Raising the curtain on Leeds Heritage Theatres

Leeds Heritage Theatres’ three venues aim to reopen from May 2021, pending government guidance, with an exciting programme of new shows and screenings.

Launching the Grand Theatre’s new season will be resident company Northern Ballet with David Nixon’s reimagined production of the iconic Swan Lake. They will also return later in the season with Merlin, which was originally meant to run over Christmas 2020 as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations. Their other resident company, Opera North, will return in the Autumn with a season of work to be announced.

An array of blockbuster musicals can also be seen this season including SIX, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and My Best Friend’s Wedding to name a few.

The Varieties will also see its usual stellar line-up of live comedy, music and variety returning, along with an exciting new film programme presented in collaboration with the Picture House.

CEO Chris Blythe said: “Whilst programming continues to be a challenge and our reopening plans remain in the hands of the government and the four key ‘tests’ that must be met before easing the societal pressures of lockdown, we are positively working towards mid-May, when we will do everything in our power to raise the curtains, raise the roofs and raise the mood of the people of Leeds and wider region.

“It is no exaggeration to say that our industry has suffered exponentially because of Covid-19 - as arts and culture venues across the country have tried and failed to recover from the impact - but It has never been more important for this sector to thrive, as people reach out to theatres, cinemas, music venues etc as spaces to escape their day-to-day pressures. Our audiences want to be entertained.” 

For the full programme of shows and performances at Leeds Grand Theatre and City Varieties Music Hall, please click here.