U3A Theatre Group - open to all members
Registered charity - 1171722
The Theatre Group organises trips to a variety of productions at theatres around the region, mostly to Bradford, Halifax, Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield, but sometimes further afield for something special. We try to offer a variety of genres, including dramas, dance, opera - but musicals are consistently our most popular trips. Current Theatre Group trips on offer are listed below, and you can see lists of previous trips in the links at the right of this screen.
All U3A members are welcome to join theatre trips, subject to availability. Members come on theatre trips on their own, with friends, and with partners. Before joining a trip for the first time we will need you to sign-up to the Theatre Group Terms and Conditions; to do this, see the 'Terms & Conditions & Sign-up' link on the right of the screen, email us (link below), or come to see us at one of the U3A monthly meetings. If you are interested in joining any of the trips listed below, please contact the Theatre Team by email or at the next monthly meeting. You can also ask to be added to the Theatre Group e-mailing list to receive our regular trip updates.
The Theatre Team: The theatre trips are organised by four volunteer Holme Valley U3A members - Pat Whalley, Andrea Goodall, Roger Lancaster and Linda Hollingworth. One of us takes the lead in organising a specific trip, and at least one of the team is usually at the monthly U3A meeting.
Organising the trips: To get good seats and sometimes a group discount, the Theatre Team has to plan trips well in advance. We usually reserve tickets at a range of prices to allow people a choice. Initially we will ask you to let us know if you are interested in joining a trip, without making a commitment or a payment. When the trip is confirmed we will ask you to pay for your theatre ticket/s and sometimes for transport at the same time, if we are hiring a coach. Otherwise you will pay for transport near the time of the trip. Once we have paid the theatre for the tickets we are unable to offer refunds, but please see the 'Terms and Conditions' and 'Payment' links on the right of the screen for more information about finding replacements and cancellations.
Transport: we always organise transport from Holmfirth for these trips. This will often be by minibus (10-16 people) but when numbers allow, we prefer to go by coach (minimum 30). Transport costs average at £9-£15pp return, depending on numbers. Smaller trips are occasionally arranged, with travel by shared car and/or train.
Email us at hvu3atheatre@gmail.com or just click here Theatre trips
CURRENT THEATRE TRIPS
BOOKING NOW
Our remaining 2023/24 theatre trips are now Reserve List only (see below). But we are already offering some new trips for 2024/25, listed here:
The Book of Mormon (musical), Wed 6th Nov 2024 7.30pm at Bradford Alhambra
The reviews say that this musical from the creators of South Park is outrageous as well as entertaining, but be aware that there is strong language and adult themes. The story follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent to Africa, to a place about as far from Salt Lake City as you can get, in every way.
get. Ticket pricing is complex and depends on numbers, but for age 60+ centre Stalls and Dress Circle seats are £70.75, side Stalls and Dress Circle £55.25 with some cheaper seats at £35.25-£45.25. There may be an additional group discount.
Matthew Bourne's ballet, Swan Lake, Thurs 28 Nov 2024 at 2pm, at the Lowry
Matthew Bourne’s audacious, rule-breaking reinvention of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece caused a sensation when it premiered almost 30 years ago. It is still best known for replacing the female corps-de-ballet with a menacing male ensemble, which shattered convention, turning tradition on its head. This is a major new revival for the next generation of dancers, and for audiences experiencing it for the first time.
Tickets reserved cost from £40-£60 depending on whether they are in the Stalls, Dress Circle or Upper Circle. This includes a Senior discount, but there is no group discount available for this show.
RESERVE LIST ONLY - do get in touch if you would like to be on the reserve list for any of these trips, in case of a cancellation
The 39 Steps (comedy spoof drama) Thurs 2 May at 2.30, Sheffield Lyceum. Linda
An Officer and a Gentleman (musical), Wed 1 May 2024 at 2:30pm at Manchester Opera House (Andrea).
The Kite Runner (drama), 5 June at 7.45pm, Sheffield Lyceum. Andrea
Day trip to Gilbert and Sullivan's The Gondoliers, Wednesday 7th August, 2.30pm, Buxton Opera House.
Gilbert and Sullivan International Festival, performed by a professional company. Coach £12.50pp. Linda
POSSIBLE FUTURE THEATRE TRIPS - do let us know if you have any other suggestions
We hope to offer more trips in 2024/25, as theatres release new programmes, but here are some that we are considering, depending on tour venues, dates and availability:
- Come from Away (musical)
- Chicago (musical)
- Lord of the Dance
- Little Shop pf Horrors
- The Doll's House (Ibsen)
- Northern Ballet
- Acosta Danza
- Little Shop pf Horrors
- The Doll's House (Ibsen)
- Northern Ballet
- Acosta Danza
- Opera North at Leeds Grand, 2 or 3 trips from their 2024/25 programme - Mozart's Magic Flute (opera), Kurt Weill's Love Life (musical), Gilbert and Sullivan's Ruddigore, Britten's Midsummer Nights Dream (opera), Richard Wagner's The Flying Dutchman.