Our Story
Ninety-four years of bold theatre in West Yorkshire.
From a subscription-funded Art Deco house to a 21st-century receiving theatre, Northfield has always been built by — and built for — its town.
What we believe
A theatre is nothing without its town.
We are a charity and a receiving house. We don't make every show ourselves — most of our programme is brought in from touring companies across the UK — but we curate it with the people of Northfield squarely in mind.
That means asking ourselves, every time we pencil a booking: will this be a good night out for someone in Northfield, Moorside, Halifax, or Hebden Bridge? Can they get home afterwards? Will they feel welcome in the foyer? Can they afford a pair of tickets and a drink without having to think twice? If the answer is anything other than yes, we'll find a way to fix it.
Four commitments
Bold, not safe
We back productions that take artistic risks — new writing, recontextualised classics, work that starts conversations.
For everyone
Every show has at least one access-adapted performance. Under-26 tickets start at £12. We mean it when we say the theatre is for everyone.
Made in Yorkshire
We commission and co-produce work with artists, writers, and companies who live and make here.
A good night out
We never forget that people come here for pleasure. A proper drink, a comfortable seat, and a show worth talking about on the walk home.
A short history
How we got here.
-
1932
A theatre for Yorkshire
Northfield Theatre opened its doors on 8 October 1932 with a touring production of "The Yeomen of the Guard". Designed by architect Edwin Hargreaves in a restrained Art Deco style, the 1,200-seat house was paid for by public subscription.
-
1954
Founding of the Resident Company
Under Artistic Director Esme Halliday, the first resident repertory company is formed. A young Albert Finney spends a single season here before heading to the RSC.
-
1978
The Studio is built
A 120-seat studio space is added at the rear of the building, hosting early work by the now-legendary Northfield Writers' Group.
-
1996
A new front of house
The foyer and Foyer Bar are redesigned by architects Holtham & Slate, opening the building up to the square outside for the first time.
-
2019
Major access refurbishment
A £3.4m programme adds lifts to every level, six stalls wheelchair spaces, an infrared hearing loop throughout, and a new accessible box office counter.
-
2024
The Moorside partnership
Northfield Theatre takes on the programming of Moorside Town Hall as a second venue — a new chapter for both organisations.
In the press
Bold, unshowy, and quietly essential — a regional theatre doing its best work in decades.
Northfield's Hamlet is the most thrilling I've seen this side of the Barbican.
A model of what a receiving house can be when it puts audiences first.
Who runs the place
The leadership team
Davinia Okonkwo
Artistic Director
Formerly Associate Director at Sheffield Theatres. Joined Northfield in 2021.
Peter Whitelock
Executive Director
Thirty years in theatre administration. Leads on buildings, fundraising, and partnerships.
Sarah Halstead
Head of Audiences
Oversees marketing, box office, and the subscriber programme.
Tomás Riera
Producer, Studio
Commissions and produces the Studio programme, with a focus on new writing.
Be part of the next ninety-four years.
Membership keeps the house lights on. Members get priority booking, £5 off every ticket, and an invitation to our annual season launch.