‘A Walk Through Time’: Victoria Theatre 125th Anniversary Exhibition

The Victoria Theatre has been at the heart of entertainment in Halifax for 125 years and a new display is marking this significant milestone.

The theatre building opened in February 1901. To celebrate the 125-year legacy of the venue, the Friends of the Victoria Theatre group has curated a new exhibition, which has now officially opened at Halifax Central Library.

The milestone display marks the first time the venue’s extensive collection of artefacts has been professionally curated and presented to the public in such a comprehensive format.

The exhibition, which spans six display cabinets and two large boards across three floors of the library, offers an immersive journey through the cultural heart of the borough. From its grand opening in 1901 to its status today as a premier touring venue, the display captures the magic, the stars, and the local stories that have defined the theatre, as well as chronicling the changing leisure habits of Halifax residents since the late 19th century.

Visitors can enjoy ‘A Walk Through Time’, exploring the pivotal moments that have defined the theatre’s identity, including:

• The Grand Opening: Featuring authentic period costumes generously provided by Bankfield Museum and the original promotional leaflet for the opening night on 9^th February 1901.
• Intellectual Pursuit: Highlighting the prestigious Halifax Sunday Lecture Society, which hosted global figures such as legendary explorer Lieutenant Ernest Shackleton in the early part of the 20^th Century.
• The Silver Screen: A look back at the theatre’s era as a cinema, transitioning from silent movies to the first “talkies.”
• The Dance Hall Days: Reliving the vibrant social scene of the 1940s, 50s, and 60s when the theatre was one of the town’s leading dance venues.
• Wrestling Legends: Documenting the theatre’s time as a ring for giants of the sport, including the iconic Big Daddy.

This comprehensive collection of artefacts and memorabilia includes original architectural drawings, original playbills and posters that also track the evolution of graphic design and entertainment tastes from the Edwardian era to the modern day.

Archival photographs and rare images showcase the theatre’s stunning architecture and the famous faces who have graced its stage, and examples of costume demonstrate the attire that would have been worn to the grand opening night.

This exhibition is the result of a significant cultural partnership and the Friends of the Victoria Theatre have worked closely with cultural services at Calderdale Council to bring these archives to life.

The exhibition at Halifax Central Library is free to visit and will run during regular library opening hours, until Thursday 12 February 2026. The Victoria Theatre will be holding other events and exhibitions throughout the year to celebrate the 125^th anniversary, with further announcements to follow.

Halifax Central Library is open:

• Monday: 10am – 6.30pm
• Tuesday: 10am – 5.30pm
• Wednesday: 10am -5.30pm
• Thursday: 10am – 6.30pm
• Friday: 10am – 5.30[m
• Saturday: 10am – 4pm
• Sunday: Closed