Zara at The Piece Hall

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor

Book now

Zara

The Piece Hall, Halifax
19-20 April 2019

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Zara courtesy Matt Vale
Book now

Zara is set to be a giant outdoor theatre event like no other, in one of our favourite places, the historic courtyard of Halifax’s Piece Hall.

Doyennes of outdoor spectacle, Walk The Plank and leading learning disability theatre Mind The Gap, join forces to supersize the issues raised by learning disability and parenthoood.

This giant outdoor theatre event for the whole family will tell the epic story of one learning disabled mother and her fight to protect her baby.

With a soaring musical score, a cast of over 100, cherry pickers, tanks, 3D projections on an epic scale and a mechanical, moving ‘baby’ that’s bigger than a double decker bus, Zara promises to be something else.

Courtesy The Piece Hall

 

Mind The Gap aim to make great theatre that makes audiences think differently. This co-production with Walk The Plank then, purveyors of ambitious, large-scale outdoor arts events across the world, is set to be powerful stuff.

We love that the community have been involved in the making of the piece, helping to delve deep into the issues raised from the experiences of learning disabled parents, and performing alongside the professional cast.

We can’t think of a better place for such an epic premiere than the expansive, landscaped open-air courtyard of the monumental Grade I listed Piece Hall. Think Somerset House meets one of the great historic squares of Europe for the North, it’s heaven for those who don’t want to feel restrained by more conventional arts experiences.

Arrive early for the bars, food-stalls and pre-show entertainment before choosing your spot on the steps, or on the plaza itself.

Where to go near Zara at The Piece Hall

Square Chapel Arts Centre
Halifax
Square Chapel Arts Centre

With a mix of shows, family theatre, films, events and workshops, this arts centre is a vital part of Halifax’s new and thriving cultural quarter.

Meandering Bear
Halifax
Restaurant
Meandering Bear

Owned by the folks who run the award-winning Grayston Unity, the Meandering Bear is a great little independent bar and eatery in Halifax.

Revo Records, Halifax
Halifax
Shop
Revo Records

Trading for over 30 years, the iconic shop prides itself on stocking an eclectic selection of vinyl records – the latest new releases alongside second-hand vinyl.

Halifax Borough market
Halifax
Shop
Halifax Borough Market

This grand and historic market was opened by the Duke and Duchess of York in 1896 and has been at the heart of Halifax life ever since.

White Swan Hotel
Halifax
Hotel
White Swan Hotel

The White Swan Hotel offers an ideal location for those looking to explore West Yorkshire – its arts and culture, and its shopping.

West Yorkshire
Gallery
Open Gallery

A beautiful and varied collection of contemporary art from across the UK. Their regular exhibitions are both seasonal and thematic and always worth visiting…

Grayston Unity
Halifax
Café or Coffee Shop
Grayston Unity

The bar itself is small but you’ll find it a friendly place where you can get a lovely drink in a unique setting.

What's on: Families

Haphazard 2025 at Z-arts
FamiliesManchester
Haphazard 2025 at Z-arts

A free day of bizarre behaviour and exciting live performance at Z-arts. Expect the unexpected. Playful, unpredictable, and not easily forgotten.

Free entry
Topsy Turvy
Families
Topsy Turvy 25

Theatre Porto’s joyful outdoor celebration returns to Whitby Park this summer with another wonderfully topsy-turvy weekend of art, performance and playful surprises. Taking over the park from 7–10 August, Topsy

From £5.50

Culture Guides

Star Nhà Ease
Cinema in the North

July's cinema highlights include spotlights on international cinema, a new cult classic, plus a visit from one of our favourite directors.

Exhibitions in the North

Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre in the North

Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.

European Poetry Festival European Camarade
Literature Events in the North

From tongue-twisters to twisty page-turners, we have all kinds of spoken word surprises in the latest literature round-up.