Thursday 25 July 2024
Encouraging Signs for the Deaf at Little Theatre
Little Theatre: 10 October 2024
For the first time in its history, Hebden Bridge Little Theatre is going to have a British Sign Language interpreted performance to make attendance more accessible to deaf people.
The progressive move will take place on October 10th, the Thursday night performance of its next play Beryl, by Maxine Peake, which celebrates the extraordinary story of unsung Yorkshire cycling champion Beryl Burton.
Neil Lloyd, who is directing Beryl, says "I was determined to have this option for those in our community that feel marginalised from the magic of live theatre. But it's also important that we provide plenty of advanced notice, as interest from local cycling clubs means the play is likely to be sold out well in advance.
"The Friday and Saturday night performances are in fact nearly full already, but there are currently still plenty of seats available for the Thursday."
Sarah Poole, who has been booked for the Thursday performance, has been a British Sign Language interpreter for over 20 years and has been busy interpreting for bands at the Halifax Piece Hall this summer.
She says "I decided it was the career for me whilst studying theatre arts and deaf studies at university. I left my theatre and dance days behind and worked mainly serving the local deaf communities in West Yorkshire, but over the last few years I have reverted to combining the two and am now enjoying getting back into performance work."
Beryl is a warm, funny, poignant and exciting play. And this production, for which some rehearsals have already taken place, features six actors portraying all the key people in Beryl's life – with the inevitable aid of a few bicycles.
Anyone wishing to attend is advised to obtain tickets now to avoid potential disappointment.
Tickets to Beryl at Hebden Bridge Little Theatre, between October 7 and 12, can be obtained for £11/ £9 and can be obtained online at www.hblt.co.uk.