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Oct 2022

Last Updated: 09/10/2022

Community

'Theatre on your doorstep' returns to communities across Harrogate district

by Vicky Carr

| 09 Oct, 2022

Badapple Theatre specialises in bringing shows to small venues and usually tours three shows a year, with a break between each. It is currently rehearsing three plays simultaneously.

A touring theatre company is making its return across the Harrogate district this autumn - and doing so on a scale it has never attempted before.

Badapple Theatre specialises in bringing shows to small venues and usually tours three shows a year, with a break between each.

But a "post-covid lag" has left the company putting on three productions almost at the same time.

Two one-hander shows, Yorkshire Kernel and The Land Girl, complete their tour in Harrogate next weekend, just after The Frozen Roman gets under way in Aldborough on Friday. Meanwhile, rehearsals continue for The Marvellous, Mystical, Musical Box, which runs throughout December.

The busy season aside, artistic director Kate Bramley said the company had managed to keep operating during the pandemic, when many arts organisations struggled.

"We have been very lucky, or perhaps enterprising, or both, over the last few years. We went outdoors when we did some filming, some podcasting, we brought the youth theatre back outdoors and then indoors when we could.

"We really had to think very hard about it. Very early on we had to cancel our big tour. The Arts Council have funded us for a long time, now through our projects and they were amazing with the level of understanding about what was happening."

Kate Bramley of Badapple Theatre

As restrictions began to be relaxed, Badapple was able to respond quickly and take advantage of any change in regulations. It went from online work to outdoor performances to socially-distanced indoor theatre.

What was less possible was performing in its usual small venues: Badapple specialises in pop-up theatre in "your village hall or aircraft hangar or wherever".

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Now, with all restrictions lifted, its small teams of three actors and a stage manager can get back to the kind of venues they are used to. Village halls in Tockwith, North Stainley and Bishop Monkton, along with the Green Hut on Harrogate's Harlow Avenue, are typical of the places to be visited by the upcoming tours.

Kate said:

"We went back to our theatre roots during covid and now we're returning to the 'theatre on your doorstep' concept.

"I just really like going to places where people don't expect us to be. It does tend to be a social event, more than a theatre event, and that breaks down some of those misconceptions people have about going to the theatre and how you have to behave and what you have to wear and so on."

Alongside its performances, the team at Badapple did all they could to ensure the thriving youth theatre was kept alive through the pandemic. Having rehearsed outdoors for some time, its 35 members - all aged between seven and 14 - are now back to their usual weekly classes and 'play in a week' summer school.

Badapple's thriving youth theatre

One of the appeals of the youth theatre is that it is treated with the same respect as a touring production. Full costumes, proper lighting and good set design are all on show when the youngsters put on their performances at Green Hammerton Village Hall.

There are no auditions or casting calls and it is open to all children, whether they are keen to be actors or want an encouraging space to boost their confidence.

The youth theatre may be back to full strength, but Kate said the wider theatre industry is still seeing audience numbers around 20% lower than before. With the company's 25th anniversary to be marked next year, she is hopeful things will continue to improve.

A tour of Badapple's popular show Eddie and the Gold Tops will begin in the spring to start the celebrations. Kate said:

"Beyond that, we're just waiting to see. This autumn and winter season will help everyone figure out what's best for community delivery and live events. Everyone's coping with the cost of living and what if covid comes back.

"We just need to see what happens next. I'm hoping it's a new, buoyant bubble, people keen to come out and have a life and enjoy themselves with friends. We're low threat, as a theatre event. I'm cautiously optimistic."

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'Theatre on your doorstep' returns to communities across Harrogate district

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