New Town Halls Winter / Spring 2011 Events Guide Launched!

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Youtube Clip of the Regional Winners of Open Mic UK held at Dewsbury Town Hall

Open Mic UK - Yorkshire and North East Regional Final at Dewsbury Town Hall
Sat 11th December - Under 18's 

Open Mic UK - Yorkshire and North East Regional Final at Dewsbury Town Hall

Sat 11th December - 18-25's 

Open Mic UK - Yorkshire and North East Regional Final at Dewsbury Town Hall

Sat 11th December - Open Age Group

Burlesque and Cabaret come to Dewsbury Town Hall in 2011

Dewsbury Town Hall invites you for an evening of glamour and decadence with fabulous host Bella Besame introducing The Slippery Belle with some wonderful burlesque performances and musical entertainment with a series of burlesque and cabaret evenings taking place at 8pm on Saturday 12 February, 12 March and 14 May. 

The spectacular Victorian concert hall of Dewsbury Town Hall will be transformed with table seating for the audience to sit and soak up the ambience and enjoy a drink whilst taking in the show.

For those who are new to the Burlesque art form the evenings can easily be described in three films: a hint of Moulin Rouge, the showmanship of Cabaret and the 1950s seaside postcard humour of Carry On! All thrown into one fabulous show! 

Slippery Belle is brought to the Town Hall by Bella Besame who runs shows at the Lowry Theatre in Salford and until recently the Peacock Lounge in Huddersfield. Bella’s shows are always different but they all have some things in common: the UK and Europe's best burlesque and cabaret performers, at least 8 performances per show, plenty of seating, reasonable drinks prices, an amazing atmosphere and a friendly, well behaved and well dressed audience.

12TH FEBRUARY LINE UP IS:


LOLA POPS: Seductive, Slinky Starlet!

IVY WILDE: Graceful and Beautiful Performer!
CRIMSON SKYE: She's Beautifully Bonkers!
VELMA VON BON BON: Hilarious Heartbreaker!
 COCO MALONE: Jazz Songbird and Cabaret Darling

Booking well in advance is strongly recommended for this evening of sophistication and surprise.


Tables can be reserved for parties of between 8-10

The shows are suitable for over 16s only.

Tickets: £10 in advance

Box Office: 01942 324501 / 01484 223200

Book Online: www.kirklees.gov.uk/townha

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JONGLEURS COMEDY CLUB COMING TO HUDDERSFIELD TOWN HALL

Huddersfield Town Hall have found the answer to putting off those Monday morning blues with a regular Sunday night comedy club booked for seven nights in 2011.  Jongleurs - the name which helped launch the careers of Graham Norton, Paul Merton, Dylan Moran, Jack Dee and many more, will, from February 2011, bring the biggest and funniest stars from the Jongleurs clubs to Huddersfield Town Hall.

Audience Management and Development Officer for Kirklees Town Halls, Richard Batterby commented: “We’re delighted to be working with such a well established comedy brand as Jongleurs.  We’re keen to develop a good quality comedy scene in Kirklees Town Halls and look forward to a long and successful partnership with the Jongleurs Comedy Club.”

Comedy fans can look forward to seven evenings of laughter starting on Sunday February 27 at 8pm and continuing at the same time on the following Sunday evenings:  27 March, 22 May, 19 June, 17 July, 18 September and 30 October.  With over two hours of top stand-up the audience are in for a bumper night of laughs with the best from the comedy circuit.

Tickets are priced at £10 in advance and are available from Kirklees Box Offices, tel: 01484 223200 / 01924 324501 or book online: www.kirklees.gov.uk/townhalls

Suitable for over 18s only.

Local Talent One Step Away From The 02

Catherine Hamer from Dewsbury wowed the crowd and judging panel at the Open Mic UK Regional Showcase held earlier this year at Cleckheaton Town Hall, and is now one step away from performing at the 02 in London.

Thousands of acts entered Open Mic UK 2010 and the best unsigned singers from across the country were chosen to perform at the regional live shows. Catherine performed in front of a live audience and professional judging panel.  Having impressed the panel she is now set to perform at the Area Final at Dewsbury Town Hall on Saturday December 11, for a chance to progress to the National Final at the 02 in London on Wednesday January 15.

