Events

Housed in Otley’s Victorian magistrates’ court, the venue has attracted acts, including comics, singers, musicians and theatre companies, from around the world over the past decade and provided a thriving community hub.

The historic building stood empty after closing as a courthouse in 1997, but ten years ago it re-opened as a theatre and arts venue after a voluntary group raised £800,000 for a renovation.

The old courtroom became a theatre and cabaret venue, the public gallery a lighting and sound desk, and the robing room, where the judge would change was turned into a dressing-room. Artists’ studios stand alongside the old cells.

The Courthouse has bucked the trend of regional arts venues by continuing to expand its activities over the years, receiving an Arts Council England grant to further its development earlier this year.

Centre manager Chloe Perry says: “As a volunteer-led charity, we’ve always tried hard to provide something for everyone in our area and the enthusiasm of everyone working here, from the board to the office staff to our team of more than 100 volunteers, has been essential in keeping us open and welcoming to our community.”

Events to mark the Courthouse’s tenth birthday include a concert on May 3 by Bayou Gumbo, who played at the Courthouse’s opening night and have reformed especially for the evening.

On May 26, the venue will throw open its doors for a family day, with events including a picnic, mosaic-making and a puppet show by Mimika Theatre.

There will also be chance for visitors to explore the building, including the restored Victorian cell block, and find out about its past. Oral and written histories from townspeople dating back over the last two centuries will be on display, shedding light on the history and heritage of the Courthouse.

On May 2, the Otley Singers and Beccy Owen will present an “uplifting and emotive” concert, while an open day on May 5 provides a chance to meet Courthouse volunteers, with an exhibition of artwork showcasing their talents. On May 24, Marty Jopson returns with his Inventions Going Bang, and on May 31, Spiltmilk Say Dance present a show of dance through the ages.

Saturday, May 3, sees the launch of a heritage timeline commemorating the history of the site since 1853. Wharfe Wool Fair is on May 10 and Fame Factor Club is on May 17.

Other highlights of coming weeks include poet, broadcaster, comedian and ‘Bard of Barnsley’ Ian McMillan and Olympic composer Luke Carver Goss, presenting a witty night of poems, music and improvisation on Friday, May 9.

Renowned for rip-roaring poetry, Ian hosts popular weekly radio show The Verb and is a BBC regular on TV and radio shows such as Coast, Pick Of The Week, The Arts Show and Last Word.

Luke Carver Goss has written music for Black Dyke Band and BBC National Orchestra of Wales . He records and performs with his own group, the acclaimed Carver Trio, as well as with Balkan singer Tea Hodzic, jazz singer Tina May and storyteller Daniel Morden in The Devil’s Violin.

On Friday, June 13, Stuart Maconie brings his show The People’s Songs to the Courthouse. The prolific TV and radio presenter, columnist and author talks about his latest book and epic radio series, The People’s Songs, a social history of modern Britain told through the music we listened to and loved during the period from the Second World War onwards.

And on April 26, Jo Caulfield brings her new show Celebration of Anger, exploring those nigglings aspects of life that irritate, annoy and irk – and embracing the joys of getting angry about them, no matter how petty they may seem to others.

Jo is a regular on TV and radio panel shows, including Mock The Week and Have I Got News For You.

• For tickets for all events, or more about the Courthouse, ring (01943) 467466 or visit otleycourthouse.org.uk.