It’s now 125 years since the Victoria Theatre in Halifax first opened its doors. To honour this historic milestone, the Council is pulling back the curtain on a year-long celebration of the venue’s rich Victorian heritage and its vibrant future.
Since February 1901, the Victoria Theatre has been the beating heart of Calderdale’s cultural scene. While the theatre has evolved from a traditional concert hall to a versatile modern touring house, it retains and nurtures strong community connections through the local organisations that have been a part of its identity.
The anniversary kicks off a year of celebratory activity, including a social media programme that goes behind the scenes, giving followers an insightful look into the venue’s inner workings, as well as heritage content offering glimpses into the past. Follow Victoria Theatre on Facebook and @victheatrehx on Instagram and TikTok for updates. People are also encouraged to share their own memories and photos of the theatre on social media using the hashtag #VictoriaTheatre125.
In addition to virtual content, the theatre will open its doors to the public for Open Days on Sunday 11 October 2026 and Saturday 30January 2027. The Friends of the Victoria Theatre will also be following up their display at Halifax Central Library with another exhibition at Bankfield Museum from 17 October 2026 to 6 February 2027. This will focus on the theatre’s more recent history, including more about the history of the annual pantomime.
The theatre’s opening event in 1901 featured the Halifax Choral Society, and over a century later, that bond remains as resonant as ever, with the Halifax Choral Society performing their annual Carols and Brass concert, a favourite in the theatre’s seasonal programme. Similarly, the Halifax Amateur Operatic Society (HAOS) has been staging ambitious, high-quality productions at the venue since the early 20th century – a partnership that continues to this day.
Since being renamed the Victoria Theatre in 1993, the venue has continued to innovate. From the launch of the legendary Dick & Liddy’s Comedy Club in 2001, which has helped to springboard the careers of many of the UK’s biggest names in comedy, to a nearly 20-year partnership with Imagine Theatre for its annual, successful pantomimes.
More recently, a programme of standing gigs has seen musical acts such as Morrissey, The Stone Roses, Kasabian, Gary Barlow and Florence and the Machine to name but a few, demonstrating that the Victoria Theatre remains a vital platform for both local talent and international stars.
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 celebrating its 125th anniversary by going behind the curtain of this popular venue, showing the inner workings of the theatre and hard work that goes on to ensure our visitors can enjoy a varied programme of entertainment.
“The theatre has seen many changes, highlighted in the recent Friends exhibition at Halifax Central Library, but throughout its long history there have been many constants. Our enduring partnership with local groups, such as Halifax Choral Society and HAOS, serve as a living link to the theatre’s past, proving that while the technology and decor may change, the theatre’s role as a home for local talent is a constant.
“We also continue to innovate and as well as celebrating the theatre’s history, we’re also passionate about its future. 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.”
For more information on the anniversary programme and upcoming show listings, please visit www.victoriatheatre.co.uk(external link).
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.