Hebden Bridge Little Theatre

Pyrenees
2019-04-15 19:30 - 2019-04-20 22:00 UTC | Hebden Bridge Little Theatre, Holme Street, Hebden Bridge, HX7 8EE
By David Greig, directed by Jenny Gore
A man is found lying in the snow at the foot of the Pyrenees. He remembers nothing, but believes he is British. Anna, a young woman from the British Consulate, is dispatched to confirm his nationality and piece together his identity. When Vivienne, a middle aged woman from Edinburgh arrives, she presents him with a history he doesn’t recognise. Is he who she says he is? As the snow melts on the mountains the man must decide which reality he prefers – Anna’s or Vivienne’s?
Pyrenees premiered at the Tron Theatre, Glasgow, in March 2005.

Andante Live
2019-03-22 19:30 - 22:00
BLOWIN’ IN THE WIND: SONGS OF PEACE, PROTEST & LOVE
Join us as we take you back to the era of PEACE, PROTEST & LOVE
with uniquely arranged classic songs such as ‘Mr Tambourine Man’,
‘Imagine’, ‘The Night They Drove Ol’ Dixie Down’, ‘Big Yellow
Taxi’,‘The Sound of Silence’, ‘All you need is Love’ and many more.
Andante Live presents ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’. Combining the vocal
harmonies of Vee Sweeney and Mark Rowson, 16 instruments between
them and outstanding musicianship, they perform an uplifting and
inspiring show to give you a fabulous evening of unforgettable music.
When Dylan, Baez and friends sang their songs of peace, protest & love,
“times certainly were a- changin’..”
Tickets can be booked online: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/date/602410

The Pirates of Penzance
2019-03-13 19:15 - 2019-03-16 22:00
Hebden Bridge Light Opera Society proudly presents Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance, directed by Ian Moorhouse, under the musical direction of Colin Akers and Philip Sutcliffe, with choreography by Angela Marshall. The show runs from Wednesday to Saturday, 13-16 March, starting at 7.15pm, with a matinee on Saturday, at 2.15pm.
Tickets cost £10 full price and £8 concessions. To reserve a seat, ring Susan Lee on 01422 250181, text her on 07741 460868, or email tickets.hblos@gmail.com.
Tickets can also be purchased at The White Swan, Hebden Bridge.

Social Play Reading Group
2019-03-06 19:30 - 22:00
The Social Play Reading Group will meet next on Wednesday 6 March to read two short one-act plays that will be performed script-in-hand, in a rehearsed public reading, on 24 May. This is an opportunity for new actors or returning actors to have a bit of fun and explore different character parts.
We are looking for up to seven women to play characters of varying ages, accents and backgrounds, in the short play Bus Stop, by Rae Shirley (the author of the satirical, Merry Regiment of Women, which was given a similar performance a couple of years’ ago).
The other play is Plasters, from Visiting Hour, by Richard Harris, a collection of six interlinked plays set in a National Health hospital. It has a cast of two, a husband and wife, who can be any age or background.
Come along to the meeting, if you enjoy reading plays, or would like to take part in the performance.

If I Were You
2019-02-18 19:30 - 2019-02-23 22:00
By Alan Ayckbourn, directed by Vaughan Leslie
Mal and Jill’s family life is beset with problems. Mal is having an affair, and doesn’t realise his wife knows about it. His son-in-law Dean can do no wrong in his eyes, but Mal’s cherished daughter, Chrissie, has some unexplained bruises. Mal has also fallen out with his 15 year-old son, Sam, and they are not speaking.
Waking the next morning, the couple find they have inexplicably switched bodies! Now each has a chance to see things through the other’s eyes, with hilarious and life-changing consequences!

Social Play Reading Group
2019-02-06 19:30 - 22:00
The Social Play Reading Group meets next on Wednesday, 6 February, at 7.30pm, to read Bus Stop, by Rae Shirley, and an extract from Visiting Hour, by Richard Harris, with a view to giving a rehearsed public reading of both, at the end of May.
Bus Stop concerns a group of seven women gathered at a bus stop who indulge in gossip to pass the time. Visiting Hour, consists of six interlinked plays set in a National Health hospital during visiting hour, which are alternately funny and sad.
Come along to the meeting, if you enjoy reading plays, or would like to take part in the performance.

