About

Step inside this historic Art Deco building and uncover its story from the 1920s through to today. You’ll discover the influence of J. B. Priestley, the Bradford‑born writer who championed theatre that reflects real lives and communities.

You’ll also explore the legacy of Esmé Church, the pioneering director, actor and teacher who led the Bradford Civic Playhouse and helped establish professional theatre training in the North.

As part of the tour, you’ll get the chance to look around the auditorium, studio spaces, and several behind‑the‑scenes areas that keep the building running day to day.

Archive Session Starts: 13:45 – If you’d like to stay on, you can take a deeper dive into the archives, exploring original programmes, photographs, and stories from nearly a century of theatre‑making. From early productions to the Playhouse as it stands today, it’s a chance to get properly immersed in the history – and the people – who built it.

It’s a lovely way to spend an afternoon, whether you’re into theatre, local history, or simply fancy having a proper nose around.

As part of Bradford Heritage Festival