou

Wednesday 2 – Saturday 5 May

National Tour

Combining the Victorian atmosphere of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic thriller with a modern energy, Hyde told the story of two men united by their past but separated by change.

This was the first show for Thunder Road Theatre Co as a Harrogate Theatre Associate Company. Thunder Road is a company committed to the art of storytelling and creating an unremitting mixture of eye-catching and absorbing drama.

Hyde was nominated for Best Actor and Best Production at the Buxton Fringe Festival.

Hyde

“Astonishing. I urge you to see it”

Flamin’ Beltin’ Productions & Harrogate Theatre

Public Reviews

Written by Joe Parkinson

Friday 13 & Saturday 14 April

National Tour

Steve Huison (Coronation Street, The Full Monty and Harrogate Theatre pantomime Snow White & The Seven Dwarves) played Brenda, the often mentioned yet never seen night time switchboard operator for Street Cars in Coronation Street in this unique world premiere.

As this TV character crossed into a live arena, the show harnessed Fat Brenda’s huge Twitter following to create an online anticipation and word-of-mouth campaign that has never before been seen for a theatrical performance.

Fat Brenda

“All in all this ticked all the boxes for me and a flamin’ good night was had”

Producedin Harrogate

Reform Theatre Company & Harrogate Theatre

The Times

Written by Gordon Steel

Thursday 10 – Saturday 12 May

National Tour

Associate Company Reform Theatre Company has built a solid reputation for producing quality established work by Northern playwrights as well as developing new work and in May it revived Like A Virgin, the critically acclaimed play by Middlesbrough writer Gordon Steel.

This insightful look at teenage life and growing pains, complete with a soundtrack from some of the 1980’s greatest artists, found a new relevance for audiences in 2012 as young people still struggle with the same issues today: Steel doesn’t shy away from harsh realities, but he wraps all of his themes in a humour and humanity that’s impossible to resist.

Like A Virgin

“This is direct unfussy stuff”

Northern Broadsides in partnership with Harrogate Theatre

The Independent

Written by Nikolai GogolAdapted for the stage by Deborah McAndrew

Friday 7 – Saturday 22 September

National Tour

Renowned theatre company Northern Broadsides partnered with Harrogate Theatre in its 21st Anniversary season to launch a new adaptation of Gogol’s satirical Russian classic. In this version this hysterically funny social comedy of misdeeds and misadventure had muck and brass aplenty including heaps of live brass band music.

In a Pennine town that’s small in size but big in corruption, a stranger is mistaken for a government inspector. Fearing discovery of their crooked goings-on, the town’s unscrupulous councillors attempt to ingratiate themselves with bribes, backhanders and brown envelopes lining the pockets of the mysterious young chap with an eye for a quick buck.

A Government Inspector

“A tour de force”

Reform Theatre Company & Harrogate Theatre

WhatsOnStage

Written by Nick Lane

Tuesday 18 – Saturday 29 SeptemberNational Tour

Reform Theatre Company returned with a brand new show from playwright Nick Lane, who has scored hits with dark comedies My Favourite Summer and Housebound. Directed by Keith Hukin, this exploration of friendship and pugilism contained plenty of Lane’s trademark humour despite some bleak moments.

The character of Foster is, in part, based on a real Sheffield boxer – a point that only emphasises Lane and Reform’s grounding of stories in gritty reality for drama that hits home and hits hard.

Seconds Out

“Throughout the play the focus and the tone shift cleverly”

North Country Theatre & Harrogate Theatre

The Guardian

Written by J S Fletcher

Adapted for the stage by Nobby Dimon

Wednesday 26 - Saturday 29 September National Tour

North Country Theatre returned to Harrogate Theatre with another thrilling tale adapted in its inimitable style, which echoed The 39 Steps, its most famous creation.

Adapted from a short story by ex-Yorkshire Post journalist JS Fletcher (who hailed from Halifax and wrote 230 books in a crime writing career to rival Agatha Christie), The Lighthouse On Shivering Sands was a tale of lighthouse keepers gone mad, mermaids and sea monsters, disappearances and hauntings.

The Lighthouse on Shivering Sands

“Plenty of the company’s trademark frivolity to enjoy”

September 2012 saw the first All Points North Festival, showcasing the very best Northern actors, writers,

directors, designers and musicians – it started with three World Premiere productions.

Producedin Harrogate

Laura Mugridge, Harrogate Theatre & Junction Theatre, Cambridge

Harrogate Theatre & Oldham Coliseum

The Guardian

The Stage

Created by Laura Mugridge in collaboration with Tom Adams and Katy Schutte

Written by Alan Ayckbourn

Thursday 21 – Saturday 23 February

National Tour

Thursday 28 February – Saturday 9 March

National Tour

During Laura Mugridge’s appearance in our inaugural 2’s Company Festival, discussions occurred on what Laura would do after her Fringe First-winning performance. These conversations led to working together to develop her new show, which started life in the Harrogate Studio Theatre.

Although performed in traditional theatre spaces this time, the show retained Mugridge’s mischief and intimacy, as she described how old man Nereus Pike happily floats to the bottom of the sea, re-enacting his sea-life encounters with help of an impromptu rave scene, a nautical jumper and quite a bit of Van Halen.

