About Us

Crigg's History

Back in 1959, a group of budding thespians got together in the community of Crigglestone in what was then Mackie Hill School (now demolished and re-built) and formed Crigglestone Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society. Their first performance was "Pirates of Penzance" by Gilbert & Sullivan and with its wide range of shows, concerts and high standards over the following 10 years, soon became one of the leading Societies in the Wakefield and surrounding area.

It was about this time that the Society first felt the cost of its success. With members demonstrating their high standards and capabilities, other Societies began to entice members to play leading roles in their productions and the Society was in great danger of folding as key members left to expand their hobby elsewhere. Some were also key Society Committee Members as well.

Fortunately, as is often the case, a determined core of experienced members rallied, formed a New Committee, which chose exciting new Shows released for Amateur Societies, attracted new members and the rest as they say, "is history" Initially the Society's productions were performed at Painthorpe Middle School and in the 1970s, as it's membership grew, moved to Queens Street Hall in Wakefield and subsequently, to what was then Unity Hall in Westgate, Wakefield, in 1980. It was the only Theatre venue big enough for their productions and the audiences it drew. However, in the mid-'80s along with other Societies the Wakefield area, it moved to the Theatre Royal and Opera House, a truly magnificent Macham Professional Theatre where its productions could really be shown to best effect. The Society's name remained for more than 38 years and in May 1997 the decision was made to shorten the title and relaunch a new name. That name is the one now known by its members and Patrons with the same affection as The Crigglestone Theatre Company.

One of the most interesting things in keeping theatres going is maintaining and encouraging the younger interest, something which Crigg have managed to do very well. So well that they formed a separate Section under its umbrella entitled "The Kids from Crigg" with over 30 eager children and young people ranging from 5 to 16 years old. Through their productions of Concerts, Pantomimes and Junior adaptations of Adult Productions their talents grow year by year. Performing two shows a year this incorporates their acting, singing and dancing skills. Among the successes which have emerged from the Junior Section are Katherine Kelly, alias "Becky" star of Coronation Street, one of many major acting roles, and Sarah Redgwick, who has appeared in leading roles with Opera North, Opera in the Park, the Welsh and Scottish National Opera as well as being in demand in her own right as a singer. On the Administrative side of the Society, one Past Chairman rose to become the North of England Regional Representative on the National Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Association Council in London, no mean achievement, The Society and Kids from Crigg continue to thrive thanks to its members and an adventurous Committee, despite having lost their rehearsal room at what was the Lupset Working Men's Club (now demolished) and the rising costs of the Theatre Royal putting that venue out of reach. For a short period it performed at Thornes House School Theatre, but the seating and numbers it was capable of holding proved inadequate. It now rehearses at Crigglestone Working Mens Club and performs its shows at the Ossett Town Hall and Crigglestone Working Mens Club with the same enthusiasm and professionalism which continues to earn it its much-deserved reputation.

Like many organisations, including the Live Theatre, 2020 has meant rehearsals and productions have had to stop, as well as its fundraising for various Charities, but the family atmosphere which proves to have been its backbone for so many years has kept its membership together through Zoom, Facebook etc. For the Crigglestone Community Theatre Company and Kids from Crigg the future offers the same challenges, adventure and excitement to which, as history has shown, IT WILL ALWAYS RISE.

Committee Members

Sylvia

Honorary President

Since joining Crigg in 1999 for its production of 'Half a Sixpence' I've continued to have an active role both on and off stage. After just a couple of years I joined the Committee and very soon took over the position of Secretary and held the post for 14 years. I continued to serve on the Committee and still do.

I was honoured to be asked to stand for the position of President of the Society when we learned that Diane Hill was retiring from the position. Both Diane and our former President, the wonderful late Val Millward, served the Society tirelessly and I can assure you I have big shoes to fill!

Crigg is a friendly Society which welcomes new members with open arms whether they are performing or non performing. Our productions are not just about the shows or the pantos, they're about the wealth of talent we have off stage too, be it making costumes, making and painting scenery, leaflet dropping to promote shows or turning up at publicity events or fund raising events. Everyone is a cog in a very well oiled wheel. We always need extra help though so if you think you can contribute either on or off stage, Crigg is the Society for you.

I am looking forward to the coming year and, if I'm not on stage, to welcoming guests to see our shows involving both the adult Society and our fabulous Kids from Crigg, who just go from strength to strength.

Sylvia Taylor
Honorary President