On Valentine’s Day, Harrogate Theatre is asking people to share their theatre love stories to form the base for its next community performance.

Last year the theatre got local people involved in its Our Gate production and now it wants to do so again.

It is looking for 122 love stories linked to Harrogate Theatre, to match it being open for 122 years.

It could be a story about meeting a best friend in the stalls, or locking eyes with your sweetheart across the stage, or even a production that made you fall in love with the theatre. The stories will then serve as a backdrop for performances in August.

The project was inspired by a photograph, seen by chief executive David Bown, of a wedding reception held at the theatre in 1961. He said:

“It prompted me to contemplate how many love stories does this amazing building have to tell. Harrogate Theatre has been at the centre of our community for over a century, it has many poignant tales to share.”

Read more:

• Deaf Harrogate artist picked to design clothing for Comic Relief
• New series of monthly organ recitals to be held in Harrogate

The community show will be put on by local playwright and community producer Rachael Halliwell and director Amie Burns-Walker.

Ms Halliwell said:

“I’m absolutely thrilled to have been commissioned by Harrogate Theatre to return with Amie Burns-Walker to make our biggest and boldest community play to date, but we cannot do it without you. 

“We need local participants of all ages to join us on this production – not just actors but anyone who is up for being creative and telling stories with us.”

To share you story or get involved on or back stage email love@harrogatetheatre.co.uk.

Workshops start in March with performances taking place in early August. Participation is open to everyone aged 13 and above and no experience is necessary.

This article is sponsored by Hotel Chocolat.

If there’s one thing you can’t go wrong with on Valentine’s Day, it’s a box of chocolates.

Well, unless it’s a box hastily purchased from the petrol station the night before.

But even then, it’s the thought that counts, right?

Fortunately there is no need to get to that stage, as Hotel Chocolat has launched its Valentine’s Day collection for 2022.

There really is something for everyone this year, from a huge heart-shaped box of chocolates (because sometimes we love a bit of nostalgia) to luxury hampers and quirky love potions.

A selection from Hotel Chocolat’s Valentine’s Day collection.

Hannah Cosgriff, manager of Hotel Chocolat Harrogate, which moved to bigger premises on James Street in October 2021, said:

“Typically Valentine’s Day tends to be a last-minute holiday. What we are finding now we have moved to the new site is that, because the café is bringing people in, people are being organised. So actually our sales during January have been up this year.

“This year we also have a lot more new products in the Valentine’s Day range.”

Hannah said her favourite chocolate this year was a limited edition Baklava Selector, inspired by the traditional Turkish treat.

She said:

“It’s in a little pack of six and it’s amazing. It’s a honey, pistachio and pastry blend. It has a real traditional flavour to it, which I actually love. We do a honey and pistachio slab all-year-round which is fabulous, and this is like a deep-filled, soft centre version of it.

“We’ve done a Cherry Bakewell Selector too and it really does taste just like the real thing. They have managed to create the illusion of pastry in the chocolate.”

Hannah has found that there is often no expense spared when it comes to buying chocolates for loved one on Valentine’s Day.

She said:

“I still remember we had one customer come in one year and say they had already got their partner a card for Valentine’s Day and just wanted ‘a little token’ to go with it.

“They asked what our biggest box of chocolates was and they bought one of the Large Chocolatiers Table boxes, which are £120. They are sensational.”

However, she added that there were always people who dashed into the store at the final hour.

She said:

“There are two really distinct groups.

“So you have the people who come in and get everything in advance. Or there is a particular product they know they want to get before it sells out.

“You then get a lull before you get all the people who come in last minute and grab lots of different things like the night before.”

However, it’s not all about the loved-up couples this year. Following a tough few years, which saw us spend last Valentine’s Day in lockdown, Hotel Chocolat has created some ‘With Love’ products that can be bought for any special person in your life – including yourself!

The Just to Say chocolate collection.

Hannah said:

“It’s themed towards Valentine’s Day, but I think it can be anyone you’ve not seen in a while. Or if could be a birthday, an anniversary or a best friend.

“Our Valentine’s Day message tends to be, sharing love with your close ones. It’s not necessarily aimed at romantic partners in particular.

“You can also obviously treat yourself – especially now we have the Valentine’s Day limited edition Selectors.”

When it comes to gifts, Hannah said her top three were the Velvetised Chocolate Tasting Experience, priced at £14.95, which includes two cream liqueurs, a Hotel Chocolate coupe glass and chocolate caramel batons.

She said:

“This is what I want to get for me. I’ve earmarked this for myself. The chocolate liqueurs are fantastic.”

He second choice is the Straight from the Heart box.

She said:

“I’ve always loved it. It just encapsulates that traditional Valentine’s Day feel. I think they are always a really good choice.”

But it’s the special edition Valentine’s Day Selectors that have really captured her heart this year.

She added:

“They are really colourful and nice for a self-treat as you can mix and match. Although obviously I would treat myself to a big box as well!”

My top five picks from the Hotel Chocolate Valentine’s Day collection

It’s a tough job, but someone had to do it. I tried a selection of chocolates from the new collection, here are my favourites:

Amaretto chocolate heart from various selections

The Straight From the Heart selection.

This is available in the With Love Sleekster, H-Box and Straight from the Heart selection. If you’re a fan of the warming almond flavour of amaretto, this is the one of you. As with all the boozy chocolates, Hotel Chocolat certainly doesn’t scrimp on the alcohol, and this one certainly packs a punch in the best way possible. Tastes just like the real thing, with the welcome addition of a chocolate hit. And with it’s pink topping, it looks pretty too. If you would prefer an alcohol-free option, the banana or raspberry smoothie chocolates taste just like you got the Nutribullet out and whipped up your favourite fruity treat. Check out the hearth-shaped white chocolate strawberry mousse too if fruit is your thing.

Love Potions – £15

Not only do the little chocolates taste amazing, they also come in a really cute little potion bottle, which can be re-used. There are six different flavours of chocolate, including You’re Berry Special, Hello Honey and Pistachi-oh! But my favourite actually surprised me as it was a dark chocolate Sour Cherry. It sounds like it could taste pretty bitter, but the white ganache filling resulted in a smooth, decadent treat.

A Dozen Chocolate Little Lovebirds – £8.50

If you don’t want to spend a fortune, but want something cute, these little lovebirds are super sweet in every way. They taste like raspberries and cream and didn’t last very long at home, as the kids took a shine to them. A little bit on the sweet side? Try A Dozen Dapper Dogs – made with 40 per cent milk chocolate – instead. If you like both of these but want something a little more grown-up, I recommend the Just to Say chocolate collection, which includes a variety of chocolate batons with similar flavours. The packaging on all the boxes is lovely by the way – with little heart shapes cut out of the cover, showcasing all the bright colours of the chocolates.

Classic Champagne Truffle Tin – £10

Champagne and Valentine’s Day go hand-in-hand and these super boozy delights come in a re-useable pretty silver tin. What I would say is that if you don’t like alcohol, these aren’t for you. Their strong flavour is a result of using a splash of real Mercier Champagne. Apparently other chocolatiers normally use Marc de Champagne – a fiery spirit made from grape skins and stalks. I’m obsessed with these beauties, but some might find the flavour quite overpowering. I personally love the boozy kick. They also aren’t badly priced at £10 and look more expensive than they are.