Open Mic UK is the exciting national talent competition which searches for the UK’s best singers, singer/songwriters, rappers and vocalists. It’s open to all genres and acts can perform a cover or original material.

Those who made it through the audition stage took part in a live regional head to head battle alongside the best talent in their area.  Acts performed in front of hundreds of audience members and industry judges for the chance to grab a break through recording contract.

A spokesperson for Open Mic UK commented “We are searching for an act that not only has the live ability to impress an audience, industry judges and A&R associates, but an act that has the potential to become a professional recording artist. The standard was high last year and this year it has been even better. Acts that have made it through to the Area Finals will really need to give it their best performance because they could be performing at the best live music venue in the country!”

The competition is divided into age categories: under 18, 18-25 and 25 and over with all types of singers, vocal performers, groups and acoustic singer/songwriters are invited to enter Open Mic UK. 

There’s over £50,000 in prizes up for grabs this year and the overall winner will be offered a recording contract, with up to £30,000 investment.  They’ll also have the opportunity to tour across the UK.

There are plenty of development opportunities available to acts taking part courtesy of ICMP, who will be offering song writing courses and master classes throughout the competition. The latter stages of the competition will also provide acts with the opportunity to impress many guests from record labels, agencies and the entertainment industry as well as judges from National Radio, BBC Introducing and Regional Press.

For more information go to the website www.openmicuk.co.uk

Live and Unsigned Auditions Rock and Roll into Town!

 Thousands of unsigned acts have been eagerly awaiting its return, and now the wait is almost over… auditions across the country for Live and Unsigned 2011 are coming soon with local auditions taking place at Dewsbury Town Hall on Sunday January 9, followed by the West Yorkshire heats on Saturday March 26.

Live and Unsigned is the UK’s biggest original music competition for bands, vocal groups and solo artists. Travelling across the nation, the competition searches for the ultimate and best UK unsigned act.

All acts are auditioned live in front of a judging panel, which is what makes Live and Unsigned so unique; there are no demos or recordings.  All genres are encouraged to enter the competition so whether you’re into pop, RnB, punk, rock or acoustic, the competition has it all.

Those who make it through the audition stage will get to perform to industry judges, A&R associates and celebrity guests in some of the UK’s most prestigious venues. And those who make it to the Grand Final will get to share the stage with some of the UK’s best musicians at the Live and Unsigned Festival at the 02 in London! 

Over 10, 000 acts entered the competition last year and the Grand Final saw the cream of the UK’s unsigned talent showcase their music in front of thousands of audience members and the judging panel which included Slade’s legendary front man Noddy Holder, Radio 1’s Annie Nightingale, Kerrang’s Alex Baker and RnB star Shola Ama.

The competition’s aim is to find potential recording artists and the overall winner is offered a comprehensive winner’s package which includes a management and recording contract, UK tour, clothing, studio time and festival slots. There are plenty of other prizes up for grabs for acts taking part including exclusive master classes with ICMP, equipment and recording time.

With over 30,000 registrations in the last three years, Live and Unsigned has cemented its place on the UK music scene as the largest unsigned music competition for under the radar, original artists.

Acts are now being urged to enter as places are in high demand and auditions are limited. For information on how to secure your live audition for 2011 go to www.LiveandUnsigned.uk.com and register today! 

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Location:Queensgate,Huddersfield,United Kingdom

Autumn Kirklees Town Halls Event Guide Launched!

Your Town Halls Events Guide comes out this week and is available from all four Kirklees Town Halls: Huddersfield, Dewsbury, Cleckheaton and Batley. With details of forthcoming shows from now through to Christmas, as well as New Year highlights there’s something for everyone!

Dewsbury Town Hall highlights include the Open Mic UK Singing Competition Regional Finals on Saturday December 11; the ever popular Black Dyke Band’s Christmas concert on Friday December 17 and it wouldn’t be the festive season without Dewsbury Collegians pantomime ‘Dick Whittington’ on Tuesday January 18 to Saturday January 23.

