The longest running music hall in Britain, Leeds City Varieties Music Hall is a rare surviving example of a Victorian era music hall. Built off the White Swan Inn in 1865 and named Thornton's New Music Hall and Fashionable Lounge, the hall was originally a singing room and performed to patrons of the pub at dinner. Its shows were a great success, and the Leeds Varieties hosted everyone from Charlie Chaplin to Houdini. The music hall was the location for the television series The Good Old Days, which ran between 1953 and 1983, and today it continues to present live events from the show over a run of three weekends in the spring.
Following renovations, the Grade II listed building has been beautifully restored and the interior remains largely unaltered from the original. The theatre's music hall seasons runs twice yearly in April and October, staging everything from live music to stand-up comedy, pantomimes and family shows.
Located just off the Headrow on Swan Street, the City Varieties Hall is a 15 minute walk from the train station and is well served by public transport. The theatre is within a pedestrianised area and a limited amount of street parking is available in the vicinity. Secure parking is available at The Light, St John's and Merrion shopping centres.
Situated right next to the Victoria Quarter, there are plenty of pubs and restaurants near Leeds City Varieties Music Hall. It couldn't be easier to find a place to eat with Go dine's round-up of the best restaurants near Leeds City Varieties. You can browse menus and reviews of everything from Japanese to Mexican food, and once you've made your choice you can book a table for free through our website. Our service is designed especially for you to choose the best places to eat near Leeds Varieties Music Hall. If you fancy exploring one of the nearby towns, take a look at our regional Yorkshire pages where you'll find our suggestions of restaurants in Headingley, Chapel Allerton and many others.
Did you know at a performance of a Christmas pantomime in 1941 a woman in the audience gave birth to a baby, and the White Swan Company gave the baby free admission to the Varieties for life!