Welcome to
Hyde Festival Theatre
Hyde Festival Theatre in Hyde, Greater Manchester is home to several amateur groups in the area whose combined efforts mean that in one season there can be many productions ongoing.
In 2019, we had 21 different productions from 12 different societies. ranging from drama to musicals, from dance to pantomime.
We pride ourselves on offering an affordable venue for local dance schools, drama societies, musical societies and comedians to perform for their productions and fundraising events. We also pride ourselves on providing an affordable bar serving drinks, snacks and sweets at an affordable price - the small profits also go back into the upkeep of our theatre, so we do ask you not to bring your own.
Our theatre is run solely by volunteers, ran for the community - by the community.
HFT are proud members of Act! The Association of Community Theatre and have been since 2022
You can watch our Facebook Live video of our 2022 'Bigg Reopening' by clicking here, following our summer refurbishment works to modernise the exterior of our building, thanks to grant funding from People's Postcode Lottery.
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Our Facilities
The theatre can be hired in two parts that both have a uniquely different setting
The Main House
The Main House is where the majority of productions take place with a wide variety of shows on offer each season including, drama, comedy, musicals, pantomimes and dance.
The main house seating capacity is 230 with facilities for up to 2 wheel chairs. Wheelchair accessibility is straight in from the street with no stairs to negotiate.
With toilet facilities and a box office in the foyer, all located on the ground floor, our main house is a fantastic size for societies and groups alike that want to attract a good sized audience for their productions.
Together with the Madge Bayes Hall bar, it is a wonderful community theatre that makes your guests feel cosy, included and within your setting. There are over 140 seats located in the centre block with the remaining seats at the sides.
In addition to the main stage, the theatre has two performance ashtrays either side of the stage.
Madge Bayes Hall
Our studio is an intimate performance space with a maximum audience capacity of 80.
It is highly suited to small scale productions and to more experimental and cutting edge theatre. Suitable for smaller plays, cabaret, music and comedy events.
PLEASE NOTE THAT AS THE STUDIO IS ONLY ACCESSIBLE BY STAIRS ON THE FIRST FLOOR - IT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR THOSE WITH WALKING DIFFICULTIES
The Madge Bayes Hall includes toilet facilities, a bar, a backstage green room and dressing rooms. Most groups hire this with the main house and use this space with tables and chairs.
The Madge Bayes Hall can be hired for training and conferences and is a very versatile large room. Please note: The hall is provided 'Blank Canvas' and you will have to put out provided furniture. However, you will have to provide your own theatrical lighting and table/chair coverings if you wish.
