Leeds Grand Theatre

The beautiful Grand Leeds theatre and opera house has something of a storied past. First opened in 1878, reportedly following a suggestion of Prince Albert that it would help to ‘promote culture and raise the tone of the people’, throughout its history the theatre has undergone several transformations. Today it remains at the heart of the city’s rich cultural heritage, hosting touring productions of West End and Broadway musicals, as well as plays, live comedy and music. 

Affectionately known as ‘the grand old lady of Leeds’, this resplendent theatre was built by Leeds-based architects George Corson and James Robinson Watson. Designed in a high Victorian style, the building combines gothic motifs, romanesque and Scottish baronial features. It boasts magnificent fan-vaulting, arches and clustered columns inside, as well as intricately adorned ceilings in both the auditorium and assembly rooms by John Wormald Appleyard. 

All red and gold inside, with beautiful stained glass windows, Victorian tiling and intricately carved wooden features, when it was built The Grand was considered one of the finest theatres of its time and it is just as impressive today. The Grade II* listed building was saved from potential demolition by Leeds City Council in 1970, and has seen more than £30 million invested into it since as part of a significant refurbishment in 2005. 

Today The Grand theatre is managed by Leeds Heritage Theatres, and produces its own shows as well as hosting resident companies like Opera North and Northern Ballet as well as touring shows. Over the years, it has welcomed numerous stars to tread its boards including Julie Andrews, Laurence Olivier, Morecambe and Wise, Elton John, Ken Dodd, Cliff Richard, and Peter Kay. Located on Briggate, its auditorium seats roughly 1,500 people for a variety of musicals, comedy shows, plays and concerts. The theatre also has a second performance space, the Howard Assembly Room, which it uses for recitals, concerts and chamber operas, as well as experimental and educational work. It has welcomed some big shows over the years, including dramas from the National Theatre and big West End musicals like The Phantom Of The Opera, Dirty Dancing, Shrek The Musical, Oliver, and Wicked.