The Viaduct Theatre

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

Visit now

The Viaduct Theatre

Dean Clough Mills, Dean Clough, HX3 5AX
The Viaduct Theatre
Image courtesy of The Viaduct Theatre, Dean Clough.
Book now

Buried deep beneath the Dean Clough Mills in central Halifax lies The Viaduct Theatre. With an intimate performance space seating 300 people, the theatre has proudly offered up its atmospheric, post-industrial space for a variety of events including theatre shows, operas, chamber music and film screenings.

Established by renowned theatre company, the Northern Broadsides almost three decades ago, the venue is considered one of Halifax’s hidden gems. The space was stumbled upon by the founder of Northern Broadsides, Barrie Rutter during a conversation in the early 1990s with Sir Ernest Hall, the pianist, entrepreneur and patron behind the renovation of the Dean Clough Mills.

There had been a fire in the underground viaduct which Hall had planned to convert into a car park; he showed the viaduct to Rutter, a jobbing actor looking for a performance space, who boldly declared, “Ernest, we can play it.” The theatre has been home to the Northern Broadsides ever since.

Christmas Broadsides at The Viaduct Theatre
Image courtesy of Northern Broadsides.

Northern Broadsides, who produce a mixed touring programme of Shakespearean productions, adaptations of the classics and new writing in a northern voice have built a significant following from their home at The Viaduct Theatre. Acclaimed by audiences and critics alike, the company have fully embraced the potential of this raw and historic space and perform here regularly.

More recently, there has been a substantial investment in the theatre’s front of house space too – a new main entrance and stage door. Did we mention the True North restaurant next door? Headed up by Chef Mark York, the eatery offers tempting pre-theatre menus and themed dinners – the perfect accompaniment to a show.

Delighting audiences and contributing to the town’s lively and diverse cultural offering, The Viaduct Theatre continues to bring an exciting and diverse arts programme to Halifax.

What's on near The Viaduct Theatre

Saltaire Brewery - 58
Until
TourSaltaire
Saltaire Brewery Tour

The guided tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the brewhouse and state-of-the-art packaging plant, giving visitors a full sense of what “real Yorkshire beer” means today.

From £15.00
In a large industrial space filled with dobby looms hangs a blood red textile piece infront of a sheer white backdrop.
Until
ExhibitionsLeeds
Loops at Sunny Bank Mills

‘Loops’ is a new collaborative exhibition of textiles at Sunny Bank Mills, connecting artists from across the Netherlands and Yorkshire.

Free entry

Where to go near The Viaduct Theatre

Halifax
Gallery
Dean Clough

A vast 22-acre site on the edge of Halifax town centre, Dean Clough is home to a thriving community of arts venues and businesses.

True North
Halifax
Restaurant
True North

True North is the perfect neighbourhood style family restaurant. The sort of place you can rely upon for a warm northern welcome and consistently good food.

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.

West Yorkshire
Museum
Bankfield Museum

Situated in the beautiful gardens of Akroyd Park, Bankfield Museum is a grand Victorian villa with permanent exhibitions of textiles and costume, as well as varying temporary exhibitions also.

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.

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.

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…

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.

Culture Guides

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.

Cloudwater Production One
Tours and Activities in the North

Go forth with wild abandon to dance the pavements, dabble with the paint and down the pints in this month's tours and activities guide.

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.

Harry Baker
Literature Events in the North

From environmental to experimental, our poetry and prose picks from around the North are focused on the unusual and the fun.

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.

Helena Hauff
Music in the North

Shape-shifting bands, scorched-earth techno, and off-grid festivals. Our latest music picks catch the live scene at its most urgent, inventive and alive.