Beautiful, well-preserved historic concert hall. Acoustics are better than ok, too…read more Went there for a concert by the visiting Manchester Hallé Orchestra in September 2014. The decor in this Victorian age concert hall is stylish indeed, from the peculiar circular corridor around the back to the stunning, plush auditorium. When you're entering it truly is like a step back in time. The venue offers classical as well as pop concerts and many other kinds of performances and shows (A town the size of Harrogate does not have its own professional orchestra - of course). The acoustics are not as colorful as at, say, the Manchester Bridgewater Hall or the Nottingham Royal Concert Hall, but they are still very good, with a nice presence. Seats in the auditorium are comfortable, even cozy. Amenities include a bar, located along said circular corridor.

It would be so easy to give this beautiful venue a 5 star ***** review. It's breath-taking inside,…read morejust stunning. The recent restoration that was finished in 2008 has made it one of the most outstanding looking theatres in the north of England. It has one of the oddest features in the form of a circular corridor around the outside of the foyer area - this must have been truly spectacular with all the sides open in good weather. The ceiling of the auditorium is quite amazing. The whole place is a classic old-fashioned theatre. A few things let it down. Brownie points for the large number of ladies toilets which meant that when I was there recently my other half didn't spend the whole interval queuing to use them. On the other hand I actually did spend most of the interval queuing as, for reason, it was decided to make the number of toilets in the gents minimal. This meant a good 60 or 70 caught-short blokes standing around the stair area in confused fashion. It's almost like the place has taken revenge on men who have hardly had to queue to use the loo! In addition the place has a heavy handed approach to anyone trying to take photos. While this might make sense for many theatrical productions when a rock band play there - and quite a few do - it's just weird. People tend to take photos at music shows these days, but try it here and you'll get into trouble There is a team of stealthy black-suited ladies who's sole occupation it seems is to police the venue and creep up on anyone who dares to take out a camera. I sat almost at the back with no one behind me and as soon as I took a picture I hand grabbed my shoulder and a lady stage whispered into my ear: 'no photography'. We then watched in amusement as this team of ladies crept about, shoulders hunched, trying to find more culprits. They didn't bother with people in the middle of rows but anyone sitting in an aisle seat was considered fair game. We saw about 20 people get collared. It became silly. I sneakily took a few shots but I suspect I'd have been ejected if I'd been caught a second time. For such an old-style place to be so strict is a bit off putting. I'm all for stopping vast numbers of video cameras and the like but an occasional snap when bright flashing lights are all around is mad.

I paid £34 for this seat. A disgrace. Although I knew it was a restricted ticket view, I did expect…read moreto see more of the stage. I got crossed eyed being so close to this wide pillar. Just money grabbing . Should not have been sold. Not worth £5. Lost all respect for this theatre. Was with my grandkids whose views were not much better. I felt so embarrassed. 4 X £34 was a costly mistake. A theme park next time.

I love the theatre, I love the 3Dness of it all, I love the action, I love watching the expressions…read moreform naturally from that in the moment feeling the actors present to their parts. I've seen a few shows at the Leeds Grand, musicals, pantos, and the serious dramatic theatre pieces. Acoustic wise, the Grand is fabulous, and it doesn't seem to have suffered from the renovations, I am rather sick of renovations sucking the soul out of a place, but this one has only enhanced the beauty of the Grand. It's the Grand, so as a large and traditional and acoustically sound theatre, it's bound to pull in the big players on the regional tours, be they Jane McDonald, Calendar Girls, Romeo and Juliet or Ken Dodd. Kids, big kids, grown ups, low brow, high brow, the classics and the contemporary, they can all be found here at the Grand at some point throughout the year, that is a given. And as far as shows and performances go, the Grand is worthy competition for plenty of theatres in the surrounding area, although the same ruddy issue of friggin leg room always comes up. The other thing I do love about the Grand is the open access events that appeal to hardcore theatre gooers and it's education friendly attractions, the theatre is also home to backstage tours and talks and even workshops should the opportunity arise. When the company allows it, there are opportunities for small groups to meet and greet with the cast of the show in question, to discuss the show and the actor's experiences, which I think is a lovely touch.

I have learnt a lot from these guys, their fire workshops were great. It gave me a chance to try…read moresomething new and exciting in a totally safe way. Two thumbs up!

