Harrogate Theatre is celebrating Pride in Diversity this June with a number of shows that encompass life and all of its diversity.

The shows will run between Monday 11th and Thursday 16th June, featuring queer silent film comedies, performances and interviews.

Porl Cooper, Harrogate Theatre’s Associate Producer who has curated the programme, said:

“I’ve always been enthused by the way Harrogate’s Pride In Diversity celebrates difference in all its forms, with the event embracing and reaching beyond gender and sexuality.

“That’s given us a great stimulus and opportunity to reflect that eclectic mix in our programme which we have run alongside in this June week.”

Porl added:

“We were massively disappointed to hear that Pride in Diversity in Harrogate isn’t going ahead this year but we hope that all of its supporters will join us across the week both in the Theatre and beyond.

“We consider all our own venues and those of our offsite hosts to be safe spaces where people can come along and be themselves, free from judgement.”

The shows are as follows:

Gender Rebels | Harrogate Theatre | MON 13 JUN | 7.30pm

Queer goings-on in this double bill of silent film comedy with an original improvised score on the piano.

The double bill kicks off with What’s the World Coming To? (1926). Written in part by up-and-coming comedian Stan Laurel and produced by Laurel and Hardy’s producer, Hal Roach, this cross-dressing comedy is set 100 years in the future in a world in which women are on top and have switched roles with men.

It’s perfectly complemented here by Rowdy Ann (1919) – a hilarious comedy western starring lesbian actor-producer, Fay Tincher. Ann is one tough, rough cowgirl, so her folks pack her off East to college hoping she’ll come back a lady. But once there, it’s not long before she is putting the men in their place.

The double bill will be complemented with a couple of LGBT/queer shorts from the silent era.

Barely Visible | TUE 14 JUN | St. Wilfrid’s Church Hall | 8pm

An empowering physical performance that focuses on the common issues that queer women face, including what it really feels like to live in the shadows.

Using a 100-kilo vertical pole, an acclaimed dance theatre artist explores control and visibility in this powerful semi-autobiographical performance.

How To Be Lucky | WED 15 JUN| Harrogate Theatre | 7.30pm

Following many interviews and conversations with Syrian refugees, the show follows the realities of an ordinary family over seven years who are forced through many emotional and physical trials, across many countries, to stay alive and stay together.

The show will be followed by a Q & A.

Retake, Remake | THU 16 JUN | Harrogate Theatre | 7.30pm

A show where the actors take back films made about learning disabled and disabled people but without learning disabled or disabled actors.

In a fun and moving way they question this practice and replay snippets of these films through lip-syncing and stylised movement.

Porl said:

“Please do join us to celebrate female empowerment through film and physical theatre, migrant experiences in a forum-theatre context, and some inspired subversive lip-synching brilliance from disabled-led theatre company, Lawnmowers.

“We’d love to welcome you at one of our events – and with tickets at just a fiver each there’s no reason not to make a full week of it!”

Visit the Harrogate Theatre website to book your tickets and find out more information, or call in to the box office, open Tuesday – Saturday between 10am and 4pm.

Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.