£90,000 approved for Alhambra Theatre upgrades

The improvements will be made whilst the theatre is closed due to COVID 19.

Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
Author: Chris YoungPublished 10th Nov 2020

A £90,000 investment to improve facilities at Bradford’s iconic Alhambra Theatre has been approved by Council decision-makers.

Bradford Council’s Executive today approved funding to install a “pit lift” – a piece of theatre kit that lifts equipment onto the stage from the orchestra pit.

The lift will be installed before the end of the year – while the theatre is closed due to Covid regulations.

Due to the pandemic, blockbuster shows such as The Lion King, which was due to have a lengthy run at the theatre this spring, were postponed, and the ever-popular Bradford pantomime was cancelled.

A report to the Executive, which met online this morning, said: “The theatre does not currently have a pit lift, a mechanical lift which can be used to transport heavy technical equipment from the orchestra pit onto the stage.

“The works are planned to be completed whilst the theatre is closed, and will ensure safe working practices and maintain standards as a number one receiving theatre.

“It is a new scheme and £0.09m has been requested to be funded from the Contingency Budget.”