Still waiting to put on the show
THEATRES ACROSS Calderdale are still in the dark about when they will be allowed to reopen their doors.
Despite theatres in Leeds and Wakefield being given the green light to reopen, areas in local lockdowns, including Calderdale, Kirklees and Bradford, have been told to remain closed.
The closures have had a devastating impact on countless staff and freelancers within the industry. The Todmorden Hippodrome participated in the ‘Light It In Red campaign,’ to shine a light on crisis within the events industry.
Aysa Illingworth-Goldthorpe, a member of the charity that owns the Hippodrome, said: “As one of the UK largest volunteer run theatres we have over a dozen professional freelancers, myself included, who work in the events industry and then volunteer our time to support this amazing grassroots venue.
“I myself started as a volunteer at the Hippodome and then went on to work professionally within the industry which is why grassroot venues are so important.”
However, some community theatre groups have praised Calderdale Council’s support and have used their hiatus as an opportunity to plan for the upcoming season.
Gilly Walker, President of the Hebden Bridge Little Theatre, said: “We are trying to be patient, whilst waiting to reopen, as we are all passionate about live theatre and are conscious of a gaping hole in our lives.
“In the meantime we are busy doing all those little jobs that we haven’t found time for before.
“As we are fortunate enough to own our building and therefore have no rent to find we are relatively secure financially for the time being.
“The running costs of the building are obviously low as it is not being used by the general public.
“Calderdale Council has helped towards the running costs with a grant for which we are most grateful.”
‘We are trying to be patient, whilst waiting to reopen’