West Yorkshire Playhouse

I’ve been back a few times for performances here in recent times, and it remains a firm favourite of mine. I don’t go to the theatre often enough, so when Our Country’s Good came up on the programming, I couldn’t resist. I’ve not seen or read it since I did my A-​Levels, so I was very much looking forward to re-​familiarising myself with Timberlake’s words, and watching a piece of theatre that wasn’t devised, avant garde, interactive and is word lead. (I love devised and physical theatre, but it’s been forever since I saw a production from a script, and words are kinda my thing –if you hadn’t already surmised.)
Booking is really easy, as their website lets you pick seats, and you can do it all via card on the interwebs. Of course, you can telephone, but when tickets are but a few clicks away it’s too simple not to get online. The seats in the theatre were so comfy. I don’t know what it is about me, but being sat stationary in other theatres has left me fidgeting throughout, and that never makes the experience enjoyable. So, I’m happy to report that I could have sat through another few hours of performance.
The show itself was great, with some stand out performances, amongst others who were good but perhaps not as convincing as I’d have liked. Regardless, it was a fantastic production, with great lighting and set, and I wholly enjoyed it. The previous show I saw was You: The Player, which was a completely different experience. It was an interactive show, where you got to explore the innards of the playhouse, as you were a part of a ‘reality tv show’ (obviously not in real life) and had to escape the clutches of the dungeons at the bottom. Sadly, I went through this too quickly, so didn’t get to see much of the creepy stuff at the bottom level, but it was a fantastic set up. I love oddities like that, so here’s hoping they do more of that too.
The bar offers up a huge hang out space for afterwards, where the prices aren’t too bad, and the food is rather good. It’s not haute cuisine, but if you happen to want a cheap lunch/​dinner I can recommend a feed. There are gigs held here every so often too, as they’ve an in house piano, so keep your eye on the listings. All in all, this place makes for a great night out, and has a fine range of theatre to see.

Went to watch hamlet here a couple of weeks ago, really enjoyed the perfomance but apart from that I liked the venue.
Wine isn’t too expensive, all the seats have a good view of the stage, plus the location is nice. Near to the wardrobe for post theatre drinks!

Ive yet to be disapointed with any my visits to the playhouse. Ive been for the comedy nights and proper shows and have always walked out of the doors happy.
You seem to be safe from the comics eye about four rows back any closer and I would expect to be in the firing line at some point.

I really dislike this place. It isn’t just that they very rarely put on anything that is to my tastes (which they really don’t) it’s the whole atmosphere of the building.
As someone who absolutely loves theatre when it is done well and goes to see a lot of things, I shouldn’t feel uncomfortable when I enter theatre, as though I don’t belong there. The WYP is very much a «Big» theatre, in that it strives to put on proper plays for middle class types to get all dressed up and feel cultural. It feels like they have been regurgitating the same plays for years with new titles, new posters and new lavish sets.
They have an enormous bar, but if you fancy a drink you had better have collateral. This is an old school overpriced theatre bar we’re talking about here, but you should be able to trade in your first born quite happily for half a coke.
Occasionally a glimmer of hope enters the theatre’s brochure, but to be honest if you want exciting contemporary theatre that shows you something you’ve never seen before… go somewhere else.

It’s always nice to hit the big smoke and the West End for a show now and again but it’s not an essential place to head when we have the West Yorkshire Playhouse in town. This really is a super venue. Top class in fact.
Located just opposite the bus station, it may be a struggle to park but don’t let that put you off. If it does then you’ll be missing an array of the best theatre has to offer. Previous offerings have seen the gritty and much acclaimed production of Othello, which saw Lenny Henry go all serious for a stint (and how well he did too). It was also the inception of Batboy: The Musical which got snapped up by the London boys (to much less success it has to be said). You’ll also find loads of comedies, drama and of course the yearly pantomime also rolls into the venue.
Theatre done well is a delight to behold and more often than not the West Yorkshire Playhouse delivers. It’s also surrounded by one or two eateries, the most handy being the Aagrah. There you’ll find great Indian cuisine set in contemporary surroundings.
There are also various family fun days, talks and backstage tours to get you even more involved in one of the premier venues in Leeds. It’s there to be shouted about, great theatre on our doorsteps. Now go find out for yourselves.

The West Yorkshire Playhouse is a multi venue hot spot for the creative arts, situated, quite proudly in good olé Leeds. Coming up for its 20^th year anniversary, the WYP has plenty to be proud about; two theatres, The Quarry and The Courtyard, a gallery, a workshop venue, a bar, a restaurant, and a costume hire department. Wow. Impressive or what.
It really is a nice modern space inside, and the minute you approach the doors you are greeted by very welcoming staff that don’t do the saccharine over the top type greetings, but more inform you of what is happening, what’s open and if you’re interested what’s going on right now and what’s to come.
Sitting in stark comparison to the Leeds Grand, the West Yorkshire Playhouse is a lovely alternative to the traditional theatre venues without being so anti-​tradition that the concept and enjoyment of the theatre is ruined.
Technical wise it’s a good sound venue, acoustics are grand, viewing is good, legroom isn’t as snug as some venues are, which is always a plus point.
Also, for all of you budding theatre goers under the age of 26, West Yorkshire Playhouse is a part of the A Night Less Ordinary scheme, whereby companies who are signed up offer free tickets on select shows for free. How awesome.

It took me ages to go see something at the Playhouse. As a young boy, when we went into the city centre we’d park in the Playhouse’s car park and for many years, that was as close as it got.
Since I’ve grown out of my replica football shirts and attempted to become a little more cultured, in an attempt to attract the ladies, I’ve been to the Playhouse. It doesn’t just do plays, mind. There’s all sorts going on.
It’s a very visitor-​themed theatre, welcoming you in and actively encouraging participation — perhaps not in the performances themselves — but in Q&A’s, workshops and by hosting comedians and quirky performances, that you might not get to see at a traditional theatre.

Much more than just a theatre, the West Yorkshire Playhouse is a living, breathing hub for the arts in Yorkshire and beyond. Producing 16 of its own productions every year and hosting frequent Q&A sessions, workshops and readings alongside performances of every shape and size, this modern building is the antithesis of a traditional theatre, actively encouraging the public to get involved with the arts. The Playhouse actively supports new writers, offering development grants and a scriptreading service, and runs a programme of activities aimed at using creativity in education and the community. On top of all this, the Playhouse is also a great place to watch a show: impressive facilities, comfortable seats and diverse programming across two theatre spaces make this one of the best arts venues in the north.
The costume hire department is also one of the best kept secrets in Leeds — just don’t tell anyone!