Leeds Grand Theatre

Built in 1878, reportedly following an off-the-cuff remark by Prince Albert that Leeds needed a good theatre as “nothing was more calculated to promote culture and raise the tone of the people”, Leeds Grand Theatre, or the ‘Grand Old Lady of Leeds’ as she is fondly known, is the most magnificent of leading ladies.

The brainchild of architect George Corson, The Grand is an intriguing mix of Romanesque and Victorian Gothic styles, famed for its sumptuous interior, plasterwork and other decorative features. The magnificent Grade II* listed building was a major milestone in Victorian design, deemed ahead of its time and once described as probably the finest of its size in Britain.

Seating 1466 at full capacity, the auditorium provides a home for performances of all types, including resident companies Opera North and Northern Ballet. Since its Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council supported transformation in 2006, the theatre has hosted the best of the West End and other touring productions, including large musicals, drama from the National Theatre, comedians and music. The theatre provided a venue for the world premieres of Gary Barlow and Tim Firth’s The Girls (2015), and Fat Friends The Musical (2017) and Band of Gold (2019), penned by Leeds’ own award-winning writer, Kay Mellor.

Stars that have trodden the famous boards include Julie Andrews, Ken Dodd, Bruce Forsyth, Elton John, Peter Kay, Morecambe and Wise, Laurence Olivier, Cliff Richard and Tommy Steele. In more recent years, The Grand has welcomed Fern Britton, Dara O’Briain, Jake Bugg, Andrew Flintoff, Nigel Havers, Jane McDonald and Sting.

This venue is a part of the Visit Leeds Culture Around Every Corner Campaign, celebrating the diverse and vibrant culture of Leeds. Find out more at https://www.visitleeds.co.uk/culture-around-every-corner/