The Harrogate Theatre column with David Bown: We’re looking forward to future shows

On that evening we celebrated many of the people that have contributed to Harrogate Theatre’s rich history.

We are all aware of William Peacock who was the Managing Director and owner upon opening in January 1900, of what was then the Opera House. He successfully steered the organisation through its first 35 years and made Harrogate Theatre one of the most envied jewels on the national touring circuit. There are many references to the likes of Andrew Manley, Rob Swaine and more recently Jim Clark who have attracted their own particular admiration.

However, very little is written about the Mayoress Mrs James Myrtle who in front of a packed 1400 capacity opened the building on 13 January 1900, as her husband lay on his deathbed. Peacock’s daughter, Marie Blanche, who took over the reins in 1935 and transformed the theatre into one of the first repertory houses in the country. Reviving its fortunes after the explosion of cinema had seen audiences dwindle. There was the Oscar nominated Sonia Dresdel who became Artistic Director in the 1950s.

Then there is some of the formidable work of current staff over the past twenty years or so. Hannah Draper has developed a thriving education and outreach department from nothing.

Providing tens of thousands of participatory opportunities across the region. Kerry Maddison has unified the box office across our three main venues – Harrogate Theatre, the Royal Hall and Harrogate Convention Centre making it the sixth largest in the country.

There is Caroline Lowe, who heads up Operations across these venues and now has a massive army of dedicated and enthusiastic assistants who collectively won a Volunteers Oscar last year. Lastly there is our Chair Deborah Larwood, who has expertly and meticulously guided us through what has been Harrogate Theatre’s most difficult period in our long history.

The accompanying picture to this article is the remarkable cast from last year’s pantomime Snow White, which witnessed record-breaking box office sales. Taken at the birthday party, it was night of unadulterated joy. Remember that?

We are now starting to clear a path out of all this, as we move in to 2021. Of course, the uncertainty is still palpable. But this month has seen the start of research and development for Our Gate, a commissioned epic community play for Harrogate.

Working with local writer Rachael Halliwell and immersive experience specialist Amie Burns Walker (director The Great Gatsby), we are creating an interactive promenade play set in Harrogate.

35 community participants will work alongside five professional performers in combination with Youth Theatre members and Harrogate Homeless Theatre Project.

The script and narrative for the project are already defined and we are currently knee-deep in daily community and youth theatre workshops to create accompanying digital content. Feedback for these sessions has been overwhelmingly positive and as the community cast are at the core of the play, their input and involvement are key in developing this exciting project throughout January. It really is a play with, for, and by the people of Harrogate.

A little light at the end of the tunnel.