The successful relationship with Oldham Coliseum entered its sixth year with a revival of an Alan Ayckbourn hit.

Director Robin Herford, best known for directing West End blockbuster The Woman In Black, returned to Harrogate Theatre to helm this production. With Robin’s numerous Ayckbourn connections, as both actor and Artistic Director of the Stephen Joseph Theatre, he received Ayckbourn’s personal blessing to revive this modern classic for what was only its second professional production.

The Watery Journey Of Nereus Pike

SugarDaddies

Harrogate Theatre

York Press

Written by Phil Lowe and David Bown

Friday 23 November – Sunday 13 January

The giant of pantomimes entertained all ages over the festive period, breaking numerous box office statistics along the way.

Record numbers of audiences were entranced by this year’s show as well as increased audiences from outside the District, making Harrogate Theatre’s Christmas offering a major destination for family entertainment.

Jack and the Beanstalk

“One of the great joys of the Yorkshire pantomime scene”

“Although this show is small, its heart beats loudly”

“Bristles with comic and dramatic energy”

Brother Wolf & Harrogate Theatre

The Stage

Written by James Hyland

Adapted from Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist

National Tour

Originally made and performed at Harrogate Theatre in 2011, this classic tale of crime and punishment continued to tour the country throughout 2012/13.

Told from the point of view of Fagin the Miser, one hour before his execution, this stage adaptation offered a fresh insight into literature’s most controversial villain.

In 2012 James won Best Performer in Theatre at the Fringe Report Awards and was nominated for a London Theatre Award. He also received Official Recognition from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, during a reception at Buckingham Palace as part of the 200 years since Dickens’ birth celebrations.

Fagin’s Last Hour

Reform Theatre Company & Harrogate Theatre

What’sOnStage

Written by Robert Farquahar

Tuesday 5 – Saurday 16 March

National Tour

Reform Theatre Company presented another well-timed revival of Robert Farquahar’s comedy.

Football, it’s a funny old game. Or so they say. Not so for referee David Greaves, the God’s Official of the title. The designated man in the middle on the final day of the football season, Greaves makes a decision to disallow a goal, leading to the relegation of Cliff and Degsy’s beloved club.

That fateful decision leads Degsy, a man already on the edge to do something silly: follow through on a drunken post-match crack-pot idea. In this case, he takes it upon himself to kidnap Greaves, and make him admit that it was a goal all along.

God’s Official

“Full of life” “Powerful and highly accomplished”

“It’s not easy for regional theatre to remain buoyant in the current financial situation and Harrogate’s solution may be best summed up as collaboration, co-operation and community work” WhatsOnStage

Comedy

Once again Harrogate Theatres cemented its reputation as one of the leading venues for top comedians to showcase their gags and for audiences to get their chuckle fix.

Arena-filling acts Michael McIntyre, Jack Dee, John Bishop and Kevin Bridges turned to the intimate Harrogate Theatre to try out their brand new material ahead of massive tours, allowing audiences to get up close and personal to these mega-stars of comedy.

Many firm Harrogate favourites returned with brand new shows, including sensitive and cerebral Simon Amstell (May), Deep South wisecracks from Rich Hall (May), cricket tales from Miles Jupp (May), a sell-out show by Chris Addison (June), chat and one-liners from Tim Vine (September) and acute observations from bequiffed award-winner Russell Kane (February).

The Hyena Comedy Club, Harrogate’s longest running comedy club, continued throughout the year with a whole host of top comedians coming to the town each month.

Harrogate Comedy Festival 7 – 20 October 2012

2012 saw the fourth edition of the Harrogate Comedy Festival and it was a monster, with 10,500 attending more than 40 shows across four venues throughout the town.

Highlights included: Marcus Brigstocke, Henning Wehn, Jack Dee, Jon Richardson, Piff The Magic Dragon, Julian Clary, Sandi Toksvig, The Boy With Tape On His Face and Frisky & Mannish.

The Studio Theatre once again had a packed programme of emerging talents and HCF favourites, including Carl Donnelly, Sophie Damsel, Pappys, Haiste & Lawrence, Francesca Martinez, Tony Law, Paul Foot, Wit Tank and Chris Ramsey.

2012 also saw the launch of the inaugural Harrogate Comedian of the Year competition that aimed, over three heats and a final, to find the best up-and-coming comedian. More than 200 entries were received from all four corners of the UK. Acerbic Peter Brush won the public and judges over to emerge victorious.

Stand-up and star of ITV’s The Chase Paul Sinha hosted an exclusive Comedy Quiz at Jake’s Café, pitching teams against each other in a fiendishly tricky quiz, and a day-long Stand-Up Comedy Workshop plus Comedy Club 4 Kids ensured the biggest Harrogate Comedy Festival to date catered for all tastes and ages.

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“centre of the comedy world”

“comedy capital of the north” Yorkshire Post

Harrogate Advertiser

Harrogate Theatre

Scenic Services

Now in its sixth year Harrogate Theatre Scenic Services operates on a national scale, fulfilling set requirements for theatres, conferences and exhibitions up and down the country. During 2012/13, Harrogate Theatre Scenic Services built a total of 19 sets for external clients and five for Harrogate Theatre produced/ co-produced shows – and still found time to build scenic items and hire various staging to support local schools and amateur drama groups in what was a hugely successful year for the business.

