The Lawrence Batley Theatre has today announced its summer season featuring top class contemporary dance inspired by the 90s, a free live music festival and an original reinterpretation of the work of a world-renowned artist.
Yorkshire born and bred choreographer Gary Clarke returns to Lawrence Batley Theatre with his feature length show about 90s club culture WASTELAND. At the time of the miners strikes, a sub-culture was born. Gary Clarke’s explosive Wasteland explores that time when despair turned into euphoria as the ravaged landscape of post-industrial Britain was transformed by the illegal rave culture of the 1990s and for an instant, it seemed music and dance might save the day.
Now, following a critically acclaimed autumn launch, WASTELAND comes to Huddersfield as part of its winter and spring tour, with performances at Lawrence Batley Theatre, Tues 9 & Wed 10 May 2023.
Throughout the summer, from mid-June until the start of September, there will be live music and other special events happening every Friday and Saturday at the heart of Huddersfield’s cultural quarter. The outdoor festival, Summer in the Courtyard, which takes place in the square in front of the Huddersfield town centre theatre, was initially started in 2020 and in the fourth year of the festival they are looking forward to seeing audiences dancing, singing along, and enjoying themselves. The festival gives paid opportunities to local artists and this year features returning artists; resident drag queen Miss D, five-piece indie folk band Fishing4Compliments and local singer and pianist Richard Sykes.
On Sun 6 August Prince Reimagined will take over the theatre’s main stage. Prince, known for his incredible musicianship and flamboyant stage presence, influenced generations of musicians, singers and fans. His songbook is one of the most enigmatic and prolific created by any artist; while his celebration of diversity, sexuality and identity has struck a chord with people across the world. Prince Reimagined aims to review Prince’s music in diverse and exciting musical genres, giving new experiences to long-standing fans, and an insight into Prince’s music to younger generations who have yet to hear of Prince and may yet take inspiration from his life and work. The project also looks to collect oral histories from people who have been affected by the music and creativity of Prince.
Becky Atkinson, Chief Executive of the Lawrence Batley Theatre said “Here we go again with another jam-packed season, including entertaining comedy from household names, brave and exciting contemporary dance and locally rooted free performances from Huddersfield artists during Summer in the Courtyard. We are putting the community at the heart of the programme building towards the 6th of August where we have a multicultural song and dance showcase in the Courtyard and the innovative Prince Reimagined musical extravaganza in the main house as part of Kirklees Year of Music. With so much talent visiting and based in West Yorkshire across our three fabulous stages, it’s a summer not to be missed.”
Tickets for the summer season are now on sale. More information and tickets can be found at thelbt.org.
