The Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield has announced a programme of digital events in light of the Prime Minister’s latest announcement which will see theatres close their doors from Thursday 5 November for a minimum of 28 days.
The regional venue has just premiered Henry Filloux-Bennett’s adaptation of Jonathan Coe’s best-selling crime thriller, What a Carve Up! which will continue to stream to ticket holders until 29 November. Those wanting a taste of theatre from home can purchase an enhanced ticket which comes with a goody bag containing a programme and exclusive recipe cards curated by Asma Khan, owner of the prestigious Darjeeling Express in London’s Soho.
Those looking for their fill of visual art can enjoy two online exhibitions produced by the Lawrence Batley Theatre, Simon Annand’s The Half, and No Ordinary Time. The Half which opened last summer in celebration of the venue’s 25th birthday, showcases 74 photographs capturing actors and actresses at the beginning of their careers through to playing on the most famous stages and features images of Julie Walters, David Tennant, Judi Dench and more. No Ordinary Time is a brand-new exhibition featuring images by Huddersfield-based photographer, Vinny Tyrell and captures the life of the African-Caribbean community in Kirklees as they go about their daily lives during the easing of the first national lockdown. Audiences can view both exhibitions online for free.
Families wanting to keep their children engaged with creative activities can do so with the Charlotte Holmes Adventure Box. The Box which has been described by The Guardian as ‘ingeniously designed’ sees the Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield collaborate with Lancaster’s treasured arts venue The Dukes and theatre producers The Big Tiny to create an interactive theatrical experience for 7 – 12 year olds to enjoy at home. Unfolding over seven fun-filled days, the Adventure Box is packed with games, recorded performances from actors, activities, mysteries, clues, puzzles and online content. Those aged 8-11 and 12-17 years can also join the Lawrence Batley Theatre’s digital Young Company winter term. Participants will meet via Zoom on a weekly basis for six weeks to create and rehearse their very own pantomime.
The theatre will have plenty of free creative activities on offer from November through December with the relaunch of their highly successful platform LBTV which saw over 19,500 people engage with masterclasses, workshops, behind-the-scenes content and storytelling sessions during the summer. A full programme of activities will be released soon.
At a time when many arts organisations are going dark, the Lawrence Batley Theatre has been at the forefront of digital innovation during the cultural shift caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and has risen above many other organisations while continuing to adapt and bring original online theatre to the world at a time when the theatre industry faces ongoing struggles.
Henry Filloux-Bennett, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the Lawrence Batley Theatre comments, “At a time when we all face such uncertainty we remain absolutely sure of one thing: although our doors will be closed until early December, we shall continue to entertain our community and provide creative opportunities through our digital channels until we are ready to welcome audiences back to the theatre again.”
More information about the Lawrence Batley Theatre’s November digital programme can be found online at: https://www.thelbt.org/things-to-do-in-november/.
