Temporary Closure

At the end of January 2009, the Varieties closed for a massive refurbishment and restoration project, funded by Leeds City Council (£5.2m), the Heritage Lottery Fund (£2.74m) and £1.3m from our own ongoing fundraising endeavours. 

Click here for further information regarding this exciting and ambitious project.

This historically important venue was originally built in 1865 as an extension to the music room of the White Swan Inn and remains culturally significant as a surviving example of a Victorian Music Hall.
 
Despite numerous ownership and name changes, the City Varieties, as we know and love it today, has remained virtually unchanged since the late 19th Century.

Once famous across the world for being the home of BBC TV's longest-running variety series, The Good Old Days (1953 - 1983), the City Varieties now presents the best in live stand-up comedy, music (the type best enjoyed sitting down!), variety, a fabulous Christmas panto and of course, for seven weekends a year, The Good Old Days is reprised complete with chairman and optional fancy dress.

Further information about this historical venue will be posted here in due course as the site is developed. In the meantime, please feel free to browse our Wikipedia entry or the historical archive pages on leodis.net relating to Discovering Leeds Theatres and Leeds Playbills.
Please note all external links will open in a new browser window.


Who Owns the City Varieties?

The City Varieties Music Hall is operated by The Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House Limited, (a company limited by guarantee), registered company number 00978161  (Registered Charity Number 500408), a company controlled by Leeds City Council.



This company operates The City Varieties Music Hall, The Grand Theatre and Opera House and The Hyde Park Picture House. 

Please click HERE for details of the Board of Trustees.

    
 

Vacancies and Recruitment

Click for details of our current vacancies.


Latest News from City Varieties

News updates, special offers and Media Releases are listed here


Location, Parking and Transport Links

This much loved venue is tucked away in the heart of Leeds City Centre, on Swan Street (connecting Lands Lane and Briggate), close to the popular Victoria Quarter. Swan Street can be found opposite McDonalds or Borders at the top of Briggate and is located within a pedestrianised area with vehicular access strictly controlled.

Click for a Google Map.

Where to park in Leeds City Centre
A guide to parking with a downloadable map

Two nearby 24 hour car parks with security are located in The Light and The St John's Centre.

The closest available parking for Blue Badge holders is on the Headrow.
Leeds City Council offers further advice on Where To Park With A Blue Badge.

wymetro Public Transport Guide
For public transport services in Leeds and throughout West Yorkshire 
We are just a ten minute walk from both the Bus or Rail Station.


Access

Our auditorium is at First Floor level and we regret that currently there is no ramped access or lift  provision. Wheelchairs must be carried up to the auditorium via steps. We recommend that wheelchair users should have at least two persons accompany them in order to ascend/descend the staircase and gain access to and from their seat.

Please note that there is currently no specialist toilet facility for patrons with disabilities. Should specific assistance be required for your visit, please call in advance and discuss requirements with our House Manager on 0113 391 7777.

Information For Patrons With Sight or Hearing Impairments

The auditorium is equipped with an induction loop for the benefit of people with hearing impairments. Simply switch your hearing aid to the ‘T’ position.
 

Assistance dogs are welcome and a bowl of water can be provided on request.