Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera North
Yorkshire Bank Supports Grand Theatre and Opera North Renewal Programme
Yorkshire Bank is sponsoring Transformation: the restoration of the Leeds Grand Theatre and the creation of a permanent home for Opera North.
The Grand Theatre, Leeds reopened on 7th October 2006 after a multimillion pound Transformation.
The Transformation project is taking place in two phases and the reopening of the Yorkshire Bank Auditorium on 7th October marked the successful completion of Phase 1. As well as the restoration of the auditorium, Phase 1 included a huge technical upgrade and the installation of a hydraulic lorry lift to raise scenery from the street direct to stage level. Theatre audiences will enjoy a more comfortable experience. The angle of the stalls flooring has been altered for better visibility and acoustics; new seats in the stalls have more leg room; the refurbishment of seats throughout the theatre and the introduction of an air cooling system create a much improved environment.
Work on Phase 2, which commenced in Autumn 2007, will restore the stunning Assembly Room and the theatre's façade and foyers to their original Victorian splendour.
The Grand re-opened with Opera North's new production of Rigoletto, sponsored by Yorkshire Bank.
The Bank continues to support both The Grand and Opera North. The partnership with Opera North continues with support for Opera 1, Opera North's education workshops for secondary schools. This initiative aims to build confidence in teenagers whilst introducing them to a new art form - opera. Yorkshire Bank has also been keen to showcase musical talent from the areas in which it operates and invited local school and youth music groups to compete for the opportunity to perform to arriving audiences in theatre foyers prior to Opera North's performance.
Yorkshire Bank staff have also been getting involved, trying out their voices for Opera-tunity Knocks. We gave staff the chance to become an opera star for the night. Staff competed in open auditions in front of a judging panel, and one of the finalists was voted to win by staff vote. The other three winners were selected by judges from Opera North. The four winners undertook voice coaching prior to their début performance at Leeds Grand Theatre in late October 2006.
Below you can see some of the work done on the Theatre.
New stalls flooring in the Yorkshire Bank auditorium will provide a better view of the stage and the ceiling of the stalls and upper circle have been replaced.
Giant cranes were used to literally raise the roof of the theatre. The flytower is now taller. This will mean that bigger and better scenery can be used and stored at the theatre, attracting bigger and more popular shows.
Further information about the project is available from www.transformationatleeds.co.uk