Aladdin
2018-12-28 11:00 - 2018-12-31 17:00
Aladdin flies into Hebden Bridge this December for StoryMagic’s annual pantomime at Hebden Bridge Little Theatre. Performances are on 28-30 December, at 11am and 3pm.
Last year’s pantomime, Snow White, sold out leaving families disappointed, so audiences are urged to buy their tickets well in advance this year.
‘Our popular Toddler Friendly performances are back at 11am every day’ says producer Katrina Heath. ‘These performances are specially designed for a very young audience, so we make sure it never goes dark, and we avoid scary effects and loud noises’.
The cast includes 3 professional adults. Regular audience members will recognise Katrina and Ross from the past few years, and local actress, Rhiannon, who played Snow White last year joins us as the Princess Balroulbadour. The cast is completed by 7 local children who play street urchins and magical dancing rubies, amethysts and an onyx in the ballet of the jewels.
Tickets are available at Todmorden Tourist Information Centre, either in person, or on 01706 818181 (no booking fee), or by clicking on the Ticketsource link on the website www.storymagictheatre.com (a small booking fee applies).
STOP PRESS: Extra performance announced, Monday 31 December at 3pm.

Christmas Concert
2018-12-08 19:30 - 22:00
We will be holding our Traditional Christmas Concert on Saturday 8 December, at 7.30pm. At a cost of £5 only, we offer a jolly night, with songs and sketches, mulled wine, stollen, and minced pies. Book your ticket now, by ringing Sue Riches: 01422 843907.

The 39 Steps
2018-11-26 19:30 - 2018-12-01 22:00
By Patrick Barlow, directed by Ray Riches
Winner of the Olivier Award for Best Comedy, in 2007, Patrick Barlow’s play is based on the Buchan novel and Hitchcock film, about adventurer Richard Hannay, who is forced to go on the run from an international spy ring, at the outbreak of the First World War.
In this spoof version, all the characters are played by four actors, who portray between 100 and 150 roles, even doubling parts within the same scene. These quick changes are achieved by cunning use of props and costume, contributing to the general hilarity. Further humour comes from the ingenious use of props – to represent trains and planes on stage, in a variety of unexpected ways!

Social Play Reading Group
2018-11-07 19:30 - 22:00
The social play reading group enjoyed reading Chris Berry’s entry to our play writing competition, at the October meeting. Chris has extended his play, so reading and discussion went on till after 9, meaning there was no time to read Andy Fraser’s entry, Once Upon a Happy Ever After. This is now the subject of the November meeting, on Wednesday 7 November, at 7.30pm, in the theatre Space (upstairs).
Andy is very active in creative writing circles, and leads a writing group in Todmorden.
Once Upon a Happy Ever After has four characters: two men and two women in their late 20’s /early 30’s. Come along to read or listen. We’d like to hear what you think!

If I Were You, Audition
2018-11-07 19:30 - 21:30
We will be auditioning for the first play of the new season, If I Were You, by Alan Ayckbourn, at 7.30pm on Wednesday, 7 November, in the Little Theatre bar.
Mal and Jill’s family life is beset with problems. Mal is having an affair, and doesn’t realise his wife knows about it. His son-in-law Dean can do no wrong in his eyes, but Mal’s cherished daughter, Chrissie, has some unexplained bruises. Mal has also fallen out with his 15 year-old son, Sam, and they are not speaking.
Waking the next morning, the couple find they have inexplicably switched bodies! Now each has a chance to see things through the other’s eyes, with hilarious and life-changing consequences!

We are looking for a cast of five, to play Mal and Jill who are in their forties, Dean and Chrissie, in their twenties, and Sam, aged 15. The play is directed by Vaughan Leslie, runs from 18-23 February, and rehearsals will commence in earnest in the New Year.
Contact: Vaughan Leslie (vaughanleslie@hotmail.com; 07415 062810; 01422 845446).

