LEEDS GRAND THEATRE TO FEATURE IN TOWN HALL EXHIBITION
Famed for its sumptuous interior, plasterwork and decorative features, images of Leeds Grand Theatre are set to feature in the latest Leeds Town Hall exhibition that showcases cultural institutions in Leeds.
More than 20 archive and contemporary images that celebrate the opulence of the magnificent Grade II* listed building, will be on display from Monday 12 February until the end of June 2018 in the ‘staircase gallery’. The exhibition is open to all.
Built in 1878 in an intriguing mix of Romanesque and Victorian Gothic styles, Leeds Grand Theatre was a major milestone in Victorian design and was once described as ‘probably the finest of its size in Britain’; its stage being on a par with the leading London Theatres. It also led the way in technical innovation behind the scenes. Star performers to have tread the famous boards include Julie Andrews, Ken Dodd, Margot Fonteyn, Bruce Forsyth, Alec Guinness, Elton John, Marie Lloyd, Morecombe and Wise, Laurence Olivier, Cliff Richard and Tommy Trinder.
“We should all be so very proud of the Grand Theatre, right through the country, the world and of course here in Yorkshire.” Dickie Bird.
Since its ‘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, as well as continuing to provide a home venue for Opera North and Northern Ballet.
Productions and artists set to perform at the Grand in 2018 include Take That’s new musical The Band and Yorkshire favourite, Calendar Girls The Musical, the premiere of Sting’s The Last Ship, Wicked, Motown, Jersey Boys, Art, The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, Northern Ballet’s Jane Eyre and The Nutcracker, and Dara Ó Briain and Jane McDonald.
Other Leeds institutions that have featured in the Town Hall exhibition include the Hyde Park Picture House and Opera North.