A Review of 2025-26

We are proud to play our part in strengthening Huddersfield's economy.

Take a look at this short film which shows some of the impact Lawrence Batley Theatre has had over the last year.

In the financial year 25-26 over 80,000 people came to more than 400 events at our Huddersfield theatre. But the impact doesn't stop at our door. When our audiences visit, they eat in local restaurants, shop in town and pay for travel and parking. This additional spending has contributed over 1.5 million pounds to the local economy. Strengthening Huddersfield town centre and supporting jobs across the district.

Our world class professional programme brought sell out performances direct from the West End global premieres of new productions and high quality shows that were made right here in Yorkshire. We are proud to champion outstanding home-grown talent and ensure that regional voices are seen on national and international stages.

This year we produced a record breaking pantomime, which ran for 5 weeks and was seen by nearly 20,000 people. We co-produced 2 musicals and 2 new plays. We toured to Edinburgh and New York and achieved 5 star reviews, standing ovations and sell out audiences. Putting Huddersfield firmly on the map.

We launched our new Artist in Development scheme designed to nurture exceptional local talent. Our first artist was the globally recognised Bharatanatyam dancer, Dr Prathiba Batley. Whose belief that creativity can change lives for the better mirrors ours.

“Dance can be something beyond just a visual medium, it can be a force for movement and a force for change” - Dr Pathiba Batley

Everyone is welcome here. Our active equality diversity and inclusion committee made up of staff and trustees undertook LGBTQ+ awareness and allyship training. While our whole company completed anti-racism training.

For our Christmas Heroes Appeal we brought 800 people to experience the magic of pantomime. We engaged with young people more than 2,400 times through workshops and classes. Building their confidence, developing transferable skills and raising their aspirations.

As a proud Theatre of Sanctuary we collaborated with refugees and asylum seekers to create a powerful performance exploring peace.

“Look at the people we’re working with, people from different cultures, people from different countries, that’s not a problem we can still work together and create this beautiful piece that we are presenting this afternoon” - Dieudonne Monirakiza

Alongside artistic and social impact, we continue to strengthen our environmental responsibility. Our staff green team has implemented energy efficiency upgrades and sustainable practises to reduce our environmental footprint. 

Now in our 31st year we remain focused on financial resilience. We launched a new development committee to grow philanthropic and business support. Our pantomime exceeded its income target by 12% and we are rebuilding reserves following the pandemic and bounce back of the entertainment industry.

As the only professional theatre facility in Kirklees we are a vital cultural economic and social asset. Our team works tirelessly to ensure the theatre remains strong for future generations. 

All this is just a snapshot of what the company has achieved over the year. We are incredibly proud of the impact we make in our town.

As a registered charity, we could not be here without the support of our major funders Kirklees Council, Arts Council England and Garfield Weston. We are thankful to them and to the other trusts, foundations, businesses and philanthropists who support our charity throughout the year.