Huddersfield Town Hall welcomes the Best of British Variety on Monday September 27; the quirky sounds of the world famous Mnozil Brass on Saturday November 6; Marc Almond’s 30th Anniversary Greatest Hits tour on Monday November 29 and popular Huddersfield Giants player Eorl Crabtree’s Gala Show on Monday November 29.

Cleckheaton Town Hall will host the Open Mic UK Singing auditions on Sunday September 12, as well as the West Yorkshire Heats on Sunday October 17. 60s fans can look forward to the Merseybeat Club Show on Saturday November 6 and the Full Monty will be coming to town from Tuesday November 23 to Saturday November 27. Just before Christmas the ‘Ratpack at Christmas’ show comes to Cleckheaton on Thursday December 23.

Batley Town Hall highlights include Guys and Dolls from Wednesday September 15 to Saturday September 18 and Beatlemania on Friday November 19. Hammonds Saltaire Band Christmas Concert will get everyone in the festive spirit on Saturday December 4.
New year highlights include the Magic of Motown who went down a storm at this year’s Festival in the Park who will be performing live at Huddersfield Town Hall on Thursday March 3. Top Abba tribute Bjorn Again will be shaking their thang on Wednesday March 9 at Huddersfield Town Hall and sure to bring happiness to our lives the legendary Ken Dodd will be performing on Sunday April 17 at Huddersfield Town Hall.

Supporting local talent Live and Unsigned, UK’s largest competition for unsigned bands and solo artists will take place on Sunday March 27, with auditions taking place from Sunday January 9.

For details on all of the above and more pick up a copy of the guide from your local town hall or visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/townhalls for information and online bookings.

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Batley Town Hall Refurbishment Update - 15.08.2010

The refurbishment of Batley Town Hall continues at a pace. The public foyers and staircases are being refurbished to a high standard and have unveiled ornate tiles which have been painted over for nearly 30 years! A new lift is also being installed  to allow better access to the main hall and meeting rooms.

 

Open Mic UK Singing Competition comes to Kirklees

The live Open Mic singing competition will take place at Cleckheaton Town Hall  on Sunday October 17, showcasing the best local singing talent from the West Yorkshire area.  Prior to this Cleckheaton Town Hall will host the West Yorkshire Open Mic singing auditions on Sunday September 12, with successful entrants being given the opportunity to perform at the live October 17 competition.   The ultimate goal is to get through to the national final which will take place in the O2 Arena in London.

Open Mic UK is an exciting new national talent competition to search for the UK’s best singers, singer/songwriters, rappers and vocalists (not bands) of all genres who perform either covers or original material. The competition offers the competitors the opportunity to perform live in front of large audiences, generating media attention and exposure.

Open Mic will be going up and down the UK to discover acts with the potential to become the next Lily Allen, Pixie Lott or Plan B!   Competing for the chance to win from the £25,000 in prizes; the winning act will have the opportunity to win a recording contract to release their single.

For those who register, audition and compete they will be offered fantastic opportunities to not only develop their performance skills and personal ability, but to expose their talent – whatever genre it may be. The latter stages of the competition provide artists with the opportunity to impress judges and many guests from record labels, agencies and the entertainment industry.

The competition is divided into age categories: under 16, 16-22 and 23 and over. All types of singers, vocal performers, groups and acoustic singer/songwriters are invited to enter Open Mic UK; the competition seeks to discover an act that has the ability to become a professional recording artist.

Think you’ve got what it takes?  Details about entering the auditions and tickets for the live competition are available at http://www.openmicuk.co.uk

Open Mic - Open Mic 2009 Promo

Refurbishment of Huddersfield Town Hall Reception Room - Update 09.08.10

The refurbishment of the Reception Room continues as pace. New Cabling is being fitted behind the skirting boards and a new screen is being fitted on the main wall to bring the Reception Room into the 21st Century. Not sure what the toilet is doing in the room but we will skim over that!!! More pictures to follow soon...

Change of date for Rhod Gilbert Show

Due to his new filming commitments with the BBC, popular comedian Rhod Gilbert has had to change the date for his show at Huddersfield Town Hall.  

