Liked the layout and the Courtyard Theatre I saw my play in was great.read more

The West Yorkshire Playhouse is a multi venue hot spot for the creative arts, situated, quite…read moreproudly in good ole Leeds. Coming up for its 20th year anniversary, the WYP has plenty to be proud about; two theatres, The Quarry and The Courtyard, a gallery, a workshop venue, a bar, a restaurant, and a costume hire department. Wow. Impressive or what. It really is a nice modern space inside, and the minute you approach the doors you are greeted by very welcoming staff that don't do the saccharine over the top type greetings, but more inform you of what is happening, what's open and if you're interested what's going on right now and what's to come. Sitting in stark comparison to the Leeds Grand, the West Yorkshire Playhouse is a lovely alternative to the traditional theatre venues without being so anti-tradition that the concept and enjoyment of the theatre is ruined. Technical wise it's a good sound venue, acoustics are grand, viewing is good, legroom isn't as snug as some venues are, which is always a plus point. Also, for all of you budding theatre goers under the age of 26, West Yorkshire Playhouse is a part of the A Night Less Ordinary scheme, whereby companies who are signed up offer free tickets on select shows for free. How awesome.

This rather small but very stylish theatre is everything a theatre should be, it is warm, friendly…read moreand a champion of local talent. Truly a Centre of community that the city of Wakefield should be, and is, proud of.

I have visited the Theatre Royal many times and in my opinion it's one of the nicest theatres you…read morecould visit. Yes, it's old, and yes, it's small (actually one of the reasons it's so special: I seem to remember hearing somewhere it's the smallest surviving theatre Frank Matchem built). However, it is really unique and has a character that I think exceeds that of the bigger theatres in London's west end. There is a real feeling of history, added to by the beautiful architecture and interior design. The small size means you get a decent view wherever you sit, and they have a good range of shows - from music tribute acts to serious dramas, comedy and pantomimes! The theatre also has a good (though rather miniature) cafe, and does sell absolutely fantastic ice cream during the intervals. Only small complaint is that they could do with a few more toilets to avoid the queues!

stage@leeds is a beautiful, modern building located on the grounds of Leeds University. Although…read morethe shows there are majority student-based, the relaxed atmosphere paired with the outstanding talent of Leeds' performing arts students make it a worthwhile experience. The theater is divided into three main performance spaces: Stage One, a 180 seat auditorium; the Alec Clegg Studio, a 50 seat experimental studio theatre; and a dance studio. All of these are available for hire through the university. Whether you're looking for a small-time production or somewhere to practice for your dance group, stage@leeds is an ideal place to start!

Having been here once before, yonks ago, I'd forgotten how clean and cool this space is. Now, I'm…read morenot a theatre aficionado - I couldn't vouch for the space on a professional level, but by all appearances it seems like a decent space. The theatre I was in seemed to be of a medium capacity, tiered seating, and plenty of room for performance. Purchasing tickets seems to be simple, and the waiting area is spacious. You can purchase hot or cold drinks, but not take them into the space. It appears that the programme of shows range from student's pieces, to professional touring companies, and so the variety of style means there's something that most would enjoy. You're a few minutes from the Union so there's lots of opportunity for a pint afterwards, although that will mean a student style environment -perhaps not for everyone. That being said, drinks are incredibly cheap. Needless to say, my being a fan of the space is likely to do with the quality of the performance I saw here last night, but the seats are comfy and by all accounts it seems to be a good spot to see a show.

