Victoria Theatre, Halifax: Historic Yorkshire theatre celebrates 125-year anniversary
It’s got the history, it’s equipped for the future but above all it has the vibe – and Halifax’s Victoria Theatre is in the middle of celebrating a landmark year, its 125th anniversary.
Entertaining the Calderdale public since 1901, it is a cultural institution adored by many – the beating heart of Calderdale’s cultural scene.
Calderdale Council has been celebrating aspects of its past this year, and it also has an eye on its future.
Cabinet member for public Services, Coun Peter Hunt, said the theatre, in Halifax town centre, has been important since its inception at the dawn of the last century.
And it continues to be as, if not more, important to the present day and beyond, said Coun Hunt.
“It’s a huge artistic, cultural institution of great heritage. People love it. People queue out of the door and they’ll continue to come in great numbers – over 100,000 people in a year,” he said.
Coun Hunt said lots of things make it a special place – and it just has the right vibe to pull people in.
“I think what makes the theatre special is it’s feel, it’s heritage, it’s design, layout, the features within and outside of it.
“It creates a vibe, and that’s why organisations like the Halifax Amateur Operatic Society and the Halifax Choral Society continue to come here,” he said.
Tasteful modernisation recently has seen the theatre become more accessible, including new customer lifts, and bars are undergoing more renovation, but all in keeping with its heritage – and keeping that vibe.
“It’s going to be a place where people are really going to want to come,” said Coun Hunt.
With a varied programme which takes on top touring shows, puts the spotlight on some leading stars, showcases Calderdale’s own artistic talent, has appealing family events like the annual pantomime – this year it’s a magical Aladdin – in the programme and has hosted some of the biggest names in music, the theatre has much to celebrate, and in style.
Events include an exhibition at Halifax Central Library, including period costumes, and recalling bygone days when it hosted cinema, dancing and even sports like wrestling, curated by the Friends of Victoria Theatre.
The Friends, who run tours of the theatre, will be following up on that display with another exhibition, this time at Halifax’s Bankfield Museum – from October 17, 2026, to February 6, 2027 – focusing on the theatre’s more recent history, including the history of the annual pantomime.
Some open days are also planned, the council announced earlier in the year.