Cultural venues Leeds Grand Theatre, City Varieties Music Hall and Hyde Park Picture House re-brand to become Leeds Heritage Theatres

The changes at Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House Ltd - the company responsible for managing Leeds Grand Theatre, City Varieties Music Hall and Hyde Park Picture House were set to be revealed in April but on hold due to the outbreak of coronavirus.

However, as of yesterday Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House Ltd began trading as Leeds Heritage Theatres.

The venues had traded as the former for more than 30 years but had long-known that the name did not reflect the place that the three venues had in the city.

Chris Blythe, CEO, said: "The planned name change, and brand launch were originally scheduled for April 2020 when we were hoping, and had plans, to announce the exciting news in a manner more fitting of our industry.

"Unfortunately, due to the current pandemic, we had to postpone the announcement whilst we attended to more urgent matters, namely closing our three buildings and furloughing 96 per cent of our staff, while maintaining some business continuity. Now, after considerable work behind the scenes, we are ready to put the new name, brand and website into the public domain."

"Whilst we have been trading for more than 30 years as Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House Ltd., we have long known that the name was not befitting of our company, and the role our venues and people play within the Leeds arts scene. We knew we must choose a name that encapsulates our people, our venues, our heritage and our future, and will raise awareness, both regionally and nationally, of the breadth and quality of our shows/screenings and educational function.”

An independent company, and registered charity, controlled by Leeds City Council, Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House Ltd. took over the lease of Leeds Grand Theatre in 1969 (buying it outright in 1973) - following a long period of unrest, including plans to demolish the building in 1968. This was followed by the acquisition of The Varieties in 1987 and finally Hyde Park Picture House in 1989.

Together the venues have been open for more than 400 years and attract more than 350,000 people every year to see a wide range of shows, performances and films and employ around 200 staff.

However, My Blythe added that Leeds Heritage Theatres makes 98 per cent of its income through ticket sales and so while the venues have been closed the company has been hit hard financially and is preparing a bid to the government's rescue package for arts ventures.

He said: "We know that competition is fierce, and we need the support of our loyal customers more than ever. We’re asking that people, if financially viable, buy tickets, memberships and vouchers, or donate what money they can. In such dark times, theatre is a positive force – it provides an opportunity for people from all backgrounds to come together to share a common bond – a love of performance. Just when our future was looking so bright, we cannot let our theatres fade into the darkness.”

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Laura Collins