Lawrence Batley Theatre is a registered charity committed to making an impact in Huddersfield. We run a youth theatre, dance classes, art workshops, singing groups. We’re working to create a community that we can all belong to and be proud of. Especially for our young people.
"I love drama, because you get to express your feelings" - Young Company member
Everyone should have the chance to experience the magic of theatre. Each year thousands of young dancers and children who love to act, take to our stage and experience the magic of performing to their friends and families for the very first time.
We are home to many youth theatres including our own Young Company. Our youth theatre is a collaborative safe environment for children to develop their confidence and creativity. The Young Company is subsidised using donations and grants to our charity, to keep fees affordable. We offer bursary places so we can make sure that every child can attend. We rely on charity donations to enable us to keep fees low and provide these bursary places. Research has shown that engaging in arts activities can have a profound positive impact on young people's mental health.
"I'm normally a quiet anxious person, I suffer with various mental health stuff. But as soon as I get into KYTE it kind of just all goes away. I'm not scared to be myself." - Kirklees Youth Theatre member
Our monthly Dinky Discos are all about introducing pre-schoolers to socialising in a fun way. We have an in-house DJ and dancer on hand to teach the kids new moves and lead the games. The discos aren’t just about easing toddlers into social situations, they’re also about giving their parents a break to chat to others in the same boat. Parents with young children are at risk of loneliness, which increases their chances of poor mental health.
"We love the Dinky Disco! Happy mum happy baby right? Banging tunes, happy kids, non-stop dancing. We have a brilliant time every time we go. Kids are so well looked after and the staff are absolutely brilliant. Keep it coming!" - Dinky Disco parent
All our community deserve to have access to world class theatre on their doorstep and as the only professional theatre in the area, it’s our role to provide that. For local people in receipt of benefits, we remove cost barriers and offer £5 tickets. We identify these people by using the Kirklees Passport holder scheme. Most people use their discounts to bring their children to see family shows and pantomime. Our pantomime is homegrown, all the actors are local and perform with their natural accents. We do this so that our local children can see older versions of themselves on stage. We really believe that if you can see it, then you can be it.
"Our son enjoyed himself so much, it was his first pantomime. He was asking to go again the next day!!" - Pantomime audience member
"I love being on the main stage because it makes me feel like I'm flying" - Community Production participant
Every year 70 people from the local area of all ages are recruited to perform in the annual community production. Created by a team of professionals, the actors are lead from a series of auditions, through months of rehearsal and then a week of performances on stage. Tickets to see the show are kept at a low price and it is free to participate. Our theatre is for everyone in our community, no matter their personal circumstances.
"I love going to the theatre but sometimes tickets can be expensive. The Under 30s scheme has given me the chance to see so many amazing shows that I might not have got the chance to see otherwise" - Under 30s member
Our Under 30s scheme offers young people aged 18-29 the chance to book £5 tickets for most shows in the season. The reduced ticket price is vital for this group who are often left out of the magic of experiencing live theatre because of financial restrictions. The scheme is supported by general donations to the theatre.
To deliver all our great work, we need your support. Help us to make an impact in Huddersfield. Support us today.
