Featured image above – the Riley-Smith Hall ca 1930.
History of The Riley-Smith Hall
The Riley-Smith Hall, Tadcaster was built in 1924 by William Riley-Smith and his aunt Mrs Mary Cochrane.
The formal opening was Friday 16th January 1925 when a revue was staged with William Riley-Smith himself taking part. The opening night revue was called “Calcaria” (after the Roman name for Tadcaster).
The theatre and ballroom was a gift to the town and originally intended to be called the Victory Hall. However during construction the name was changed to the Riley-Smith Hall. Below is the letter dated 28th November 1923 from the Empire Stone Co of Narborough, Leicestershire acknowledging the request for the name change.
January 1926 – “Tad” – the second annual revue
1928 – “Mash Tun”
1939-1945 – some charity concerts during World War II
29, 30, 31 October + 1 November 1947 – “Stew” – Orchestra under the direction of Noel Gay, with music composed and words written by Noel Gay and William Riley-Smith.
November 1947 – “Hash”
1948 – “The Magnet Follies” staged by John Smith’s Brewery
William Riley-Smith was acquainted with the famous musician and composer Noel Gay (himself a Yorkshireman). Noel Gay wrote the revue “Stew” and directed the orchestra at the Riley-Smith Hall in 1947 (see programme below).
The hall survived in the hands of John Smith’s Brewery throughout World War II and most of the twentieth century. Following a takeover by a larger parent company, John Smith’s Brewery put the hall up for sale in 1992.
With donations from John Smith’s and Samuel Smith’s breweries plus a loan from Tadcaster Town Council, enough money was raised to purchase the hall for the continued use by the community.
The Riley-Smith Hall Charitable Company was formed in 1992 and it became the new independent owners of the building. Over the past 30 plus years the charity has diligently maintained and operated the hall for the benefit of the community. The hall can be hired for a modest fee and all proceeds are recycled back into keeping this wonderful building in fine fettle for current and future enjoyment by all.
2024 Centenary Year
In 2024 the hall celebrated its centenary with a number of special events. The centenary year started on 10th February with an upbeat concert by the Shepherd Group Concert Band. York Youth Orchestra held their spring concert on 10th March. Tadcaster Theatre Company staged a special centenary musical show from 24-27th April. On 1st June we were treated to One Night of Classic Rock. The Fairburn Singers performed an excellent concert on 22nd June. Tadcaster Community Choir and Fanfare Brass put on a joint concert on 27th September. Jackie Hind held a Centenary Ball for her ballroom dancers. Just For Fun Theatre Group performed a children’s centenary show on 14th December.
Centenary Grand Finale
The official opening night of the hall was 16th January 1925, so the centenary’s events culminated in a grand finale concert given by the world famous Black Dyke Band with conductor Prof. Nicholas Childs. In attendance was the Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Clare Granger and her husband Mark. A short introduction was given by the Chairman of the Riley-Smith Hall Charitable Company, Christian Horton, followed by a welcome by the charity’s Patron, Toby Riley-Smith K.C.
The Black Dyke Band played to a full house, commencing with Entry of Gladiators which was the first piece of music played on the opening night in January 1925. The band went on to captivate the audience with their musical ability interspersed with the Prof. Childs’ engaging and humorous compering. There were several outstanding soloists including Richard Marshall (cornet), Phoebe Mallinson (flugal), Michael Cavanagh (baritone) and Adam Bokaris (euphonium). The xylophone solo Helter Skelter featuring Gareth Hand was tantalising and drew a loud, rapturous response from the audience who was clearly spellbound . The concert was a fitting and triumphant end to the centenary.
UPDATE – We look forward to welcoming the Black Dyke Band back to the Riley-Smith Hall in 2026 – save the date: Thursday 29th October 2026.