Recent works include bringing Paul Wills’s set design to life for critically acclaimed five-star musical smash-hit My Fair Lady (December) at Sheffield Crucible Theatre and constructing the stunning Tree and Boat sculptures in Briggate and the Pylon in dry dock at Granary Wharf, designed by internationally renowned artists the Quay Brothers for the Leeds Canvas OverWorlds & UnderWorlds Festival (May).

Creations for Harrogate Theatre included the vibrant set for our truly traditional pantomime Jack & The Beanstalk (November to January), Harrogate Youth Theatre’s swashbuckling staging for its production of Treasure Island (August) and the perfectly dark back-drop to Richard Conlon’s chilling play Hope Springs (March). Touring co-productions that Harrogate Theatre Scenic Services have built sets for include the hugely successful Sugar Daddies (March) with Oldham Coliseum, and Northern Broadsides’ A Government Inspector (September), which included the challenge of transforming the set mid-tour to work in the round during a stint at The Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough, and The New Vic Theatre, Staffordshire.

National touring productions included Hull Truck Theatre’s The Lady In The Van, Spot’s Birthday Party, Angelina Ballerina, which stopped off at 26 venues during its UK and Ireland tour (July 2012 to February 2013), Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre’s The Handyman and touring productions by North Country Theatre.

An impressive ever-growing client list includes Newcastle Live Theatre, Stephen Joseph Theatre, York Theatre Royal, Leicester Curve Theatre and Steam Industry Free Theatre at The Scoop, London to name but a few.

True to its roots, Harrogate Scenic Services has employed a number of scenic carpenters and artists from around the District.

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“The team at Harrogate Theatre Scenic Services have always provided me with an excellent service and have consistently delivered quality work on schedule and within budget.It is always a pleasant experience to do business with them” Denzil Hebditch, Production Manager, Stephen Joseph Theatre

Education & OutreachEducation & Outreach

Image: Treasure Island (August 2012)

Education & Outreach is central to Harrogate Theatre’s work 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 are given the chance to interact and experience all aspects of theatre and performance.

Harrogate Theatre’s Education & Outreach department liaises closely with places of education, both state and privately funded, around Harrogate and District, providing customised workshops, resource packs and backstage tours.

Harrogate Youth Theatre has 205 members and runs weekly term-time workshops in two satellite venues based in Harrogate. During 2012/13, 237 workshops were held for Youth Theatre members aged between 6-16 years. In 2011/2012, HYT ran at 68% of capacity. In 2012/2013 it has expanded to 75% of capacity.

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“Excellent. What a wonderful experience! Performing their plays in the Studio with lighting and sound effects was amazing.”

“What a fantastic opportunity you have provided for the children who have grown in confidence. They have been empowered in their learning as they have taken a key role in creating a production fit for stage. Harrogate Theatre have provided the children with access to a world unknown to many, the stage. The experience is one we must continue for our pupils as the benefits are enormous.”

After School Club Teacher

Jo Bennison, Teacher, Killinghall Primary School

Harrogate Youth Theatre

Education & Outreach

One-off schools workshops

Four pantomime workshops for various community groups.

Three pantomime workshops at Saltergate Junior School.

Introduction to production workshop for Roecliffe Primary School.

Eight free Introduction to Ballet workshops in association with Northern Ballet to Roecliffe Primary School, Hookstone Chase, Starbeck Primary School and Killinghall Primary School.

After School Drama Clubs

Over the past year we have run 12 after school clubs at: Bilton Grange Primary School, Killinghall C of E Primary School, New Park Community Primary School, Willow Tree Community Primary School, Richard Taylor C of E Primary School, Beckwithshaw Community Primary School, All Saints CE Primary SchoolDacre Braithwaite C of E School, Pannal Primary School, Rossett Acre Primary School, Holy Trinity C of E Junior School and Harewood C of E Primary School

Total number of children taking part: 255 childrenTotal number of Studio performances: 24

Backstage Tours

33 Backstage tours to approximately 562 people.

Organisations included: Burnt Yates Primary School, Harrogate Language Academy, Harrogate Lions, Harrogate College, Menwith Hill School, Ashville College, Harrogate High School, Age UK, Lady Hastings School, Thorp Arch, Pannal Brownies, St Roberts Brownies, Harlow Hill Rainbows, Diane Taylor Pump Room, Boys Brigade Anchors, Harrogate Rossett 20th Cubs, 29th Harrogate (St. Marks) Brownies, St Wilfrid’s Church Beaver Scouts, Tagghouse Ladies, 7th Harrogate St Marks Beavers, 3rd Harrogate Scouts, Northern Area National Trust, Civic Society

Work Experience Students

Six students from: Harrogate Grammar School, King James’s School, Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College, St.Aidan’s C of E High School (two placements), St. John Fishers Catholic High School

Summer Holiday Workshops

Between July 31 and August 21, the Education & Outreach department ran a series of workshops for young people focusing on the theme of Treasure Island – Harrogate Youth Theatre’s big summer production. There were 150 participants and eight workshops, including: Stories, Soundscapes and Sea Shanties, The Art of Cinema, The World of Mask, Create a Play in 2 Hours, Island Drama.

