The back end of the year is a busy time for this iconic Leeds institution. There are no less than 53 visitors to its (steeply forward sloping) stage between now and the New Year. I must apologise to artists I don’t mention for only being able to pick what I consider to be highlights. You will never know whether I haven’t heard of you, or just don’t like you! Seriously, I will take a cross-section of genres and add a link at the end so that you can see the full range of delights.
Let’s start with comedy, of which there is a plethora. There are people on their first tour, such as Judi Love (27th – 29th September), those who have been there, done it and got the tee-hee shirt, like Geoff Norcott on 9th September and Ed Byrne, 15th October; through to those who should know better at their age, yes, I’m talking about you Jenny Eclair who performs her Sixty PLUS (FFS) XXL Show! on 14th September, and Rich Hall on 9th November.
Music comes in several guises, again covering the generations. The a cappella Sons of Pitches appear on 2nd September, Dollar on 21st September, followed by legends such as Paul Young 30th September, Judy Collins, 10th October, Lindisfarne two days later on 12th Fairport Convention 25th October with Beverley Craven & Judy Tzuke on 3rd November.
Not only are there straight-up music performers but also some tribute/juke box musicals; The Best of Frankie Valli, starring Gareth Gates on 24th October, The Story of Guitar Heroes on 28th October, The Chicago Blues Brothers: Cruising’ For A Bluesin’ Tour, 4th November and The Legends of American Country Show the following night, 5th.
Chris Caltrop as The Audacious Mr Astley
Under the heading, Miscellaneous, are one-man shows such as the Heritage Open Day: The Audacious Mr Astley, by Chris Baltrop, who portrays the eponymous father of British Circus as part of Leeds Civic Trust’s Blue Plaque unveiling for Pablo Fanque, of Sgt. Pepper fame, who is buried in Leeds. If you look at the More Info for this event be aware that the date should be April 1768 not 1968 – you’re welcome. There is Garth Marenghi’s INCARCERAT Book Tour on 30th October. Reverend Richard Coles: Borderline National Trinket on 12th November, Andrew Newton: The Hypnotist LIVE! on 11th November and The Greatest Magician on 8th November.
James Norton
Should you prefer something a little more serious, there is a screening of A Little Life, starring James Norton which was filmed at the Savoy Theatre in London during its West End Run. It is on 28th September, but be aware, it is Certificate 18, with several trigger warnings, and runs for 3 hours 40 minutes (including an interval).
Finally, although there is lots more stuff I haven’t mentioned, we have the annual Rock’n’Roll Pantomime, which this year is Robin Hood. It runs from 24th November until 7th January. Oh yes it does!
For a full list please go to https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/whats-on/?theatre=city-varieties-music-hall and for a great night out go to Leeds City Varieties Music Hall!
Tyke It To The Limit 