Carriageworks Theatre Celebrates 20 Years of Community Arts

Local theatre venue marks two decades with family dedication behind the scenes

The Carriageworks Theatre in Leeds is celebrating its 20th anniversary this November, marking two decades as a hub for community and children’s theatre in the city. Since opening in 2005, the venue has welcomed over one million audience members to more than 2,000 productions, ranging from pantomimes to comedy and music events.

Family commitment spans nearly 30 years

Integral to the theatre’s backstage operations is the mother and daughter duo Kath Harrison and Helen Shippin, who have been involved in local theatre for almost 30 years. Their journey began in the mid-1990s when Helen, then 14, performed in a festive production at the old Leeds Civic Theatre. Kath joined the theatre scene a year later as a wardrobe supervisor.

Both moved to The Carriageworks when it opened and have since worked closely on the theatre’s annual pantomime productions. Kath, now 76, manages the costume department, overseeing the washing, ironing, repairing, and preparation of around 4,000 clothing items and 200 pairs of shoes each year. She also handles rapid costume changes and emergency repairs during performances.

Helen, 42, supports her mother in costume management and also assists with front-of-house duties, bar work, and technical emergencies. She has stepped in to operate puppets and stage lighting when required, demonstrating the flexible roles staff often undertake in community theatre.

Theatre’s role in Leeds’ cultural landscape

The Carriageworks Theatre takes its name from the historic West Riding Carriage Manufactory that once occupied the site, now known as The Electric Press. The venue focuses on showcasing local theatre-makers and providing accessible arts experiences for diverse communities.

It is also home to the Leeds Community Arts Network (LeedsCAN), a collective of community arts groups including Leeds Writers Circle, Leeds Children’s Theatre, Cosmopolitan Players, and Kippax Amateur Operatic Society.

Anniversary programme and community impact

To mark the 20th anniversary, The Carriageworks is staging productions such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Gingerbread Man, and this year’s pantomime Sleeping Beauty, featuring Jez Edwards, Thomas Currie, and Serena Walsh.

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, highlighted the theatre’s significance: “The Carriageworks occupies a very special place at the heart of performing arts in Leeds, giving tireless and passionate local performers the chance to showcase their talents and express themselves in a space dedicated to community theatre.”

She added, “For twenty years the theatre has been entertaining Leeds audiences, giving families the chance to come together and experience local, accessible productions. It’s a huge milestone for the theatre and for all the organisations which have helped shape its unique story.”

Carriageworks Theatre facts

• Opened in November 2005 after the closure of Leeds Civic Theatre earlier that year.
• Located within the Grade II listed Electric Press building, constructed in 1894.
• Has hosted over 2,000 productions and attracted more than one million audience members.
• Approximately 300,000 pantomime audience members to date, with numbers doubling since 2005.
• Home to Leeds Community Arts Network, which includes 11 community arts groups.

For further information and ticket bookings, visit the Carriageworks Theatre website.