Young Reviewers Scheme

The Young Reviewers Scheme, launched in association with the Harrogate Advertiser, works with student representatives from six local secondary schools / colleges to develop their reviewing skills.

Schools are: Grammar School at Leeds; Harrogate College; Harrogate Grammar School; Harrogate High School; Harrogate Ladies College;King James’s School, Knaresborough

Community Productions

Harrogate’s local amateur companies have, as ever, demonstrated consistent enthusiasm and incredible passion for theatre, by offering an assortment

Harrogate Youth Theatre

of classic, modern and original productions both in our Studio theatre and on our main stage. Each group contributes greatly to the diversity and variety of the theatre’s successful programme.

Across the year, 13 amateur companies performed 18 productions for a total of 68 performances.

FOH Volunteers

Harrogate Theatre’s entire Front of House operation relies on a dedicated team of hardworking volunteers. In 2012/13, 183 people gave their time to ensure all patrons had a great time coming to the theatres.

Access Performances

During 2012/13 there were 15 assisted performances, which allowed patrons with hearing or vision impairment to access Harrogate Theatre productions.

In Performance

2012/13 saw Harrogate Youth Theatre performing in a wide variety of locations from Harrogate Theatre’s Main House (Treasure Island), in the Studio Theatre and for a variety of audiences, including a special devised

performance in Harrogate’s very own Royal Pump Room Museum. On Sunday 10 June 37 of our under-12 students performed at 40s Day in the Valley Gardens. June also saw an Olympic Torch Performance on the Royal Hall steps involving 13 members of HYT as the Olympic torch passed through the town.

This year’s big summer production, Treasure Island, (August) launched onto the main stage of Harrogate Theatre in a tidal wave of talent as our youngsters’ skills were honed during the semi-professional remake of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic. Directed by up-and-coming professional Trevor MacFarlane, our young people were also given the amazing opportunity of working with professional actor Zach Lee who played ruthless pirate Long John Silver, and a professional creative team. 17 young people, ranging in age from 12 to 19 performed in the show, which received excellent reviews.

623 people attended across four performances.

‘Thank you to date for the tuition and experiences he has gained with HYT. We will all certainly remember the Treasure Island production!’ Parent

October saw a Halloween performance of Revolting Rhymes in the Valley Gardens featuring a cast of 33. The event raised £1,626.56 for Henshaws. There were 12 performances and 300 people saw it.

Pumped!

Pumped! was performed six times on Saturday 1 December in Harrogate’s world famous Royal Pump Room Museum. The Youth Theatre explored Harrogate’s past to tell the fascinating stories of the people who shaped the spa town, from Betty Lupton to Agatha Christie, Samson Fox to Charles Dickens. This unique site specific piece was devised by the young people and took place in the 1842 room at the museum.

54 members made three different casts and it was attended by 152 people across the six shows.

Between 26 - 28 March, the Youth Theatre performed Hope Springs by Richard Conlon. There were three performances, 23 members of the cast and 91 people came to see it including

Richard Conlon himself.

“Harrogate Theatre is a vital part of life in Harrogate. There surely cannot be anywhere where such a wide variety of performances appeal to such a wide variety of audiences catering for such a wide variety of tastes. Not only does it enrich us culturally but also economically bringing people into the town centre in large numbers.” Cllr Michael Newby, Mayor Of Harrogate

“Without Harrogate’s support new companies and fledgling artists would not have been given the opportunity to spring-board their careers.” Keith Hukin, Director, Reform Theatre Company

“Harrogate Theatre has evolved a balanced, challenging and diverse artistic programme that takes risks and engages audiences. Harrogate Theatre has consolidated its position as Harrogate’s foremost cultural provider” Arts Council Annual Review

“As a new theatre company, making the jump from staging a fringe production to being programmed at a reputable regional theatre seemed a daunting challenge. To cross this threshold (which often feels like a glass ceiling), we needed an established name in British Theatre to have faith in our work, to support and advise us through this transition and be willing to take the risk of programming us. Harrogate Theatre has been incredible in supporting and championing us as emerging artists within a new company to allow us to flourish in our own right.” Laura Lindsay, Writer & Performer, Black Toffee Theatre Company

“With the birth of Visit Harrogate this year the District has reconfirmed its belief in the importance of the tourism sector to its economy. Culture as we all know is essential to our offer and Harrogate Theatre has been the corner-stone of that offer for many years. The Comedy Festival attracts thousands every year and as for our pantomine, well it is just the best.” Caroline Bayliss, Co-ordinator of Visit Harrogate

“Harrogate is extremely fortunate to have such an excellent Theatre, which provides an interesting and varied programme to cater for all ages and tastes. Harrogate Theatre is extremely active in the community and very supportive of businesses and the economy” John Fox, Chair, Harrogate at Christmas Group

Opera Festival

Now in its third year, Harrogate Theatre’s relationship with English Touring Opera (ETO)continues to go from strength to strength. A leading light in touring opera, ETO has moved from stopping off for one night to an annual three-night residency, showcasing three different operas.

