The “Lindley Church Bible Classes Operatic Society” was formed in May 1934 at a meeting between the “Lindley Church Men’s Bible Class” and the “Girls Friendly Society” (GFS). In those very early days the only way you could become a member of the society was to be a member of St Stephen’s Church. The first production was an opera entitled “Irish Girl” and was performed in January 1935. The total cost of the production budget for the show was 74 pounds and 13 shillings, a far cry from the cost of today’s productions. In the February following the performance, the society met and officially declared the inclusion of the word “Amateur” in the Society’s name – and so the “Lindley Church Amateur Operatic Society” was born. A name which the company continued under for a further 89 years during which time the society staged musicals and plays at St Stephen’s Church, Birchencliffe Community Hall, Huddersfield New College and Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield. The company still meets regularly and produces annual shows. Today, there is no requirement to be a registered member of the Church as the company welcomes people of all backgrounds and faiths from Lindley as well as the wider community of Huddersfield and beyond. In April 2024, the society re-named itself “Lindley Community Theatre Company”.
