Raise the curtain on your Leeds cultural city break in style, by booking tickets for a show at the West Yorkshire Playhouse. Forget stuffy, elitist theatres - the WYP is designed to be a place for everyone, whether you like cutting-edge dramas or prefer the pure escapism of a big, family spectacular. Enjoy a pre-show meal at the WYP restaurant or just go for a cuppa and a slice of cake at the coffee shop. There’s also an award winning bar if you fancied something grapey in the interval - if you can tear yourself away from the comfortable theatre seats.
West Yorkshire Playhouse
History
The largest regional repertory theatre in the UK outside London and Stratford, the West Yorkshire Playhouse started life in 1990. It was built to replace the well-respected (if high-brow) Leeds Playhouse that was housed at Leeds University. With its new location in the rundown Quarry Hill area and a more modern and welcoming design, came a new vision for the WYP - to be a theatre that engages the whole community, not just the cultural elite. Its modified production of White Christmas was the first dementia-friendly performance in the UK and it frequently holds activities for those with learning difficulties, asylum seekers and the elderly.
But alongside its dedication to providing a welcoming space for all, the theatre is well-respected for its exciting theatre, including the 2002 production of Hamlet, starring Christopher Ecclestone.
West Yorkshire Playhouse
West Yorkshire Playhouse
Essential information
Hosting regular workshops during the day along with its evening performances, the West Yorkshire Playhouse buzzes with life both day and night. Here’s all the information you need to find your way round.
Top tip
Don’t bother taking your camera. The West Yorkshire Playhouse operates a strictly no-photographs policy for all of its shows - even if you’re just taking a photo of each other or the kids.
Layout
The West Yorkshire Playhouse has two auditoriums. The main Quarry Theatre is a semi-circular amphitheatre that seats 750 people. The Courtyard Theatre seats approximately 350 people and you’ll find it downstairs on the left. There is also the smaller Barber Studio and the Third Space, a performance area opposite the main bar.
Facilities
Besides the bar, coffee shop and restaurant, the WYP also offers people the chance to go backstage for a theatre tour. These take place once a month on Saturday mornings at 10.30am and last for an hour and a half. A friendly guide will take you for a behind -the-scenes look at what goes into putting on the show - and an insight into WYP’s history.
Best seats
As it’s a modern theatre, the WYP has comfy seats with plenty of legroom in both of its theatre spaces. All seats have a great view, but if you’re going to see a show in the smaller Courtyard Theatre, booking a seat in row C is a great idea. It’s an intimate theatre anyway, but a seat here means you’ll be at eye-level with the actors.
Accessibility
With ramps, lifts, level access and disabled toilets coming out of its ears, the theatre is well-equipped for those in wheelchairs or mobility issues. It also holds special performances with sign language and closed captions for people who are hard of hearing, and audio-described performances for those who are visually impaired.
Getting to West Yorkshire Playhouse
Getting to the West Yorkshire Playhouse is easy as it’s just outside the city centre, and handily located directly opposite Leeds bus station. Alternatively, Leeds train station is only a 15-minute walk away. Here’s all the details you need to make your journey go smoothly.
By car
The West Yorkshire Playhouse is close to motorway links and easy to find if you arrive in the city via the Leeds loop road. Its well-signposted from the city centre. Use the postcode LS2 7UP for your sat nav.
By bus
Most buses stop at the bus station. Once you get off, there are two busy roads to cross with pelican crossings. Over the other side, you’ll find steps or a ramp leading you right to the main entrance.
By train
If you’re coming from further afield, Leeds railway station is about a 15-minute walk away or a five minute taxi ride. Or just jump on a bus going to the bus station - the theatre is just opposite.