In 2012 (Nov), ETO brought a trio of enthralling and theatrical operas that couldn’t have been more different: Peter Maxwell Davis’s thriller The Lighthouse; Benjamin Britten’s social comedy Albert Herring, and astonishing dark comedy The Emperor of Atlantis, composed by Viktor Ullmann in a Nazi concentration camp in 1944.

Britten’s satire Albert Herring told the tale of a shy local lad elected as May King when the village girls fail to come up to scratch as May Queen to a sell-out crowd. Unused to the attention, the titular hero goes on what can only be described as a bender - with hilarious consequences. Christopher Rolls directed, with Britten expert Michael Rosewell wielding the baton.

Maxwell Davies’ The Lighthouse, a brilliant thriller following the true-life disappearance of three lighthouse keepers one foggy Christmas, was a slow-burning hit that garnered high praise across the board. Not necessarily what you’d expect from a night at the opera, Maxwell throws in a brilliant tour–de–force ending to an evening of suspense. Young American Theodore (Ted) Huffman directed and Richard Baker conducted.

ETO’s final project for autumn 2012 was perhaps the most intriguing. In 1944, in a Theresienstadt, a Nazi concentration camp presented as a model Jewish settlement to outsiders, Victor Ullmann created an extraordinary opera. It was first rehearsed by inmates of the camp, all of whom, along with Ullmann, perished when transported to Auschwitz before the premiere.

Despite its tragic origins, The Emperor Of Atlantis (Harrogate Theatre, Saturday 3 November) proved a sharp black comedy in which Death, appalled by the mass killing in a modern war, goes on strike and was acclaimed in performances around the world as an extraordinary testament to wit and humanity in the face of barbarity. Ullmann’s quirky orchestration included banjo, saxophone and accordion.

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“Opera given a good old shake-up”

“A big weekend for opera fans” Yorkshire Post

Harrogate Advertiser

Image: Rehearsals for The Count Of Monte Cristo

Associate Artists

Despite 2012/13 being one of the most creative years in its history Harrogate Theatre won’t be resting on its laurels.

Currently, 16 projects are benefitting from the support, mentorship and association with the theatre.

These productions and events underline what Harrogate Theatre always strives to offer: quality productions from artists at the top of their game. These productions will be coming to Harrogate during 2013/2014. From children’s shows to adaptations of classic works right through to new plays, the year ahead is jam-packed with exciting premieres that will be seen in Harrogate before anywhere else.

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“A hotbed of theatrical innovation”

“Here is a theatre with vision and confidence”

Yorkshire Post

The Stage

Penny Dreadful TheatreHow To Be Immortal

National Tour 2014 + Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2014World premiere

Nunkie, Harrogate Theatre & The LowryThe Time Machine

National Tour 2013/14

Reform Theatre & Harrogate TheatreMe & Me Dad

National Tour 2013

Rich Seam & Harrogate TheatreRoyal Flush

National Tour 2013World premiere

Rich Seam & Harro-gate TheatreRoyal FlushNational Tour 2013World Premiere

Thunder Road Theatre Company & Harrogate TheatreThe Count Of Monte Cristo

National Tour 2013

Lunabug TheatrePigeon

National Tour 2013World premiere

Brother Wolf & Harrogate TheatreStrange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

National Tour 2013/14

Flying Cloud TheatreEchoes of Al Andalus National Tour 2013/14World premiere

Reform Theatre & Harrogate TheatreBurt & Joyce

National Tour 2013World premiere

Harrogate TheatreEdith In The Dark

Harrogate 2013/14World premiere

Release The Hounds FestivalSpoken Word and Performance Festival

Knaresborough 2013

Black Toffee & Harrogate TheatreHidden

Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2013 + National Tour 2014

Laura Mugridge & Tom FranklandDeveloped with Harrogate Theatre & The LowryTony & Mike

National Tour 2013World premiere

Elemental Theatre Company The Rain King

National Tour 2013

Michael SabbatonDeveloped with Harrogate TheatreThe Statement of Randolph Carter

National Tour 2013World premiere

Northern Broadsides in partnership with Harrogate TheatreThe Grand Gesture

National Tour 2013World premiere

Royal Hall

2012/13 marked the exciting new Harrogate Theatres collaboration, which found Harrogate Theatre, Harrogate Studio Theatre and the Royal Hall under the same programming umbrella. The concept of Harrogate Theatres and the line-up of shows highlighted the rich array of cultural activity Harrogate & District has to offer. The year also celebrated two of Harrogate’s most established and well-loved heritage venues, working together to share resources in order to further cement Harrogate’s place on the arts map.

FAMOUS FACES

From Elgar to the Beatles, The Royal Hall has played host to a plethora of famous faces over the years. 2012/13 was no exception. Legendary leading lady of musical theatre Elaine Paige performed her only UK date (April) at the Royal Hall during her international tour, marking the beginning of an exciting year for Harrogate Theatres. Our ‘evenings with’ included action-packed tales from knights of the realm adventurers Sir Ranulph Fiennes (June) and Sir Chris Bonnington (October), whilst Edward Fox and family delighted a sell-out crowd as they returned to their ancestral roots with revue Saints and Sinners (May). Other star performances included exhilarating concerts from Tony Christie (April) and Bob Geldof (May).

