A vibrant promotional image for 'The Great Gatsby.' The background features a lively party scene with hands raised in celebration, confetti flying, and a large disco ball at the top. The title 'The Great Gatsby' is prominently displayed in bold, colorful letters with Art Deco design elements, illuminated by bright lights. The overall atmosphere is festive and energetic,

Celebrating Our Community Production with Syngenta

2024 August 23

As we celebrate our 30th birthday, we are thrilled to announce Syngenta as headline sponsor for this year's community production, The Great Gatsby.

In Huddersfield, Syngenta make important crop protection products that help growers meet demand for an ever-increasing need for food, feed and fuel. Recent economic data showed that operations at the site contributed £140m GVA back into the Kirklees economy each year.

Syngenta has a long history of supporting our work with the local community and we are thrilled that they have chosen to support our community production this year. It is a project that celebrates and champions the diverse community of Kirklees and gives everyone the chance to explore their creativity.

The community production opens our doors to anyone in Kirklees who wants to take part in a professionally produced production. The project is completely free for participants to take part in, and works to help participants foster new skills, create friendships, build confidence and improve mental health and wellbeing.

This year will see the introduction of a relaxed performance of our community production as we strive to create a welcoming environment for all. Relaxed performances are designed to create an enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere for anyone who would benefit from a more laid-back experience at the theatre. During the show subtle changes are made to the sound and lighting effects and the auditorium lights remain on. The theatre team expect more noise than usual from the audience during a relaxed performance and they do not want anyone to worry about being quiet. Audience members are also free to come and go from the auditorium at any point during the show if they need to take a break from the action.

A group of dancers in a studio are mid-movement, smiling and enjoying the dance routine. The group is diverse, featuring individuals of different ages and backgrounds. They are all dressed in casual, comfortable clothes suitable for dancing. The wooden floor and large windows in the background suggest a bright, spacious studio environment.

A close-up shot of a dancer in a white T-shirt with her arms raised, performing an expressive pose. She is focused and confident, with other dancers visible in the background, also engaged in the routine. The studio setting has wooden flooring and ample lighting.

A lively group of dancers in a studio are moving energetically in sync. The dancer in the foreground, wearing a purple T-shirt and patterned pants, leads the group with a joyful expression. The dancers around her are equally engaged, creating a dynamic and positive atmosphere in the studio.

Becky Dash, Chief Executive of Lawrence Batley Theatre said:

“Our annual community production is the centre piece of our year and the most incredible celebration of the rich talent right here in Huddersfield. We are so pleased to have the support of Syngenta once again to ensure that this opportunity can continue to be available to everyone in our community to take part in a professional level production and be a part of the Lawrence Batley Theatre family.”

Carl Sykes, Community Relations Manager at Syngenta said:

“Central to our purpose of bringing plant potential to life is valuing diversity and inclusion and accelerating innovation. Our partnership with Lawrence Batley Theatre in this year’s community production reaches across all communities, making performing arts accessible and providing enrichment opportunities for all.”

Our community production is a modern adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, adapted by local writer Chris O'Connor. The show will be performed on our main stage from Thu 12 – Sat 14 September 2024. The relaxed performance will be held on Sat 14 September at 2pm.