The Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House, as it was then known, was built in 1878 in a backlash to the music hall tradition which was thought by ‘polite society’ to lower the tone of entertainment via the sort of humour presented in these pub-based establishments.

The theatre was built on a site of approximately three quarters of an acre with a frontage on New Briggate of 56 yards, including the Assembly Rooms.

The theatre cost a total of £62,000 and took 13 months to build. The architect, George Corson, was heavily influenced by his assistant James Robertson Watson who had undertaken a tour of Europe’s churches and theatres. Many of the design inspirations came from these continental influences, in particular the gothic, ecclesiastical spires.

Only those sitting in the best seats were allowed to use the theatre's main entrance. All other patrons were ushered through side entrances in order for the class-conscious Victorians to remain separated from people above and below their ranks. However there was a ‘transfer staircase’ which enabled any member of the audience to better his or her position by paying more.

Only the Orchestra Stalls had conventional seating. The Dress Circle and Boxes were furnished with chairs, and all other parts of the house had benches. They ranged from upholstered, in the Upper Circle, to backless and plain wooden in the Gallery which cost a shilling admission. ‘Packers’ were employed to maximise the number of people sitting on these wooden benches making the experience all the more cramped…and hot!

The first performance at the theatre was Much Ado About Nothing on 18 November 1878 and stars that have trodden the boards over the years have included Sarah Bernhardt, Ellen Terry, Julie Andrews, Felicity Kendal, Morecambe and Wise and Laurence Olivier.

For more information on the theatre and the future programme please click here to access the theatre homepage.