October 19, 2021

Harrogate Theatre set to welcome back audiences this November

Harrogate Theatre is set to welcome back audiences this November with the magical adventures of Cinderella.

In May, Harrogate Borough Council began works to replace the roof of Harrogate Theatre.  Due to the complexity of this project, and the historic significance of the theatre, that was originally built in 1900, the project is now scheduled to be completed in March 2022. In addition to being a complex piece of work, there have been commercial challenges in accessing materials and obtaining the right staff to work on the detailed parts of the project. Staff shortages have also been impacted by coronavirus and isolation requirements.

Work is currently underway to make the building weather-tight ready to welcome audiences back to Cinderella, the theatre’s first event since lockdown began in March 2020.

The project will continue into the new year, but will work around scheduled performances including our community groups who are eagerly waiting to return to the building.

Councillor Graham Swift, Harrogate Borough Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for resources, enterprise and economic development, said: “Like any heritage building of this age and complexity, there will always be a level of conservation and investment required to ensure the building is fit for another 120 years.

“Our significant investment in this local asset will allow the fantastic performances to continue, promote cultural activity in the town, attract visitors and support the local economy at a time when it is needed the most.

“Although the scaffolding will be up until the new year, while we complete these delicate and complex restoration works, the theatre is very much safe to use and I hope visitors enjoy the wonderful performance of Cinderella.”

David Bown, chief executive of Harrogate Theatre, said: “While we are disappointed visitors won’t be able to see the grand exterior of the theatre before the performance, we are thankful that Harrogate Borough Council have been able to amend their schedule to work around the theatre reopening.

“We look forward to welcoming back audiences in November to Cinderella and to our spring programme in 2022.

“Although the building might not be looking its best until works are complete, the theatre will be filled with the joy of live performance once again and that’s something we are all looking forward to.”

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