COMEDY

Top names from the world of comedy included sell-out gigs from Mock the Week’s Dara O’Briain (May), professional ranter Rhod Gilbert (November), Inbetweener’s star Greg Davies (December), Britain’s most irrepressible innkeeper Al Murray (February), pun-ny man Milton Jones (March), and not forgetting godfather of alternative comedy Ken Dodd (June). After sell-out shows at Harrogate Theatre, satirical musical cabaret act Fascinating Aida (November) performed show Cheap Flights to a full house at the Royal Hall, doubling their audience capacity in one fell swoop. The inclusion of the Royal Hall in October’s Harrogate Comedy Festival 2012 accommodated even more A-list comedians within the 1,000-seat venue, including sold out gigs from comedian and broadcasting treasure Sandi Toksvig, grumpy young man Jon Richardson, and endearingly grumpy middle-aged man Jack Dee. An extra show had to be added due to popular demand for the big-hearted, down-to-earth celeb chefs The Hairy Bikers (sold out).

MUSIC

It was music to everyone’s ears as the Royal Hall programme catered to a variety of genres across the year. Large ensembles filled the stage and raised the roof with stunning shows, from chart-toppers and TV favourites The Military Wives (February), to X-Factor runner up Andy Abrahams taking the audience on a journey through The History of

the Big Bands (May). There was high praise for the beautiful vocals of The London Community Gospel Choir (May) and crowds were treated to a strummingly sensational sell-out performance from the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain (September).

Jazz enthusiasts were catered for in an evening of glitz and glamour with BBC Big Band Divas with Claire Martin (February); it also played host to one of the final performances uniting Acker Bilk with the late, great Kenny Ball (April). For those of a classical persuasion, shows included local orchestral heroes Northern Sinfonia (April), one of the world’s most celebrated ensembles The King’s Singers (June), and a prestigious concert from The Hallé (May). There was also a rousing rendition of sea-shanties with Port Isaac’s Fisherman’s Friends (November).

Opera palates were tantalised when Gala Opera Night with The Orchestra of Opera North (April) showcased a selection of some of the most exquisite pieces from the world of opera. Audiences enjoyed

a Valentine’s Day treat as celebrated company The Grand Opera of Belarus wowed a sell-out crowd with love story La Boheme (February).

GIG VENUE

Spectacular evening entertainment was on the cards as 1980s punk rockers The Levellers (September) performed an acoustic set, and long-standing Sheffield turned national treasure Paul Carrack (November) packed out the Royal Hall with The Feel Good Tour. Renowned front man of Mott The Hoople, Ian Hunter had the crowds rocking when he performed in October, and award-winning Scottish singer Eddi Reader’s (November) melting vocals made for an enchanting and relaxing night out. Yorkshire artist Kate Rusby (December) delivered a festive feel-good Christmas night out and US legend Robert Cray (March) packed an evening with tantalizing blues-rock. The Hollies (March) celebrated their 50th anniversary tour entertaining the Harrogate audience with well-known hits from across the decades.

FAMILY

Things went off with a bang for family audiences: Science Museum Live! (May) featured spectacular science, explosive demonstrations and extraordinary experiments. There were thundering rhythms from family favourites Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers (May) and an afternoon with world-renowned and much-loved children’s author Jacqueline Wilson (October) marked the final installment of her popular trilogy Hetty Feather.

FEEL GOOD FUN

There was also the opportunity to let your hair down and party the night away. Dancing In The Streets (June) was an energetic celebration of all things Motown, and we transported you back to a 1920s New York nightclub with Swinging At The Cotton Club (June). A few audience members were lucky enough to be taken around the floor by professional dancers in a breath-taking night as Stars of Strictly Come Dancing Katya Vershalis & Pasha Kovalev (April)

strutted their stuff.

2s CompanyFestival

Since 2’s Company’s genesis in 2011, Harrogate Theatre’s festival of small has got bigger and bolder, encouraging audiences to try something a bit different and enjoy a close encounter of the theatrical kind.

2012/13 marked the second year for this long weekend of smaller-scale productions created for smaller-scale audiences or offering a one-on-one theatre experience. Whereas ‘audience participation’ was once a phrase likely to send even the stoutest theatregoer into spasms, smart young theatre companies know immersive experiences that take theatre out of the black box are a sharp way to make audiences connect with the production, the actors and each other.

Smashing down the fourth wall in June 2012, Il Pixel Rosso, The Sleepwalk Collective and The Other Way Works brought atmosphere and adventure to different spaces within the theatre – and beyond.

Journeying out into the houses of Harrogate, Avon Calling from Birmingham company The Other Way Works was performed in audience members’ own homes for up to ten guests at a time. An Avon party with a twist, Louise Platt’s funny and poignant drama was a sell-out success.

Merging immersive theatre and cutting-edge technology, Il Pixel Rosso came armed with headphones and video goggles (and wheelchairs) so that audiences of two at a time could take a road-trip with a group of drunk and dangerous Faruk clowns. And The Birds Fell From The Sky… was a dizzying performance all about the ride.