The Haunting of Blaine Manor
2018-10-19 19:30 - 2018-10-20 22:00
England, 1953
​Renowned American parapsychologist Doctor Roy Earle, famous for discrediting hauntings and exposing fake mediums, is invited to attend a seance in what is said to be the most haunted building in England, a building with a horrific history, Blaine Manor. Even the locals won’t set foot there, as all who walk within those grounds will be cursed.
But his arrival at the manor has awoken something, something horrific within the walls. As a raging storm closes off Blaine Manor from the outside world, Earle and the others find that what is waiting there is not nearly as horrific as what has entered with him…

Writer/director Joe O’Byrne brings his acclaimed production, The Haunting of Blaine Manor, to the Little Theatre on Friday 19 October, and Saturday 20 October, starting at 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £10 full, £8 concessions. Not suitable for children under 12.
Buy your tickets online via Ticketweb:
Friday 19 October:
https://www.ticketweb.uk/event/the-haunting-of-blaine-manor-hebden-bridge-little-theatre-tickets/8129755
Saturday 20 October:
https://www.ticketweb.uk/event/the-haunting-of-blaine-manor-hebden-bridge-little-theatre-tickets/8129785
If you would prefer you can also buy tickets on the door.

The Last Memory
2018-10-12 19:30 - 22:00
Talking Stock Productions presents
The Last Memory
By Alan Stockdill
‘How can I go to heaven if I don’t know who I am?’ says Ernest to his daughter Lynne when he’s diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. But he also has a plan: to leave a vital imprint of who he is. Lynne is to be the keeper of his memory, the guardian of their past. Join them on their journey; share their hopes, fears, smiles, strength and tears. Arrive with them as they seize the last memory and a carpe diem hope.
This powerful one-act play is inspired by a real-life situation with genuine stories and experiences. The performance will be followed by an interval then an optional Q&A session with the writer/director and actors.
‘The actors dealt with the difficult subject of dementia tenderly and compassionately, picking out the humour, the positives, the memories and the ‘carpe diem’ moments in a beautiful, truly touching way…’
‘One of the most moving and inspirational pieces of theatre I’ve ever experienced…’
‘Shows the sheer love a daughter has for her Daddy who is struggling to remain with his beloved family…’
‘Brilliant. There was not a dry eye in the house…’
Money raised from this performance will go to local dementia charities, including the Living with Dementia group at Hope Baptist Church which helps support both sufferers and carers. It will also help in the bid for Hebden Bridge to become a Dementia Friendly town.
Tickets are £8 (unreserved seating) and tickets are available from Catherine Pasek by texting or phoning 07785 530129. You can also book online at wegottickets.com/talkingstock.

Social Play Reading Group
2018-10-10 19:30 - 22:00
Following a very successful meeting in September, which focused on Maddie Cullinane’s entry to our play writing competition, the social play reading group has decided to spotlight two more entries by local writers, at its next meeting, on Wednesday, 10 October: Once Upon a Happy Ever After, by Andy Fraser, and The Fabergé Egg, by Chris Berry.
Andy is very active in creative writing circles, and leads a writing group in Todmorden. Chris has extended his half hour play to fifty minutes, since entering it in the competition, and is tremendously excited to see how the play will be received.
Once Upon a Happy Ever After has four characters: two men and two women in their late 20’s /early 30’s. The Fabergé Egg has five characters: three women and two men. Come along and participate. We’d like to hear what you think!

‘Allo ‘Allo!
2018-10-01 19:30 - 2018-10-06 22:00
By Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft, directed by Rachel Peter
Adapted from the long-running, popular TV series, ‘Allo ‘Allo! centres around René Artois the cowardly cafe-owner with an eye for the ladies, who gets caught up in the madcap escapades of the French Resistance, whilst all the time trying desperately to ingratiate himself with the occupying German forces. The stage adaptation features the familiar running gags, and all your favourite characters, such as René’s tone-deaf wife Edith, Major-General von Klinkerhoffen and the Gestapo officer Herr Flick.
‘Allo ‘Allo! is broad comedy, with elements of farce, physical comedy, visual gags, ridiculous fake accents, and a large amount of sexual innuendo. What’s not to like?!

Social Play Reading Group
2018-09-05 19:30 - 22:00
Little Theatre member, Maddie Cullinane’s one act play, All Things White and Beautiful, is the basis of this month’s social play reading group, on Wednesday 5 September, at 7.30pm, in the Little Theatre. A ‘sit-com’, set in a bridal gowns shop, the play has a strong plot, convincing characters and clever dialogue. Come along and support Maddie! She is eager to hear her play performed, and to see what people think of it.

