It may be one of the region’s smaller performance venues, but what the Square Chapel Centre for the Arts in Halifax lacks in space it makes up for in variety.
The historic centre punches well above its weight with its seasonal programmes of drama, music and other events.
The new season, for example, which starts in September, has no fewer than nine family shows, 18 theatre productions, 26 live music events, 12 themed talks and 13 films.
What’s more, the arts space has teamed up with the town’s Victoria Theatre and Cultural Destinations (an Arts Council initiative) to bring the area it’s first comedy festival in late October.
Highlights of the season, which stretches until January 2016, include everything from Puss in Boots, a puppet show brought to life by CBeebies’ Patrick Lynch, and contemporary ballet by the Chantry Dance Company; to Happy Valley and Last Tango in Halifax writer Sally Wainwright in conversation (an event that has already sold out). There’s a chance to see Scottish comedian Fred MacAulay, Coronation Street actress Krissi Bohn in a topical drama about refugees, and the Angela Lansbury story told through interviews and memoirs plus live renditions of musical favourites from Gypsy and Sweeney Todd.
The chapel, which dates from 1772, has now enjoyed two decades of use as a theatre and performance space. It recently announced plans for a £6.6m build, as part of its major capital redevelopment project.
The venue will be transformed with an extension and improved facilities, including an intimate 108 seater multi-purpose cinema/studio theatre space for film screenings, performances and workshops; new dressing rooms, improved toilets; a dedicated space for its committed volunteers; and a café-bar area serving locally-sourced food and drink.
There will also be direct access into the neighbouring Piece Hall’s new interpretation centre.
However, while building work is carried out the shows will go on at the Square Chapel, starting on September 2 with a screening of The Tribe, the 2014 arthouse film featuring a cast of young, deaf actors.
Other films in the season will include The History Boys, a singalong version of Frozen, Edward Scissorhands and the Christmas favourite Miracle on 34th Street.
Music to raise the rafters is always a strong feature of Square Chapel programmes and this season the venue is hosting the Young Philharmonia, an orchestra of talented 11 to 21-year-olds, as well as the Funside Soul Band with a show of motown, disco and soul, folk singer Sarah McQuaid, and award-winning fiddle player Tom McConville.
Drama comes in the shape of Nosferatu from Proper Job Theatre; the now-famous WI show Raising Agents by Mikron Theatre; and the topical The Bogus Woman about an African asylum seeker’s experiences of fleeing her country, among others.
For a new season’s full programme visit www.squarechapel.co.uk
