NEWS

Community theatre is returning to Silsden, reviving a local tradition that began over 140 years ago.

An eighty-strong group, with initial funding from Silsden Town Council, has been launched under the name of Silsden Community Productions.

And rehearsals are already under way for an entirely new production in February that will relate, in words and song, the colourful history of the village.

“We feel that here is a stage play which will appeal to the whole community. The overwhelming enthusiasm of our members to create a memorable experience for audiences is really quite inspiring,” says John Peet, chairman of the group.

“Right Up Our Street”, penned by local writer Cathy Liddle, is based entirely on real events and local characters and takes a present-day child and her grandma on a time-travelling journey through some unforgettable moments from the community life of Silsden.

Characters who will come to life again on stage include the early musicians; the hard working nail-makers; headmaster David Longbottom who did so much to inspire Silsden’s poorest children; the police station rioters of 1911; and the lads of the village who marched off, unknowingly, to the horrors of the trenches in the First World War.

“The production is an enormous undertaking because over 60 characters appear in the script but we believe it will have a terrific impact on how our community regards itself,” says Mr. Peet.

The new organisation has been formed following a highly successful staging of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens over three nights last December, the first local production for many years.

“That play came together in a very informal way and was intended simply as a one-off event,” says Mr Peet, “but the cast had a hugely enjoyable time and our audiences asked for more. It seems the community is ready for an creative project such as this. More people are joining us all the time.”

Because Silsden’s last performance stage has been lost with the closure of the present Methodist Church premises, “Right Up Our Street” will be staged at the new Sports Pavilion in Keighley Road. Director is the widely experiences David Hardman, with Angela Clement as musical director and Sheila Thompson wardrobe mistress.

A fund-raising coffee morning is being held by the group, at St. James’ Church, Silsden, on Saturday October 10.

© silsden community productions

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