One Act Play Festival: Play Write!
2018-07-20 19:30 - 2018-07-21 22:00
From an original entry of over sixty, half-hour plays, an independent panel of judges have chosen four, to be performed at the Festival, on Friday and Saturday, 20-21 July.
The plays to be presented, are: Size Zero by Dave Payne, directed by Ray Riches, Stranger by Peter Bird, directed by Vaughan Leslie, Kelsi and Sam by Amelia Stephenson, directed by Jenny Gore, and Going Country by Theresa Sowerby, directed by Katrina Heath.
These plays tell contemporary tales of love, obsession and alienation, that will grip and entertain the audience.
The judge’s award for the overall winner of the competition will be kept under wraps till Saturday 21 July, the last night of the Festival, and there will be a vote, and a prize, for the audience favourite, each night.
Tickets cost £10 and can be purchased online, by going to the website: www.hblt.co.uk.
Performances commence at 7.30 pm.
Join us for a feast of new writing!

Light Music for Summertime
2018-07-07 19:30 - 22:00
With happy memories of last year’s concert, Hebden Bridge Little Theatre Choir will again welcome the Chris Irvin Concert Orchestra from Leeds, to share an evening of cheerful nostalgia, and the brilliant tunes of previous generations.
If you relish the stirring songs of the first World War, long to gather lilacs in English Country Gardens – Linden Lea or a Monastery Garden, perhaps – come to the Little Theatre on Saturday 7 July, at 7.30pm. It’s a free concert, as was last year’s, with donations welcome.
There’s evidence that popular favourites of parents and grandparents can appeal to children hearing them for the first time; the evening will also enable youngsters to see orchestral instruments being played at close quarters.
Chris Irvin, who suggested ten years ago that the Little Theatre might enjoy having its own choir, is also M.D. for the orchestra, and has composed new pieces for its concerts, in venues ranging from Open Gardens to shopping malls, churches and care homes.
If you’d like to join us, for a pleasant evening’s entertainment, please ring Chris to reserve your seat (01422 844744). There is no admission charge.

'Allo 'Allo! Audition
2018-07-01 19:00 - 21:00
We now have confirmed dates for a casting read-through, and audition, for ‘Allo ‘Allo!, the Little Theatre’s October production. Rachel Peter, the director, plans an informal read-through and meeting, on Sunday 1 July, and then an audition on Wednesday 4 July, both at 7pm, at the theatre.
The extensive cast of comedy characters, offers great opportunities for you to get involved with the production, whether you’ve had lots of experience previously, or very little.
If you are interested and would like further information, contact: rachelpeter1@hotmail.co.uk
Check out Our Next Read-through, on the website (http://hblt.co.uk/our-next-readthrough), for full cast list and further details.

Lovesong
2018-06-11 19:30 - 2018-06-16 22:00
By Abi Morgan, directed by Mike Bellenie
The playwright, Abi Morgan, and celebrated theatre company, Frantic Assembly, collaborated on this unforgettable love story, about the 40-year marriage of Maggie and Billy, as Maggie’s illness threatens to end it. Past and present collide. The kitchen and bedroom of Maggie and Billy’s house, where the walls were never scribbled on by longed-for children, are stalked by the ghosts of their younger selves: the smooth-skinned, radiant Margaret and William. An old woman walks into the wardrobe and a young woman walks out. An elderly man dances with the memory of his young wife; a young man makes love to the woman his new wife will eventually become.
Lovesong is a radical departure for the Little Theatre, as the production will feature the unique choreography, for which Frantic Assembly is famous.

