When Leeds United players became panto stars

Did you know Leeds United took to the stage for a club pantomime back in the mid-1970s? Oh, yes they did!

By Andrew Hutchinson

Published 7th Jan 2021, 16:30 BST

Updated 8th Jan 2021, 08:43 BST

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Manager Jimmy Armfield came up with the idea of staging the fundraising production of Cinderella as a way of boosting team morale after the upheaval caused by his predecessor Brian Clough’s quickfire arrival and departure. It was staged at the City Varieties Music Hall in December 1974 and proved a big hit. “The script ran for about an hour but with all the cheers and the clapping, it went on for 90 minutes, like a match. It took a long time to calm it all down," recalled Armfield. "The curtain calls seemed to go on forever.” Enjoy these rarely-seen photos, published courtesy of Varley Picture Agency, capturing the Leeds squad dressed for their turn in a different spotlight. READ MORE: 16 of the most iconic Leeds United photos of all time