Yesterday was a day of being inspired by Kirklees’ young people for me.
First, I met some of our young business talent through the Kirklees Employment and Skills Board. Of course, in this context “young” means under 25 and I have now been reliably informed that being “young at heart” (a thing only old people lay claim to) or excessively immature doesn’t count. So, I shall just have to cheer them on from the side-lines as they show us how it’s done.
Second, I went to see some of Greenhead College’s finest in an exciting new production.
You know that feeling you get when someone invites you to do something at short notice and you check your social engagement diary and reflect on what your utter availability says about your popularity amongst the other humans? No? Me neither.
Fortunately though, I was able to shoehorn in “Have You Seen Evangeline? (And other unfinished business)”. And I would thoroughly recommend that you throw over any plans you had for Thursday 12th (good grief, that’s today, act fast) or Friday 13th to do the same. It’s your office Christmas party? Be honest. You know what’s going to happen at it anyway. It’s the same every year and unless you intended to be the one embroiled in the stationery cupboard based frolics you’ll miss nothing.
Have You Seen Evangeline is a fantastic piece of comedy theatre in the guise of a ghostly walking tour, put together by Chol Theatre (who wrote the fictional tales based on the history of Huddersfield) and Greenhead College (whose students performed it, made the sets and created the period costumes).
The performers take you on a short tour of Huddersfield venues, departing at 7pm and 715pm, so wrap up warm or bring someone whose hat/scarf/clothing you can steal. In each location you learn about the ghostly characters and just what might be preventing them from moving onto the afterlife. Their stories are funny, sad and creepy in turn and the actors are all brilliant – they should turn professional immediately. No, wait. Their parents might be reading. After college.
I can’t say too much more without giving away surprises, but trust me you don’t want to miss this. It is the best walking tour I’ve ever been on (and I’ve done York’s (thankfully) not very famous (and with good reason) cat tour) and holds its own as a piece of surprising, lively theatre.
Book tickets here at the Lawrence Batley Theatre: http://www.thelbt.org/