Shazia Mirza
2018-05-19 19:30 - 22:00
SHAZIA MIRZA – 2017/18 TOUR – WITH LOVE FROM ST. TROPEZ
Following her critically acclaimed, sell-out international tour: ‘The Kardashians Made Me Do It’, Shazia Mirza returns to Hebden Bridge Little Theatre, on Saturday 19 May 2018, with her brand new stand-up show: ‘With Love From St. Tropez’. Tickets are £14, and are only available online @ https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/date/424483. Doors open at 6.45, for a 7.30 start.
‘After starving to death on a desert Island, I’ve changed my mind about a few things. I knew nothing about men before, I know an awful lot now. Men versus women, survival, and is anyone really an atheist in the middle of a Tsunami? Oh, and the answers to everything are in The Periodic Table.
‘A show about lies and truth – or is that the same thing? Nudity and The Periodic Table, these things hold the key to the future. How much do you wear? What do you look like, and will they let you in? Oh, and don’t you dare wear more than dental floss on a French beach’.
Shazia’s TV work includes the recent Series 2 of ‘Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls’ (Channel 4), The Jonathan Ross Show (ITV), Loose Women (ITV), Top Gear (BBC), The Late Late Show (RTE), Have I got News for You (BBC), 60 Minutes (CBS), and Last Comic Standing (NBC). She is also a regular panelist on The Wright Stuff (Channel 5).
★★★★ ‘Shazia Mirza is provoking laughter and large intakes of breath once again…brave and urgent’ THE TELEGRAPH
★★★★ ‘As brave a piece of comedy as you’ll see’ MAIL ON SUNDAY
★★★★ ‘she’s effective at getting under your skin…strikes a blow’ METRO
★★★★ ‘at this moment in time – post-Brexit, post-Nice, post-Orlando – it’s on point chilling and superb’ THE SKINNY
★★★★ ‘Mirza has stepped up a gear…the bravest thing you’ll see on a comedy stage this year…a remarkable finale’ SUNDAY TIMES

Play Festival Audition
2018-05-02 19:30 - 22:00
There will be an open audition, on Wednesday, 2 May, 7.30pm, to cast the plays short-listed for the inaugural new play Festival – Play Write!
From an original entry of over sixty, half-hour plays, the judges have chosen four, to be performed at the Festival, on Friday and Saturday, 20-21 July.
The four plays offer a range of parts for men and women, aged from twenties to fifties. Younger actors especially are wanted.
The plays to be presented, are: Size Zero by Dave Payne, directed by Ray Riches, Stranger by Peter Bird, directed by Vaughan Leslie, Kelsi and Sam by Amelia Stephenson, directed by Jenny Gore, and Going Country by Theresa Sowerby, directed by Katrina Heath.
The plays selected tell contemporary tales of love, obsession and alienation, that will grip and entertain the audience.

If you would like to be involved in this exciting new venture, come along to the audition, or get in touch with the Festival Organiser, Vaughan Leslie (07415 062810; vaughanleslie@hotmail.com).

Gaslight
2018-04-16 - 2018-04-21
By Patrick Hamilton, directed by Hannah Stow
What terrors lurk in the shadows, for Bella Manningham, when her husband mysteriously disappears from the house, and the gas lights dim? This classic psychological thriller, by Patrick Hamilton, set in a Victorian world shrouded in fog, and lit by flickering gaslight, uses every device to unsettle its audience. We share Bella’s growing apprehension and self-doubt. Is she going mad as her husband claims?
Gaslight has been a popular hit since it was written in 1938, enjoying a recent revival with Kara Tointon as the tormented spouse. Please join us as we embark on a nail-biting journey into the Haunted House of Horrors!

Social Play Reading Group
2018-04-04 19:30 - 22:00
The next play for the Social Play Reading Group will be a saucy comedy, Chase Me Up Farndale Avenue, s’il vous plaît! by David McGillivray and Walter Zerlin Jnr. The French farce has arrived at the Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society, and the formidable ladies do it like no one else! An unintelligible plot, a plethora of doors and a grand range of characters make this Farndale offering as bubbly as a glass of champagne. If you have ever seen any of the other Farndale Avenue Housing Estate plays and enjoyed them, you will appreciate this style of ‘coarse theatre’ and the comedy which results from theatre done badly on purpose. Everyone is welcome to read or just listen.
The SPRG meets to read this jolly romp, on Wednesday, 4 April, at 7.30pm, in the Little Theatre.

