Hope burns still for Leeds City Varieties as it marks 155 years of vivid history

A rich and vivid tapestry of theatre has been witnessed within these walls over the course of more than a century-and-a-half at the nation’s longest-running music hall.

A young Charlie Chaplin was to tread the boards at the Leeds City Varieties in a clog dancing troupe, while it would go on to host escape artist Harry Houdini at the peak of his career.

Now, as this “national institution” prepares to mark its 155th anniversary this weekend, its doors remain involuntarily shuttered for the first time in its history.

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Despite the challenge it’s a “war horse” of a machine, say those at its helm, as it attempts to endure a cultural crisis not seen in living memory.

Danny La Rue at The Good Old DaysDanny La Rue at The Good Old Days
Danny La Rue at The Good Old Days

“The Varieties is a Leeds, if not a national, institution,” said chief executive Chris Blythe. “A hidden gem with a warm Yorkshire welcome.

“Whilst we’re all working towards and looking forward to the day that we can reopen our doors and welcome our audiences back, we must face facts. Venues like ours will be the last to open.

“And when we do reopen – notice the omission of the word ‘if’ – the future is going to be much changed. But however daunting, I am certain we have a future. We must.”

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The audience at the City Varieties Music Hall c.1900The audience at the City Varieties Music Hall c.1900
The audience at the City Varieties Music Hall c.1900
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A popular saying at the time was ‘wear your flat cap to the Varieties and your top hat to the Grand,’ and even today it’s seen as the more audacious young Dame.

Despite unsettled times in the 1920s with the advent of cinema, it has endured more than any other, being the only music hall of its era to have remained in business throughout.

Gifted a ‘new lease of life’ in 1953 with the BBC’s The Good Old Days, for which it’s best known, it hosted stars Les Dawson, Barbara Windsor, Bruce Forsyth and Ken Dodd.

Following a £9m restoration which was officially reopened by the Queen and Prince Phillip in 2012, it has since attracted the likes of John Bishop, Russell Crowe and Michael McIntyre.

Comedian Ken Dodd on Stage at the newly refurbished Leeds City Varieties, Leeds...18th September 2011.... Picture by Simon HulmeComedian Ken Dodd on Stage at the newly refurbished Leeds City Varieties, Leeds...18th September 2011.... Picture by Simon Hulme
Comedian Ken Dodd on Stage at the newly refurbished Leeds City Varieties, Leeds...18th September 2011.... Picture by Simon Hulme
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Despite its success, there are challenges ahead. Reserves are dwindling, yet no date is set for the reopening of England’s theatres, nor guidance given on socially distancing.

'Well loved' by generations

As it marks 155 years of existence, as the Guinness World Record holder of the UK’s longest-running music hall, it is determined to survive.

“It is a war horse, in some respects,” says Amy Sanderson, head of communications. “It’s really well-loved, by a lot of people, and with every generation, people find it again.

City Varieties c. 1911. Credit postcard donated by Music Hall SocietyCity Varieties c. 1911. Credit postcard donated by Music Hall Society
City Varieties c. 1911. Credit postcard donated by Music Hall Society

“That does make it really special.

“It has come to the brink several times, and been saved so many times, and that is because of the place that it holds in so many people’s hearts.

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“It’s going to be a very strange time, but we want to make sure that we do everything we can so that people are happy to come back.

“It is about adapting. We hope to be back soon, and to continue for another 155 years or more.”

Rich and colourful history

In its early years the Varieties welcomed world-renowned escapologist Harry Houdini, singer, comedian and actress Marie Lloyd, and Victorian music hall beauty Lily Langtree – for whom it is rumoured Prince Edward would sneak into a private box to watch.

19 July 2012...... The Queen unveils a plaque in the reopened and restored Leeds City Varieties music Hall during her visit to the city to mark her Diamond Jubilee.19 July 2012...... The Queen unveils a plaque in the reopened and restored Leeds City Varieties music Hall during her visit to the city to mark her Diamond Jubilee.
19 July 2012...... The Queen unveils a plaque in the reopened and restored Leeds City Varieties music Hall during her visit to the city to mark her Diamond Jubilee.

Today it hosts live music, variety, comedy and National Theatre screenings, as well as the hugely popular Rock ’n’ Roll Pantos that showcase a break from the traditional pantomime.

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The Company’s Learning Programme also provides young people with opportunities to develop new skills.

Throughout closure, The Varieties is seeking patrons for donations to help the company through this time.

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