From the brain-boxes of the Arts Council England, in association with Metro (that newspaper we can…read moreget in the mornings when using public transport) comes a brilliant idea that greatly frustrates me as I am JUST too old...young people have everything, drinks offers, money off clothes and now free theatre tickets. Apparently once you are over 26 you're meant to be on this career path thing, earning loads money and all that. End rant. Anyway at selected theatre and on selected shows you can get free tickets, and they are not necessarily bad ones. Friends of mine exploited this offer and watched Peter Pan before Christmas. They were blown away, good seats, an amazing performance and something they wouldn't have considered without this offer.

Seven is an independent arts space. That's how it sells itself, but to do that almost sells itself…read moreshort. Named after it's LS7 postcode, Seven really does do the Chapel Allerton area proud. A relatively new venture in the way of artistic spaces and venues, but it is pretty damn good. It's constantly gaining momentum, and currently there are projects going a ahead for budding film makers, artists, musicians and creative types. Seven relies on funding and sponsorship, which is good news for the local business who wish to hire out rooms for conferences and business meetings, as all money generated from the room hires goes back in to funding more arts projects. Seven also has it's own bar, Bar Seven, which is a cool place to spend before a show, or just to go in and have a drink with some friends, as it's open from mid morning til midnight. Oh yes, the events, there are many to choose from, acoustic nights, plays, comedy nights, art exhibitions, workshops and being super festive there's a Valentine's night this Sunday, with a Buenos Aires, film set, dinner and dance spectacle vibe, with tickets at £20 a head. Housing about 100 in capacity, Seven offers an intimate setting which can be a welcome change from bigger venues, especially for plays and acoustic performances. And there's the added satisfaction that your money is going back into the production of more fabulous art events.

Just been to the monthly 'Killfor a seat' Comedy at & arts…read more always a good show,,, top of the range comedy in Leeds. The Host and Compere 'Silky' aways makes it feel like the show is just for you, Picks the best of touring comedy, and new acts,,, occasionally runs over, so if you're on the bus,, make sure you have the taxi fare home. If you go there you know you'll get quality comedy, not for the faint hearted. And of course 7 Arts is a cracking venue with good beer. so what's not to like.

Good Value - Watch for schedulesread more

The Grand Opera House is a lovely venue in York which shows a wide range of shows. It is called the…read moreopera house yet it does show other things such as comedy stand-up and musicals. I've been a few times-last time was to see Jimmy Carr live which was great. There's a bar when you first go in which is nice for before shoes and the interval break. The seats are comfy enough in the actual theatre and although there is not a lot of leg room this seems to be pretty standard for theatres anyway. There's a carpark nearby although you do have to pay for that.

I used to work here, so I'm a bit bias. It's a wonderfully old building. It does very well…read moreconsidering its location. There's no parking, but the castle car park is just up the road. We enjoy going here.

A horse, a horse. My kingdom for a horse. That sounds like a fair swap to me but there again my…read morekingdom probably consists of empty wine bottles, a few classy furniture pieces and some mouldy socks. I'll take a Cheltenham winner for that any day. Or if I'm not to take it so literally it just means that it's time for the theatre. Harrogate Theatre has got some serious history too. It opened in 1900 and has obviously gone through various closures and refurbishments since then. It still oozes a lavish and deluxe feel to it though. It's a super auditorium and attracts some stellar plays and performances. It's especially good for attracting superb comedy and sean Lock, Rory Bremner and Katy Brand are all visiting in the upcoming months. If that doesn't impress you then check out who have trod the boards in the past; Trevor Howard, Charlie Chaplin, Sarah Bernhardt, Arnold Ridley, Brian Murphy, Kate O'Mara, Martin Shaw, John Noakes and Ben Kingsley. Now if that doesn't impress you much, you must be Shania Twain. You don't always need to look at the obvious attraction of the West Yorkshire Playhouse, go explore a little and get to Harrogate Theatre.

This place brings a bit of culture to Harrogate. While it's small, it's intimate, and the staff are…read moreapproachable and helpful. The interior is suitably baroque, and you almost feel transported back in time when you're here. I have fond memories of seeing shows here as a small child with my parents.

Charming venue, with a lovely stage, even with the ability to host fire and aerial!…read more Reasonable bar, nice little backstage area, and stepped seating. I've been a performer, customer, and workshop attendee here, and its been suitable every time.