Originally planned for Sunday October 3, Huddersfield Town Hall is one of just a few venues who have managed to secure a rescheduled date and he will now be performing live on Wednesday December 8 at 7.30pm.

Current ticket holders do not need to exchange their tickets for the new date as their ticket and seat will automatically be transferred to the new date.

For those who are unable to attend on the new date and would like a refund simply contact one of the Kirklees Booking Offices (this includes all online bookings):-

Tel: 01484 223200  or  01484 222444  or 01924 324501.

For those who have not booked their tickets yet, there are still some available for sale and Kirklees Town Halls apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Tickets are also on sale for the Best of British Variety show on Monday September 27, featuring Christopher Biggins, Paul Daniels, Dana, The Krankies, The Grumbleweeds and Syd Little.  Tickets have recently been reduced from £26.50 to £17.50.

Marc Almond will also be performing on Monday November 29 with his Greatest Hits Tour, tickets now on sale priced at £22.50 from Kirklees Booking Offices.

Keep up to date with new shows, events and promotions at Kirklees Town Halls by following them on Twitter and Facebook.  Search for @KirkleesTownHls on Twitter and Kirklees Town Hall Events on Facebook.

Dewsbury Town Hall Refurbishment Update - 01.08.10

Picture 1 - The scaffolding starts to come down from the newly refurbished clock tower.

Picture 2 - Brand new lead work and paint job

Picture 3 - The decoration just above the clock face has been cleaned

Picture 4 - A sneaky peak at the refurbished clockface with its gold leaf details

Picture 5 - The golden colour of the newly cleaned stonework

Dewsbury Town Hall Refurbishment Update - 01.08.10

Picture 1 - The view from the top of the clocktower!

Picture 2 - The clock has been repaint including goldleaf detailing

Picture 3 - Ornate stonework standing nearly 6ft high on the clock tower.

Picture 4 - A view of the completed roof on Old Wakefield Rd

Picture 5 - The scaffolding is being erected over the main concert hall for the next phase.

Dewsbury Town Hall Refurbishment Update - 01.08.10

Picture 1 - New stone work has been installed to replace damaged parts of the building

Picture 2 - Some of the detail on the clocktower

Picture 3 - The stonework has been cleaned with 12% acid and water solution. The pillars and archway lead to the bells

Picture 4 - The bells still insitue

Picture 5 - The base of the town still to be cleaned

Dewsbury Town Hall Refurbishment Update - 01.08.10

Picture 1 - The leadwork being replace at the front of the building and a preview of the new colour scheme

Picture 2 - A view from the clocktower

Picture 3&4 - Dewsburys Coat of Arms awaiting repair

Picture 5 - A view from Old Wakefield Rd towards the clocktower

Dewsbury Town Hall Refurbishment Update - 01.08.10

Picture 1 - The Scaffolding is now starting to go over the Main Concert Hall

Picture 2 - The Roof above Wakefield Road

Picture 3 - The "Bottles" on the ballastrades will be cleaned and replaced

Picture 4 - Your intrepid reporters Steve and Richard!!

Refurbishment of Reception Room about to commence

The refurbishment of the Reception Room at Huddersfield Town Hall is due to commence shortly.

The room will re open in September 2010 and will be refurbished to a high standard to compliment the beautiful victorian surroundings.

Watch this space for further updates throughout the building works!

Strictly Stars Share the stage with Essentially Dancers

Hundreds of schoolchildren and older people took to the dance floor at Huddersfield Town Hall with Strictly’s Darren and Lilia.

Essentially Dance stars Darren and Lila

They were celebrating the end of the first year of a hugely ambitious two year programme of Latin American and ballroom dance in Kirklees delivered by Kirklees Council and NHS Kirklees in partnership with Essentially Dance.

Darren and Lilia opened each of the four sessions with a performance of Fever which received tumultuous applause from the dancers and spectators watching this unique celebration of Essentially Dance in Kirklees. Darren then invited the dancers to showcase their skills in the waltz, jive, cha cha cha and quickstep. Later in the session Lilia and Darren led a session to teach all the dancers to salsa – encouraging all to do the moves and learn the steps together.

Pupils from 23 schools attended the celebration, having learnt the dance steps in PE classes or after-school clubs.

