New name announced for three of Leeds’ iconic arts venues
Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House, the company responsible for managing three of Leeds’ iconic arts venues – Leeds Grand Theatre, City Varieties Music Hall and Hyde Park Picture House – will begin trading as Leeds Heritage Theatres from today.
The announcement comes months after the historic buildings were forced to close due to COVID-19.
“The planned name change, and brand launch were originally scheduled for April 2020,” says Chris Blythe, CEO, “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% 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.”
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.
“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,” says Blythe.
Adding, “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.”
Collectively, the three theatres have been open for more than 400 years, contributing immeasurably to the cultural landscape of Leeds and Yorkshire, be that artistically, educationally or financially.
Blythe added, “Now, more than ever, as our venues stand empty, it is important that we make people aware what Leeds and Yorkshire stand to lose if our venues close due to Covid-19.”
Leeds Heritage Theatres generates 98% of its income though ticket and subsidiary sales, attracting 350,000 people a year. It receives no funding from the Arts Council and as a result the company has been massively hit financially by the current crisis.
“We’re doing all that we can to survive this period, as well as prepare for the economic uncertainty that we know will follow. We are drawing heavily on our reserves, which we had planned to invest back into our buildings, and we’re making plans for what measures we will need to put in place to help audiences feel confident to return”, the chief executive continued
“As we put forward our bid to receive funding from the Government’s arts rescue package, 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.”
