TWO neighbouring community theatres in Bingley and Yeadon are sharing vision, ideas, creativity and experience to ensure that the respective venues are financially viable and sustainable for many years to come, so that audiences and communities across Airedale and Wharfedale each have a vibrant, creative hub on their doorstep.
The Town Hall Theatre, Yeadon and Bingley Arts Centre were originally run and staffed by Leeds City Council and Bradford Metropolitan Council respectively. Bingley Little Theatre took over the running of the Arts Centre back in 2012. The theatre company stages nine ‘in-house’ productions a year and hosts numerous events including bands, comedy nights, exhibitions, visiting theatre, musicals and much more. Since April 2019, Yeadon Town Hall has been managed by Yeadon Town Hall CIC. Like Bingley, The Town Hall's mission is to provide professional and high-quality theatre, arts and events to the local community and those further afield. It also produces its own work, alongside a similar range of events, but with more large-scale musicals staged by local companies. Bingley and Yeadon provide ‘homes’ to an increasing number of local and regional dance and drama groups, offering them a platform to showcase their talent, and nurture the younger generation of performers.
Both venues have much in common and similar challenges – so the professional leadership of both venues are working together to share expertise to rise to these challenges and share what works well. Each venue has its own Chief Operating Officer who is responsible to a Board of Trustees to ensure compliance and the continuing development of community theatre. But what does community theatre actually mean?
Josh Breeze at Bingley Arts Centre said: “In its simplest terms, community theatre is created by, and for, residents of the borough. It typically is not done for profit, but for engagement, expression and accessibility. That differentiates it from local theatre – such as Leeds Playhouse or Harrogate Theatre – which is run on a professional basis and tends to employ a cast and crew.”
Jamie Hudson, of Yeadon Town Hall CIC adds: “Community theatre is a vital and vibrant part of the UK’s performing arts sector, offering opportunities for actors and theatre-makers to hone their craft and gain experience. Whether you’re a newcomer looking to land your first lead role or a veteran of the amateur stage, community theatre can be an incredibly rewarding avenue for growth and connection. It is often the springboard for many professional actors.”
The key challenge for both theatres is, unsurprisingly, running costs. Whilst the venues are rented at a ‘peppercorn’ rent from the Councils, every other cost must be covered – utilities, salaries, marketing, advertising, insurance, repairs, replacement of fixtures and fittings, furniture – the list is endless. To cover running costs – typically between £500.00 and £1000 per day – both venues are fortunate to be able to rely on a solid base of support from its patrons. However, it is important to constantly attract new audiences and a strong footfall through the doors.
As well as theatre productions and visiting artists – the main menu at Bingley and Yeadon, both venues have developed a much wider offer. Dinner cabarets are in regular demand at Yeadon. There is a bi-monthly afternoon tea at Bingley, for which tickets are like gold! The Stage Door Café is a popular venue at Yeadon for coffee, brunch, lunch or afternoon tea. Art exhibitions and cinema screenings regularly take place at Bingley and there is now a range of family activities on selected Saturday mornings. Both venues house a Christmas panto and several comedy nights. Naturally, the success of any event depends on footfall.
Both Jamie and Josh have a clear message: “Please call in at our theatres and pick up a What’s On brochure. We spend hours planning programmes of events that will appeal to all ages and interests – there really is something for everyone. Hopefully, an ever-increasing number of people – of all ages - will realise that such quality experiences are readily available of their doorsteps without necessarily having to travel to Leeds or Bradford. We want these community venues to survive and run well into the future – and with good support from the public, we can achieve that!”
Whilst both have a staffing structure in place, these differ significantly, yet all the gaps are filled by an army of volunteers. Jamie and Josh are looking at the benefits of each staffing structure but also sharing ideas to recruit and retain more volunteers. Josh holds regular Volunteer Forum meetings at Bingley: “It is vital to foster a supportive and inclusive environment to encourage member engagement and longevity. We listen to our volunteers who are both the backbone and public face of Bingley”, he says. Jamie agrees: “A strong volunteer base is crucial. Yeadon is fortunate to have an extensive pool, and we now have a paid member of staff working with volunteers as all venues must ensure compliance to relevant regulations”.
One thing is certain – both young leaders are adept in selecting and/or approving programmes that appeal to a broad audience and showcase the talents of local performers, artists and creatives. They are now appealing to residents of Rawdon, Yeadon, Bingley, Guiseley, Keighley, Shipley, Baildon, Horsforth, Menston, Saltaire, Ilkley - and all points between and beyond – to support these venues in any way possible. That could be purchasing tickets for a production or event, visiting the Stage Door Café (Yeadon), calling in to an exhibition (Bingley) or using any of the services housed in these venues (such as Bingley Food Bank or the Yeadon Banking Hub). Or it might be that you have the time to volunteer for one of the (literally hundreds) of tasks that need to be done, and you support the vision to make these venues continue to thrive – just call into either venue. Both are clear that volunteers could have clerical, office or practical skills - there is a job to suit everyone.
Events bring increased footfall to both towns and provide a welcome boost to local hospitality businesses. Having an open and on-site Box Office is a huge advantage at both venues. A regular patron who has attended many events at The Town Hall commented: “At a time when so much interaction happens online, it really does appeal to customers who value face-to-face service and personal interaction”.
As both leaders agree: “Airedale and Wharfedale communities are fortunate to have such wonderful venues on the doorstep – please use them so that they continue well into the future."
Christmas is a crucial time for both venues. Yeadon has the bumper pantomime Cinderella coming up in January and, before that, Bingley is producing the new stage adaptation of the classic It’s a Wonderful Life the first week of December. Both are aiming for sell-outs.
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