Olivia Tetley from Headlands School in Liversedge said,”Today was really good, everything was good. Darren and Lilia were really nice and I liked the dancing.”

In the final session of the day older people from groups across Kirklees joined pupils from 7 secondary schools. Joyce Dyson and her dance partner John Brown enjoy dancing regularly at a weekly Essentially Dance class at the Galpharm Stadium. Joyce, from Newsome, said,” I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Darren and Lilia were really good. I loved the dancing and I enjoyed watching the older people dancing with the younger ones.”

A dancer from Lindley Chimes said, “It was absolutely fabulous – when’s the next one?”

PRESS RELEASE FROM KIRKLEES COUNCIL ONLINE NEWS

New 2010/11 Kirklees Concert Season Brochure Launched!

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Best of British World Cup Offer!

To celebrate the start of the World Cup we are offering tickets to the Best of British Show at Huddersfield Town Hall this September for only £17.50 (normally £26.50)

Simply quote "70's" at the time of booking

The offer is valid from Friday 11th June to Sunday 11th July 2010. No refunds / transfers are permitted for tickets purchased prior to this offer

_________________________________

The Best Of British Variety Tour is back for its third consecutive year in 2010 after the huge success of the last two years. This unique tour unites the cream of variety entertainment from past decades and is coming to Huddersfield Town Hall on Monday 27 September.

After popular demand Paul Daniels and The Krankies who took part in the inaugural tour return to Best of British alongside the host for the show the irrepressible Christopher Biggins, Irish singer Dana, The Grumbleweeds and for the first time as a solo act one half of one of the most famous comedy double acts since comedy began Syd Little of Little and Large fame. The impressive line-up includes British institution Christopher Biggins, who will be hosting the show.

BOX OFFICE:

01484 223200 / 01484 222444 / 01924 324501

New Kirklees Town Halls Vision Launched...

Kirklees Town and Public Halls are here to:-

Preserve the rich civic heritage of our Town and Public Halls and promote them as welcoming, vibrant and accessible venues that are a focal point for all sections of our diverse community.

Maximise the usage and potential of all our halls by delivering a vibrant and varied events programmme and professional conference and meeting facilities

Exceed customers expectations whilst delivering an affordable high quality service

British Icon Marc Almond to play Huddersfield this November

Legendary singer and British icon Marc Almond is coming to Huddersfield Town Hall to perform his 'Best Bits, Hits and A Sides' on Monday November 29 at 8pm.

Marc is touring to celebrate 30 years in the music industry, showcasing the best of his three decades. A must see concert for every fan the tour coincides with the release of his Best Of Album. Marc will be supported by Little Annie accompanied by Baby Dee.

From Soft Cell, the first successful British electro-duo in partnership with Dave Ball, with a string of international hits ('Bedsitter', 'Numbers', 'Torch' ,'Say Hello Wave Goodbye' and, biggest of all, their version of northern soul classic 'Tainted Love', while 'Memorabilia' is cited as the first techno record ever). 10 million-plus worldwide record sales later, Soft Cell are a British icon, influencing several subsequent generations of musicians - from Pulp, The Pet Shop Boys and Suede, to Goldfrapp and onto Antony Hegarty of Antony and The Johnsons fame.

Marc’s solo career has equally glittered; from Vermin In Ermine and The Stars We Are, which spawned the UK number one (and international hit) Something’s Gotten Hold Of My Heart, a duet with the late Gene Pitney.

From the Trevor Horn-produced Tenement Symphony, which included another cover smash, The Days Of Pearly Spencer, to his tribute album Jacques to Jacques Brel (Marc brought the 60s Belgian icon back into the charts with Jacky). From a twin album of French songs to Heart On Snow, a three-year labour of love recorded in St. Petersburg and Moscow and featuring a cross section of Russian singing stars and musicians.

From duets with Siouxsie Sioux and former Sneaker Pimp Kelly Dayton to a big band version of ‘Say Hello, Wave Goodbye’ for Jools Holland’s Big Band, Small World album. From his poem/lyric anthology A Beautiful Twisted Night to a limited edition spoken word CD/book The End Of New York. From his first autobiography, 1999’s Tainted Life to his second, 2004’s In Search Of The Pleasure Palace. Not to forget Soft Cell’s reunion in 2001 for concerts and the Cruelty Without Beauty album, or Marc’s burgeoning DJ career, in his role as godfather of Electroclash.

