By TheatreVillage 
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As a resident of Leeds, you have the opportunity to experience one of the city’s most prized cultural landmarks—the historic Leeds Grand Theatre. First opened in 1878, the theatre has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment and continues to showcase an eclectic lineup of musicals, plays, comedians, and musicians. Today, the Leeds Grand Theatre remains dedicated to bringing inspiring and thought-provoking performances to audiences and upholding its foundational values of accessibility, diversity and community. For culture vultures and theatre enthusiasts alike, an evening at the Leeds Grand Theatre is not to be missed. Let the show begin!
History of Leeds Grand Theatre
The theatre closed at the end of May 2005 for refurbishment which cost an estimated £31.5 million. In 1970, the theatre was bought by Leeds City Council, becoming the home of Opera North in 1978.
Present Use of Leeds Grand Theatre
Today, Leeds Grand Theatre is managed by Leeds Heritage Theatres, which also manages City Varieties Music Hall and the Hyde Park Picture House. As a large-scale receiving house, it hosts touring productions of West End and Broadway musicals and plays, comedians and music. It is home to Opera North and is regularly visited by Northern Ballet.
Since renovations at the theatre, the theatre has been more able to host larger West End Musicals and plays. Productions at the theatre have included The Phantom Of The Opera, Dirty Dancing, and Wicked
Leeds Grand Theatre was forced to close its doors during the coronavirus pandemic from March 2020 and reopened in June 2021.
What’s on at Leeds Grand Theatre: Upcoming Shows and Events
The Leeds Grand Theatre is one of the UK’s most prestigious receiving theaters, welcoming major touring productions, musicals, plays, comedies, and family shows. Upcoming events feature world-class theater, dance, comedy, music, and more.
There are several exciting shows coming up at Leeds Grand Theatre in the next few years. In 2023, there will be a production of 42nd Street, starring Samantha Womack as Dorothy Brock, alongside Michael Praed as Julian Marsh, Faye Tozer as Maggie Jones, Les Dennis as Bert Barry and Nicole-Lily Baisden as Peggy Sawyer.
Also in 2023, there will be performances by Jimmy Carr, who is back on the road with brand-new material for 2023, and a tour of SIX, which has won several Tony Awards and WhatsOnStage Awards.
In 2024, there will be performances of Pretty Woman: The Musical, Come From Away, and Northern Ballet’s Beauty & The Beast. Mo Gilligan will also be embarking on his highly anticipated In The Moment World Tour in Leeds Grand Theatre.
Musicals and Plays
Catch major musicals like The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, and Les Misérables. Acclaimed plays coming soon include The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and The Woman in Black.
Comedy
Top comedians frequently take the stage at Leeds Grand Theatre. Upcoming comedy shows include stand-up acts like John Bishop, Russell Howard, and Katherine Ryan.
Dance
World-class dance companies perform at the Leeds Grand Theatre including Northern Ballet’s Cinderella and the classic ballet Swan Lake. Contemporary dance shows are also coming soon.
Family Shows
Fun for all ages, family shows coming up include Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever, Gangsta Granny, and Horrible Histories. Pantomimes like Cinderella and Peter Pan are holiday favorites.
Concerts
With such a wide range of high-quality live entertainment on offer, the Leeds Grand Theatre is a cultural destination you won’t want to miss. Check the official website for the full lineup and schedule, and book your tickets today for an unforgettable show.
Behind the Scenes at Leeds Grand Theatre
As one of the most historic theatres in England, Leeds Grand Theatre has been putting on world-class productions for over 100 years. However, much of the work that goes into each performance happens behind the scenes.
During the final rehearsals, all the elements come together – the actors in full costume, the completed sets, the technical aspects, and the orchestra. The week before opening night is filled with dress rehearsals where the entire show is performed from start to finish. Any last-minute changes are made before the red carpet opening night, when all the hard work is unveiled to the audience.
Behind every flawless performance at Leeds Grand Theatreis a dedicated team working around the clock to bring the magic of theater to life. Though the spotlight shines on the actors, the show could not go on without the army of professionals operating behind the scenes. Their passion and skill transform an empty stage into an unforgettable production that leaves a lasting impact on all who experience it.
The historic Leeds Grand Theatre stands as a testament to the timeless power of live theater. While technology and popular culture are always changing, the dedication of the artists and crew backstage will ensure another century of cultivating culture on the stage.
Facilities and Amenities
The theatre is working to make all Leeds Heritage Theatres’ venues as accessible as possible. If you have questions, please visit their Access page or call their dedicated access number.
Job Opportunities and Donations
Leeds Heritage Theatres also offers job opportunities for those interested in working in the theatre industry. For more information about their current job vacancies, visit their Join Our Team page.
Leeds Heritage Theatres is a registered charity that supports community efforts and non-profit organisations by donating a limited number of ticket vouchers every year for fundraising and benefit events. To enquire about tickets, please email charity@leedsheritagetheatres.com. It is their policy to only donate to non-profit organisations.
How to Book Tickets for Leeds Grand Theatre
To experience the historic Leeds Grand Theatre you will need to purchase tickets for the show of your choice. There are a few options for booking tickets:
Online
The easiest way to book tickets is through the Leeds Grand Theatre website. You can view the calendar of upcoming shows and events, select your preferred date and seating area, and book your tickets. Print the tickets at home or have them scanned from your mobile device upon arrival at the theater. Booking online in advance is recommended, especially for popular shows, to ensure you get the best available seats.
Box Office
You can purchase tickets in person at the Leeds Grand Theatre box office. The box office is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm, and on Sundays when there are performances scheduled. At the box office, you can view seating maps to choose the exact seats you want if available. Pay by cash, credit or debit card. Booking at least a week in advance is suggested if there are specific seats you wish to obtain.
By Phone
Call the Leeds Grand Theatre box office at 0113 243 0808 to book your tickets over the phone using a credit or debit card. Phone lines are open the same hours as the physical box office. Have the details of the show, date, and your seating preferences ready when you call. There may be an additional booking fee for phone ticket orders.
No matter which method you choose, be prepared with the necessary payment details and have an idea of where you would like to sit to make the booking process efficient. Enjoy the show! Supporting the historic Leeds Grand Theatre by purchasing tickets to world-class musicals, plays, comedies, and other live events helps ensure this cultural icon remains open and active for generations to come.
Book Today And Support A Local Institution
As you’ve discovered, the Leeds Grand Theatre has played an integral role in the cultural life of Leeds for over 100 years. From hosting royal visits to showcasing up-and-coming musical talents, this iconic theatre has left an indelible mark on the city. Though times have changed, the theater has endured. A visit to this historic venue allows you to step back in time and experience entertainment as audiences did decades ago. However, modern amenities and a packed calendar of diverse shows prove the Leeds Grand Theatre is still at the forefront of culture in the 21st century. Should you find yourself in Yorkshire, don’t miss the opportunity to visit this architectural and cultural treasure in the heart of Leeds. Let the grandeur of the theatre sweep you away into an enchanted world of performance that has inspired generation after generation. The show is about to start—take your seat, the Leeds Grand Theatre awaits.
What’s On: Leeds Heritage Theatres