Grand Centenary Show 1918-2018
2018-03-21 19:15 - 2018-03-24 22:00
Hebden Bridge Light Opera Society proudly presents its Grand Centenary Show to celebrate a hundred years of music making in the Valley. Directed by Eileen Horner, under the Musical Direction of David Root, the Concert will feature songs from over 20 popular musicals. Tickets are on sale now, at £12 full price and £10 concessions. To reserve a seat, ring Susan Lee on 01422 250181, or text her on 07741 460868. Tickets can also be purchased at Bonsall’s Hebden Bridge. The Concert runs from Wednesday 21 – Saturday 24 March, starting at 7.15pm, with a matinee on Saturday, at 2.15pm.

Godfrey's Last Summer
2018-03-10 19:30 - 22:00
Talking Stock Productions are proud to present the world première of Alan Stockdill’s new play, Godfrey’s Last Summer, on Saturday 10 March, at 7.30pm.
Godfrey Shackleton, international cricket umpire and famous Lottery winner, is coming to the end of his innings. Before he leaves the Middle for the very last time he needs to put his affairs in order.
Join Godfrey’s journey through the tears and smiles as he spends his final summer. This gentle comedy drama is about life, death, dreams, family, fun and friendship.
Talking Stock Productions’ witty, charming and moving plays enjoy sell-out performances around the country. This play is the third to feature loveable Yorkshireman, Godfrey Shackleton, after Godfrey’s Last Stand and Godfrey’s Last Love.
Please note that it is not necessary to have seen the other two plays to enjoy this ‘stand alone’ story.
‘Stockdill writes true northern characters to recognise and care about, each with their own developed traits and quirks that resonate with our childhoods and memories’ (Halifax Courier)
Tickets are £10. Book online, wegottickets.com/talkingstock, or ring 07785 530129.

Social Play Reading Group
2018-03-07 19:30 - 22:00
The next play chosen by the Social Play Reading Group, A Night Out, by Harold Pinter, has a very topical theme. Pinter’s first big success on television, featuring many of his trademark themes and stylistic techniques, is a tale of a young loner, dominated by an emotionally suffocating mother.
Finally rebelling, he goes along to an office party, but things start to go wrong when he is accused of molesting a female colleague.
The SPRG meets to read this early modern classic on Wednesday, 7 March, at 7.30, in the Little Theatre.

Be My Baby
2018-02-19 - 2018-02-24
By Amanda Whittington, directed by Jenny Gore
Be My Baby is an uplifting tale of hope, friendship and survival, with a swinging sixties soundtrack!
Set in 1964, it follows the fortunes of Mary Adams, aged 19, unmarried and seven months pregnant. Mary ends up in a Mother and Baby Home, in the north of England, where she meets other young women in a similar predicament. Despite the dawning realisation that their babies are to be given up for adoption, the girls’ youthful exuberance breaks through, as they sing along to the songs of the period – by girl groups such as the Ronettes, and the Shangri-Las.

Social Play Reading Group
2018-02-07 19:30 - 22:00
The Social Play Reading Group will be reading Me and My Friend by Gillian Plowman, on Wednesday, 7 February.
This ‘hilarious and heart-breaking’ black comedy explores the relationship between two ‘odd’ couples thrown prematurely out of hospital care. In the downstairs flat are Oz, who has never recovered from his mother’s death, and Bunny, whose workaholism led to estrangement from his wife. Upstairs are Robin, a middle-class housewife who suffocated her own son, and Julia whose obsessive thoughts of men drew her into prostitution. In the first act we see the men conduct fantasy interviews for jobs they will never get, then in the second act, the women trying to make plans for a holiday. They all meet when Oz throws a disastrous party with the four desperately attempting the niceties of social intercourse.
If you like reading plays aloud, or would like to just listen – please join us!
Plowman’s writing is rich in affectionate humour…The Times…a remarkable play…The Sunday Telegraph…what good theatre should be …What’s On.

Snow White
2017-12-29 - 2017-12-31
StoryMagic Theatre returns to the Little Theatre once again this Christmas with the much loved fairy tale, Snow White. Katrina and her talented company perform twice daily: 29, 30, and 31 December, at 11am (a ‘toddler friendly performance’) and 3pm. Tickets are £7 per child, and £10 per adult.
Book in person, or over the phone at Todmorden Tourist Information Centre, 01706 818181 (no booking fee), or at www.storymagictheatre.com (a small booking fee applies).