‘I suppose I am a survivor since I am still here recording an album,’ says Marc Almond. Marc hasn’t only survived that near-fatal motorbike crash on 17 October 2004, that put him in a coma for two weeks, included emergency surgery and a protracted, agonising but triumphant recovery from critical injuries; he’s survived the vagaries of fashion and trends, solo voyages and band reunions, creative highs and writers-block lows, acceptance and rejection, love affairs, the death of loved ones and collaborators, the passing of time. He has lived, alright. Like a cat, Marc appears to have more than one life’

Marc's new album Stardom Road was recorded since his accident and is an album of covers, with one exception, that he has chosen and sequenced to tell his story. Stardom Road resembles not just an album but a play, which clearly suits a man who comes alive on stage, whose songs have always resembled dramas, whether they are underpinned by fizzy synth-pop, 60s-inspired pop kitsch-arama, bare-naked acoustic ballads or orchestrated splendour. All of these, as you can imagine, can be found here too, spanning the divide between the Jim Reeves of Bedsit to the Judy Garland of the Garbage Heap.

Tickets are priced at £22.50 with no concessions and are available from Kirklees Booking Offices, tel: 01484 223200 or online at http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/townhalls.

Huddersfield Town Halls stages performance in collaboration with Lawrence Batley Theatre

This site-specific performance is presented in association with Lawrence Batley Theatre and Huddersfield Town Hall...

Mem Morrison requests the pleasure of your company. Take a front row seat, join the family and meet the many potential brides at his long overdue wedding reception.

Part written, part devised, the performance draws on a lifetime of remembered Turkish Cypriot family weddings, an intimate attempt to belong to a culture, to a family and to someone.

Exploring issues surrounding autobiography, identity, memory, diversity, culture, censorship and perception, Ringside looks at the childhood fantasy which could have become a reality. Tickets 01484 223200 / 01484 222444

Mem Morrison is looking for several female volunteers to perform in Ringside. This opportunity is open to all women aged 18 years and over who are interested in taking part in a site specific
performance led by one of the UK’s leading performance makers. Participants will need to be fully available for evening and weekend rehearsals from 22 - 29 May.

For more information contact Madeleine on 01484 484450 or email her at madeleine@thelbt.org

The Interview - a compelling drama about the Holocaust

Dewsbury Town Hall will host the premier performance of 'The Interview', a thought-provoking play depicting a singular account of the Holocaust.

The Interview will be performed from Monday March 29 to Saturday April 3, 7.30pm, with a matinee performance at 3pm on Wednesday March 31.

The play tells the story of Phillip Carter, an enthusiastic reporter, who arranges an interview with a holocaust survivor, Ms Ruben. His enthusiasm and personal crusade to show the world why the holocaust happened, is demolished once he comes face to face with Ms Ruben. The reporter transitions almost immediately from interviewer, to interviewee. Ms Ruben’s firsthand account of life in the holocaust quickly exposes the common naivety the reporter shows, a characteristic shared by the majority of modern people to date.

The play, through emotional flashbacks, cleverly stages the events of Ms Ruben’s life. They demonstrate the happiness, loneliness, and the graphic violence endured by those people effected in Germany and the rest of Europe.The intelligent script explores the reality of human ignorance, and forces the question around humanity’s dark capabilities.

The play promises to send the audience on a rollercoaster of emotions, with theatre, music, dance, and groundbreaking performances on stage to ensure a performance you are not likely to dismiss from your memory. This play by Jayson F A Bartlett is premiering in Dewsbury and touring theatres in the area. Tickets are priced at £5, £11 and £20 (concessions £3 off the top two ticket prices and discounts for groups) from Kirklees Booking Offices, tel: 01924 324501.

Dewsbury Town Hall : Behind the Scenes of BBC Question Time 1

BBC Question Time was filmed at Dewsbury Town Hall on Thursday 11th March. Here's the story from behind the scenes...