The Sleepwalk Collective presented two sides to the same story with As The Flames Rose We Danced to the Sirens, the Sirens, mixing live art and surreal imagery to tell the B-movie tale of Iara, a sultry loner. This was done in two ways: one show took place in the Studio theatre, while another found individual audience members and Iara in a room at The Crown Hotel.

As well as giving audience members an experience they’ll never forget by making them the centre of attention, 2’s Company is excellent for the theatre’s profile, earning support and plaudits from the local art world, international theatre companies and the national press.

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“Harrogate Theatre’s perfectly formed festival of small”

“2’s Company is a theatre experience like no other’”

The Guardian

Leeds List

“Harrogate Theatre is an essential component of the cultural and tourist attraction of Harrogate and a major contributor to the local economy. Over the past few years it has developed a diverse programme of work that engages with and attracts wider audiences. It works well with local schools and the youth theatre takes work out to the wider rural community thoughout the district and beyond.” Jim Clark, North Yorkshire County Councillor

“Harrogate Theatre is essential part of Harrogate heritage, at The Crown we enjoy working with such an enthusiastic and co-operative group of people , we have so many guests that stay with us as of results of all the excellent events that are put on the theatre and team” Laura Walker, The Crown Hotel

“Receiving Harrogate Theatre’s support in bringing my work to a larger audience was made all the more sweet with a full house, sell-out performance in their Studio space. The reaction from those audience members has been phenomenal and I have received some great letters from them – one in particular stating that it has changed their stance on theatre attendance and appreciation. Harrogate Theatre made that happen. It’s great. “The support, generosity and mentorship of Harrogate Theatre has been instrumental in mounting this new adventure. They’re people with the same passion for theatre as me. I like that. This is what we need and we need more of it – nationwide. It is through the committed work of partner venues such as Harrogate Theatre that we can continue to build these so important relationships - between Artist, Venue and Audience. The far reaching and far sighted approach of Harrogate’s team of passionate professionals is testament to this commitment to theatre and it is a relationship that I am so very pleased to be part of.” Michael Sabbaton, Actor, Producer & Writer

“This was Broadsides first collaboration with Harrogate. The partnership proved a successful marriage both of artistic principles and practical application. Broadsides are delighted to be championing great art for everyone with Harrogate Theatres in 2013.” Conrad Nelson, Director, Northern Broadsides

“The history, magnificent architecture and quality of performances it attracts means Harrogate Theatre is more than capable of holding its own against competing venues in larger cities such as Leeds and York. Harrogate Theatre, along with The Royal Hall, is not only a wonderful asset to Harrogate, it is vital to maintaining and enhancing our reputation as a centre for culture in Yorkshire” Simon Kent, Director, Harrogate International Centre

Image: The Lock In (February 2013)

VisitingProductions

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.

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“Productions which are typical of the imagination of its current programming”

“Harrogate Studio Theatre can always be relied upon to present unique, thought provoking and memorable shows”

WhatsOnStage

Public Reviews

Family

Music

Drama

Our varied and exciting programme of live entertainment for families continued to enthrall this year, from enchanting characters from Julia

Donaldson (Tiddler & other Terrific Tales, April), contemporary takes on timeless classics (Little Red…You Know Who, April) and up to the minute productions from award winning theatre companies (The Girl With the Iron Claws by The Wrong Crowd, June). Live theatrical adaptations of popular children’s television shows also thrilled young audiences with Peppa Pig’s Treasure Hunt and the evergreen Spot the Dog came to celebrate his birthday (February).

The theatre welcomed back Little Angel Theatre, a company which specialises in introducing little ones to the magic of live theatre. Handa’s Surprise (October) was a blend of physical performance, puppetry, live music and song combined to create an intimate, magical production with audience participation.

We had music that catered to all tastes this year in both the Main House and Studio. Spiers and

Boden, two-time winners of the Radio 2 Folk Awards for Best Duo visited our main stage with their brand of punk/folk/rock and dazzling musicianship (May).

Their stable mates Martin Simpson and Andy Cutting performed in June. Class act Stacey Kent performed songs from her latest album; Grammy Award winning guitarist Martin Turner and jazz singer Alison Burns performed treats from the Great American Songbook; chanteuse Eve Loiseau breathed new life into the songs of Edith Piaf and Chris Barber and his Big Band were back and louder than ever (June).

Superstar vocal group Blake belted out some classic musical numbers and popular tunes (June) and former front man of 80’s band The Commotions, Lloyd Cole performed his solo work (July). Straddling both drama and music, Woody Sez featured the finest actor-musicians telling the story of the life and times of Woody Guthrie (Feb), and jazz saxophonist Courtney Pine wowed the crowd in March.

Theatrical classics, new writing and devised work from both emerging and established companies helped to make this year the most interesting and diverse yet.

The very best quality work from the Fringe this year began with Idle Motion’s The Seagull Effect, fresh from a successful run at the Edinburgh Festival with its special brand of storytelling, this time about the 1987 hurricanes. Leeds-based Icabod Productions brought Free Birds, a drama about modern-day relationships and TongueTied Theatre made its Harrogate debut with The Fantasist’s Waltz (April). Etiquette of Grief creator and performer Ellie Harrison brought her show to Harrogate to rave reviews. (April). Darts was the sport of choice in Unfolding Theatre’s exploration of what it takes to be a winner in Best in the World, and Bane came to the studio having enjoyed a sell-out success at the Edinburgh Fringe where it picked up a Fringe Review Outstanding Theatre Award (May).

