City Varieties Archive
Produced and hosted by The Oral History Company
City Varieties Music Hall
“Steeped in History…still regarded as the best venue for stand-up in the land”. Dara O’Briain: Tickling the English -
When Charles Thornton, opened his New Music Hall and Fashionable Lounge in 1865 above a public house in a Leeds side street, few could have guessed that almost a century and a half later, this much-loved venue would still be packing audiences in and its reputation would have spread around the globe.
Against all odds, the City Varieties, (as it later became known), has survived virtually unchanged across three centuries, while most other Victorian music halls have passed into history.
The City Varieties is renowned today for the very best in live music, variety and comedy as well the hugely popular pantos which have entertained the families of Leeds and beyond for generations. Thanks to financial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Leeds City Council, the Varieties has recently reopened after vital restoration work which will breathe new life into the venue for future generations…
City Varieties Sound Archive:
Memories from members of the Bramley Elderly Action group
City Varieties – Bramley Elderly Action interviews – 22nd July 2010 interviewed by Simon Bradley
Memories from City Varieties theatre staff and volunteers
City Varieties – theatre staff, friends and volunteers interviews – 10th December 2010 interviewed by Simon Bradley
Interviews with the City Varieties construction and restoration team
City Varieties – construction and restoration team interviews – 7th March 2011 interviewed by Simon Bradley
The Learning and Interpretation Programme at the City Varieties Music Hall is supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund.
