Historic England has today unveiled a national blue plaque to theatre pioneer Esmé Church, folling a nomination by Bradford Civic Society and Bradford Council. The plaque is located at 26 Chapel Street in Little Germany, where she founded and ran the Northern Theatre School.
Church was a trailblazing actress, director, and theatre educator who brought professional training and performance to the heart of regional theatre. Her legacy lies in her passionate belief that world-class theatre should be accessible beyond London and laying the foundations for this by establishing training for young actors outside of the capital.
The blue plaque was unveiled by Esmé (named after Church) and Carys Durham, Esmé Church’s great-great-great nieces, alongside Megan Wilson, Company Director of Purple Stage Theatres (operators of the Bradford Playhouse).
The unveiling took place during the eight-week public nomination period for the National Blue Plaque Scheme, from 16 May to 10 July 2025.
Lord Mendoza, Chairman of Historic England, said: “Esmé Church was a formidable force in British theatre – an actor, director, and teacher whose influence shaped generations of performers.”
Si Cunningham, Chair of Bradford Civic Society, said: “It’s thrilling to see yet more national recognition for Bradford’s pioneering, creative heritage. Esmé Church is an incredibly deserving recipient of a national blue plaque — which perfectly complements the city’s own growing blue plaque scheme. I hope this beautiful plaque, and Esmé’s fascinating story, inspires a new generation of creative Bradfordians to do great things for their city.”
Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “This plaque will ensure Esmé Church is celebrated not only in our district but also further afield and her amazing legacy couldn’t be more relevant during our year as UK City of Culture. Bradford will be the first place in the country outside of London to get two national blue plaques and is especially fitting as it builds on our ‘Pioneering Bradford Lasses’ campaign, which has seen numerous streets across the district named after our pioneering women who did so much to shape Bradford and the whole country.”
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