A Harold Pinter double-bill of The Lover and The Dumb Waiter by European Arts Company (June) was followed by Bones by playwright Jane Upton. Fifth Word presented this hard-hitting play and the powerful subject matter shook up audiences. Two creepy tales from the pen of HP Lovecraft were performed by acclaimed actor Michael Sabbaton in October. The works of M.R James were brought to life by Nunkie, and Townsend Productions performed its rendition of The Ragged Trousered Philantropists to capacity crowds.

Our friends LipService brought a second helping of Brontë spoof, Withering Looks – and in January returned with a brand new adventure: Swedish flatpack thriller, Inspector Norse. With their knitted set, donated by local Harrogate crafts people, the show was a hit. Harrogate Theatre regulars Gonzo Moose had people rolling in the aisles with I’m an Aristocrat – Get Me Out of Here! in June and What the Dickens? in March.

Following a sell-out run at the National Theatre two years in a row and a critically acclaimed Edinburgh Festival run, audiences were amazed by 1927’s play The Animals and Children Took to the Streets (March).

Ballet Theatre UK brought their mesmerizing new ballet The Sleeping Beauty to the Main Stage (May). Retina Dance Theatre performed experimental piece Layers of Skin, in which they involved dancers of all ages and abilities from the local area (June).

Dance

Faces Many famous faces graced our stage this year, including actress and musical theatre star Patricia Routledge, talking about her life on

the musical stage both in this country and in the USA (July).

Dubbed ‘the Bard of Salford’, punk poet John Cooper Clarke’s biting, satirical, political and very funny verse and rapid-fire performance style captivated a sell-out crown in our main auditorium (July).

We have also been in the presence of literary giants this year, firstly ex poet laureate (1999-09) Andrew Motion introduced his sequel to Treasure Island, Silver: Return to Treasure Island (July), and Oxford resident and hugely popular writer of the Inspector Morse novels, Colin Dexter talked about the mammoth challenge of transforming a full-length novel into a 90-minute screen drama. The highly acclaimed writer packed out the main house with his evening of anecdotes and chat.

Mozart’s world famous comic opera Cosi Fan Tutte presented by Swansea City Opera was loved by audiences in May and followed by English Touring Opera who brought a trilogy of exciting contemporary takes on classic tales. The first, The Lighthouse by Peter Maxwell Davies; Benjamin Britten’s Albert Herring and Viktor Ullmans’ short opera The Emperor of Atlantis (November).

Opera

Corporate Development

“Harrogate Theatre provides an interesting and diverse programme offering something for everyone. Harrogate Chamber is pleased to be associated with the theatre and welcomes it as a business partner.”Sandra Doherty (Harrogate Chamber of Trade & Commerce)

“Our partnership with Harrogate Theatre has given us the opportunity to engage with our clients in a creative and exciting way. It’s fantastic to be associated with such a vibrant, successful venue at the heart of the District.”Jonathan Mortimer (Raworths Solicitors)

“The association with Harrogate Theatre is proving to be a great way for us to spend time out of the business in a relaxed and creative environment. Whether it’s company meetings or smaller workshops, the team at the theatre have been great in accommodating us.”Martin Burke (Taylors of Harrogate)

Harrogate Theatre launched its first dedicated fundraising and development function in November 2012. The key driver behind this decision is to leverage financial support from private sources including companies, individuals and trusts.

With no history of sustained development activity to date, Harrogate Theatre is seeking support from philanthropists, the local community, grant making trusts and local businesses. Encouragingly, a long-standing tradition of fundraising and development exists across the cultural sector and for this reason there is no shortage of best practice to draw upon in devising a comprehensive strategy to identify and engage potential donors.

The continued challenges of today’s harsh financial climate also bring the potential benefits of a sustained fundraising and development operation into sharper focus. Shrinking arts funding is likely to result in a potential shortfall in the Theatre’s finances. Set against this economic backdrop, fundraising and development becomes less a luxury and more a necessity.

Harrogate Theatre Business Club

The Business Club allows organisation’s to take a more creative approach to networking: entertain clients and employees in a way that sets them apart from their competitors, while raising their profile and supporting Harrogate Theatre. Benefits include raising brand awareness through recognition in publicity material, invitations to member social events and use of Harrogate Theatre for presentations and seminars.

Current Business Club members include:

Sponsorship

Sponsoring specific elements of Harrogate Theatre’s work enables organisations to be associated with the activity that is most in keeping with their priorities, as well as creating high visibility branding and advertising opportunities. Our productions aren’t one size fits all; neither are our sponsorship packages, and we have tailored a range of benefits to suit individual needs. Current opportunities include: Pantomime, Opera, Harrogate Comedy Festival, Creative Learning Programme, Harrogate Theatre brochure, sponsor a season and name a space (bars/auditoria).

Current corporate supporters include:

Townsend Investments

Harrogate Theatre gratefully acknowledges support from

@HGTheatre www.facebook.com/harrogatetheatre