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Family fun to be theme at opening of new theatre
By Howard Williamson THEATRE life in Leeds is on course for a shot in the arm. This week Leeds Leisure Services is finalising the programme for the opening of the city's newest auditorium, the Carriageworks Theatre in Millennium Square.
The building is on schedule to open on October 17.
"The opening programme has a strong family flavour," said a city council spokeswoman. "The very popular traditional panto will transfer from the Civic Theatre.
"Members of the Civic Arts Guild, Leeds Children's Theatre and St Mary's Youth Theatre will all take to the stage in the autumn.
"The Carriageworks is going to be a wonderful community theatre which will be a state-of-the-art asset to the city's cultural life."
The spokeswoman said many local groups had expressed a wish to use the new facility.
Flexible
It will have full backstage technical equipment, an orchestra pit and tiered seats and will seat up to 350.
There will be a second performance space with flexible seating for up to 90 people. Other facilities will include conference and rehearsal rooms and refreshment areas.
The Carriageworks is the centrepiece of a 12m development in front of the Civic Hall.
Last year the city council received more than 115,000 of European Union money to equip the building.
It replaces the 70-year-old Civic Theatre just a few yards away which closes on May 7 after a performance of Peter Pan.
Renovation work will then start, with lottery backing, on converting the theatre into a Leeds City Museum.
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Weather for Leeds
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -1 C to 1 C
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Wind direction: South east
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