A group of people standing in front of a historic building, holding a large check for £1,000 awarded to the Lawrence Batley Theatre by STADA. They are smiling, celebrating the donation to support local arts and community initiatives.

STADA Community Catalyst Fund support our Community Production

2024 August 28

As we celebrate our 30th birthday, we are thrilled to announce we have received £1,000 from local business STADA Thornton and Ross via the STADA Community Catalyst Fund.

The STADA Community Catalyst Fund launched in April and offers community groups and non-profit organisations in and around Huddersfield the opportunity to tap into a fresh source of financial assistance and practical advice.

The funds have been used to support Lawrence Batley Theatre's community production, an annual project that opens the doors of Lawrence Batley Theatre 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.

Three young women, engaged in a conversation, listening intently. The woman in the middle has her hair in braids, while the others have curly hair, all showing attentive and curious expressions in a rehearsal room.

A man holding a script and appearing deep in thought during a theatre rehearsal. He stands near a sign that directs to different floors of the theatre, reflecting the focus of a creative process.

Two women stand closely together, one with a thoughtful expression and the other smiling enthusiastically. They are in a rehearsal space, with beams visible in the background, reflecting their connection to the creative process happening around them.

James Collett, Chair of the STADA Community Catalyst Fund said:

"Supporting local organisations such as Lawrence Batley Theatre is a main priority for us, as we bring to life our purpose of Caring for People’s Health as a Trusted Partner. The great work, outstanding performances and superb community engagement undertaken by the Theatre is exactly what Huddersfield needs and we are proud to be able to make this happen through this grant funding."

Becky Dash, Chief Executive of Lawrence Batley Theatre said:

"We are hugely grateful to STADA Thornton and Ross for their generous contribution to this year’s community production. Thornton and Ross were one of the founding donors of Lawrence Batley Theatre when it opened in 1994 so to have their continued support, in this our 30th year, demonstrates an incredible legacy of supporting community, arts and creativity right here in Huddersfield. Their support means we are able to continue to put the wonderful people of Huddersfield and Kirklees centre stage, celebrate their talent and provide a safe space for everyone to be creative."

This year Lawrence Batley Theatre’s Community Production is a modern adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, adapted by local writer Chris O'Connor.

The show was performed on the main stage of Lawrence Batley Theatre from Thu 12 – Sat 14 September 2024 with a cast of 78.