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Huddersfield’s suffragette past is being brought vividly to life in an exclusive film event.

And the experience will start with a special ‘promenade’ performance in the town centre.

The Lawrence Batley Theatre is behind the project, which is part of a season of films spotlighting women’s achievements on a global scale.

‘Suffragette: Live’, produced by Huddersfield-based Live Cinema UK, aims to bring a whole new film experience to the town - including an exclusive preview of the Oscar-tipped movie Suffragette starring Meryl Streep.

Meryl Streep (Emmeline Pankhurst) in SUFFRAGETTE

Starting in St George’s Square, a promenade performance will follow the Huddersfield Suffragette Trail, with audiences being greeted by characters such as Emmeline Pankhurst and Huddersfield’s own Dora Thewlis, the ‘baby suffragette’. People will walk in the footsteps of Emmeline Pankhurst herself, who made a prominent visit to the town in 1906.

Emmeline Pankhurst (1858 - 1928), leader of the women's suffrage movement, and voted prospective Conservative candidate for Whitechapel and St George's.
Emmeline Pankhurst (1858 - 1928), leader of the women's suffrage movement, and voted prospective Conservative candidate for Whitechapel and St George's.

The performance takes inspiration from ‘Walking with Women’s Suffrage in Huddersfield’ and Rebel Girls: Their Fight for the Vote (Virago 2006) by Jill Liddington.

The promenade ends at the LBT with a special preview and first West Yorkshire screening of Suffragette; the first feature film to recount the struggle for votes for women and due for release in October.

Carey Mulligan (Maud) and Anne-Marie Duff (Violet) in SUFFRAGETTE

Starring Carey Mulligan and Helena Bonham Carter as early footsoldiers of the feminist movement, it tells the story of the working-class British women who, inspired by suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst (played by Meryl Streep), took their fight for enfranchisement to Westminster. The film has already made headlines for being the first time a commercial crew has been allowed to shoot inside the Houses of Parliament.

Victoria Firth, Lawrence Batley Theatre director, said: “We’re excited to be hosting this unique event in the historic setting of our theatre building and to have the chance to explore Huddersfield’s links with the Suffrage movement.

Victoria Firth at Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield.

“I’m sure the film’s links with our local history and the promenade performance will generate a huge amount of interest.”

Lisa Brook, director of Live Cinema UK said: “I am extremely pleased to be producing this event in my home town, spotlighting the important role Huddersfield holds in the story of the Suffragettes.”

The event is part of a national season of films and special events entitled The Time Is Now.

Suffragette will be screened at the LBT at 7.30pm on Sunday October 11. The promenade starts at St George’s Square at 6pm.

Tickets for Suffragette: Live are £10 via the LBT box office on 01484 430528 or online.