Shopping centre steps up to house theatre’s office and activity space

Shopping centre, Victoria Leeds, is to provide in-kind office and activity space, and a temporary box office, for West Yorkshire Playhouse while the theatre undergoes major redevelopment works.

A venue on 7 – 25 Eastgate, just across the road from the Playhouse’s Quarry Hill site, will house the Playhouse’s activity for Older People, Young People and Artistic Development. A temporary Box Office at 19 Eastgate will operate for audiences to buy tickets for the Playhouses’ pop-up theatre whilst contractors take over the main theatre.

Victoria Leeds’ generous support enables the Playhouse to continue with vital regular activity, allowing programmes such as Heydays, the largest and longest-running arts programme for older people in UK theatre with around 300 weekly attendees, to continue in temporary activity spaces on 7 – 25 Eastgate.

During the redevelopment period, the Playhouse will host a year-long programme of work in the pop-op theatre, a temporary 350 seater space built into the current workshop on the current Quarry Hill site. Audiences can buy tickets for the Pop-Up season at the temporary Box Office, housed by Victoria Leeds on 19 Eastgate, from 25 June.

West Yorkshire Playhouse executive director, Robin Hawkes, said: “Victoria Leeds’ invaluable support means as well as housing our staff, we can also continue to offer our Creative Engagement and Artistic Development activity, vital regular programmes that we are delighted we’re able to continue running.

“It’s a pleasure to work so closely with our neighbours at Victoria Leeds, and we’re truly grateful for their backing as we begin to mark a new chapter in the Playhouse’s history.”

Nicola Hanson, deputy general manager at Victoria Leeds, said: “We are pleased to support West Yorkshire Playhouse during their refurbishment by offering space for their staff, Artistic Development and Creative Engagement work.

“As the premium shopping destination in the city, Victoria Leeds always strives to ensure that there are plenty of offers and events to help provide the best experience for our shoppers and we are looking forward to working with West Yorkshire Playhouse on some exciting events. The theatre is a huge part of our community and our aim is to help the Playhouse team continue the fantastic work they do.”