The Victoria Theatre has been at the heart of entertainment in Halifax for 125 years and a new display is marking this significant milestone.
The theatre building opened in February 1901. To celebrate the 125-year legacy of the venue, the Friends of the Victoria Theatre group has curated a new exhibition, which has now officially opened at Halifax Central Library.
The milestone display marks the first time the venue’s extensive collection of artefacts has been professionally curated and presented to the public in such a comprehensive format.
The exhibition, which spans six display cabinets and two large boards across three floors of the library, offers an immersive journey through the cultural heart of the borough. From its grand opening in 1901 to its status today as a premier touring venue, the display captures the magic, the stars, and the local stories that have defined the theatre, as well as chronicling the changing leisure habits of Halifax residents since the late 19th century.
Visitors can enjoy ‘A Walk Through Time’, exploring the pivotal moments that have defined the theatre’s identity, including:
- The Grand Opening: Featuring authentic period costumes generously provided by Bankfield Museum and the original promotional leaflet for the opening night on 9th February 1901.
- Intellectual Pursuit: Highlighting the prestigious Halifax Sunday Lecture Society, which hosted global figures such as legendary explorer Lieutenant Ernest Shackleton in the early part of the 20th Century.
- The Silver Screen: A look back at the theatre’s era as a cinema, transitioning from silent movies to the first “talkies.”
- The Dance Hall Days: Reliving the vibrant social scene of the 1940s, 50s, and 60s when the theatre was one of the town’s leading dance venues.
- Wrestling Legends: Documenting the theatre’s time as a ring for giants of the sport, including the iconic Big Daddy.
This comprehensive collection of artefacts and memorabilia includes original architectural drawings, original playbills and posters that also track the evolution of graphic design and entertainment tastes from the Edwardian era to the modern day.
Archival photographs and rareimages showcase the theatre’s stunning architecture and the famous faces who have graced its stage, and examples of costume demonstrate the attire that would have been worn to the grand opening night.
This exhibition is the result of a significant cultural partnership and the Friends of the Victoria Theatre have worked closely with cultural services at Calderdale Council to bring these archives to life.
“This is more than just a history of a building; it is a history of the people of Halifax,” said David Russell, Secretary of the Friends of the Victoria Theatre. “For 125 years, this theatre has been the backdrop to the lives of local residents. Bringing these artefacts together for the first time allows us to celebrate that shared heritage.”
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, Cllr Danielle Durrans, said:
“The Victoria Theatre is one of the premier entertainment venues in the region and we’re proud of its long and fascinating history. We’re really grateful for the hard work of the Friends of the Victoria Theatre group in putting together this exhibition to celebrate the momentous 125th anniversary.
“The venue has truly moved with the times, and this new exhibition not only explores the varied ways the theatre has been used, but also gives a glimpse into changing entertainment trends and attitudes, as part of the borough’s social history.
“As well as celebrating the theatre’s history, we’re also passionate about its future and recent investment is supporting the next chapter for the venue, with improvements ensuring more people can access and enjoy everything the theatre has to offer.”
The exhibition at Halifax Central Library is free to visit and will run during regular library opening hours, until Thursday 12 February 2026. The Victoria Theatre will be holding other events and exhibitions throughout the year to celebrate the 125th anniversary, with further announcements to follow.
The Friends of the Victoria Theatre(external link) is an independent group of volunteers who support the theatre and provide a link between the theatre and the community it serves. Being a Friend of the Victoria Theatre is a great way to meet new people and get involved in projects that make a difference to the largest and oldest theatre in Halifax.
The 125th anniversary at the theatre celebrates the borough’s heritage, one of the key themes of the Vision 34 for Calderdale – a shared, long-term ambition to work towards over the next 10 years to make Calderdale a better place for everyone, based on the stories that unite us.
Today, the theatre continues to inspire stories around further Vision themes of opportunity, welcoming, hope, and creativity. Through these themes, organisations and people from all walks of life are encouraged to share their positive stories about life in Calderdale.
Do you have a great story to tell about your life in Calderdale? Why not share it on our Vision 34 Story Wall? Visit My Calderdale Story(external link) to find out more.
ENDS