The 1,550-seater Grand Theatre has dominated New Briggate since the imposing building was erected in 1878. The last performance at the theatre was Blood Brothers on Saturday 28 May 2005 and work began in June 2005. During January 2006 Julie Langford was taken round to look at the progress of the work, and you can hear her two reports for BBC Radio Leeds on this page. You can also check on progress by looking at the photogallery of pictures taken inside the building.
We also have two stunning panoramas taken inside the renowned theatre before the renovation work began.
The theatre is expected to formally re-open in September 2006. Phase two - restoration of the Assembly Rooms and the theatre's facade - begins in June 2006 and is expected to be completed in the autumn of 2007. The overall project cost is around £32m (phase one £21m, phase two £11m). Major financial support for the project comes from Arts Council England, Leeds City Council and Opera North. Donations have also been received from over 40,000 individuals. Once the second phase is completed the Assembly Rooms will be open to the public for the first time in over 30 years and will be restored to its original Grade II* listed Victorian splendour. It will provide a 350-seat performance area and rehearsal space.
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