Before the refit, I'd never been to the City Varieties, though I'd often heard folks wax lyrical…read moreabout the space and programme of events they hosted. With the fantastic annual Leeds International Film Festival fully in swing I had the opportunity to visit their newly re-decorated and reinvigorated halls to watch one of the films being shown in the Fanomenon section of the festival, linked with Thought Bubble. (At least I believe this was so.) The film of choice was Exit Humanity, and before I get on with the review, I've got to say I highly recommend you watch it. In any case, City Varieties is an absolute gem of a performance space. (From an audience point of view, that is.) The layout is utterly beautiful; it's set in an antiquated building to begin with, down one of the cobbled ginnels in the centre of town, with two lovely staircases leading up to the theatre spaces. There's at least one bar (I suspect a mini bar per theatre space) with actually reasonable prices from what I could tell. E.g. I think a bottle of water was only £1.50, and I'm sure I've been charged more elsewhere. It's also worth mentioning the lady serving was a delight! The theatre we were in was huge, complete with decadent upper stalls (private boxes) and tons of comfy seats facing the stage. The walls are lined with seating as well, which I've never known before, but this turned out to be a blessing since the chap in front of my original seat had an abnormally gargantuan head and so I had to move. (You do sustain a little neck ache though, being as you need to turn to face the correct direction.) However, two hours later and my posterior would usually be complaining, but not in these cushioned beauts. Sound was perfect and the whole thing was really impressive. As for their programme, I've yet to explore what else they're putting on, but I expect it to be much along the lines of comedy, theatre and a host of other cultural treats to get your teeth into. The best news of all is that the fantastic Swan pub has re-opened next door (I'm not sure it's still called that anymore) and is accessible via the City Varieties as well, so you can pop in for a decent pint post-performance! The whole set up is fab and I can't wait to come back again.

This venue is surprisingly well hidden away for its size! I was amazed to find a full theatre…read moreinside when I first went to see a play there a few years ago. It is located down an alley off Briggate in Leeds city centre. It was delightfully old fashioned with the red seating still in place. It is currently undergoing some £9.2 million refurbishment! What a lot of money indeed. So there are no shows on at the moment but I hope it continues to host a similar variety as it did before the refurbishment began. There were comedy shows, gigs, plays and pantomimes. I saw an amazing live band called Iron and Wine there a few years ago. It was a bit surreal seeing a live band whilst sitting down but after an hour I was glad of it. The music was so chilled and psychedelic I might have fallen backwards if I weren't sitting!

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.

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.

Lawrence Batley Theatre deserves a mention because it often gets overlooked in comparison to the…read morebig Yorkshire powerhouses like the Alhambra and the Leeds Grand etc, but I find the Lawrence Batley Theatre to be such a hidden jewel in the theatre crown that it deserves a write up. It's not the largest of theatres, but it certainly has a special something about it, especially at night, the courtyard when it's all lit up is beautiful. In addition it truly is a lovely place to go and get involved with the various artsy, poetic, literature things that often happen here. I've seen a few productions here, and I thought they benefited from the smaller venue size, without being overbearing in the sound department. There are three main spaces, the main stage, which is grand, the cellar stage, which is a host to comedy nights and performances, and then the courtyard. The Courtyard is grand for a pre-show beverage should the weather be kind to you. Ticket prices run cheaper than the larger theatres too, which is always a bonus when you're in the mood for cultural enlightenment on a budget. Also, in my student days, if there was a show on that night, if I went in during the day and there were seats available, I was provided with best seats available for £3 a ticket. If you don't get there on the day, save the risk, then student discount and other concessions are available. Oh I almost forgot, LBT is part of the Free theatre tickets for under 26 year olds scheme; A Night Less Ordinary. So seriously take advantage.

Lovely building.Good size auditorium.Bars adequate and always well staffed and they are open to…read moreserve drinks and food even when no one is performing.The box office staff are always very accomodating in person and on the telephone -I've been unable to attend performance for different reasons and they've always organised a 'swap'. However the you look through the programme and there is rarely anything you'd want to pay to see.They recently had the Nighty Boosh on and could could have sold it out ten times over but no one seems to amke an effort to get big or well known names. The website is always out of date and is poorly designed the ticket purchase part is particulary bad.

Theatre in the Mill is everything that a university affiliated theatre should be. They have a solid…read moreprogram of high quality visiting work representing the entire gamut of alternative and Fringe theatre, as well as being active in the development of new work. Now, if only the students would turn up.

Wonderful theatre. Amazing space. Amazing staff. It should be more recognised for its beauty and…read moregreat programming.