The Carriageworks Theatre — Attraction in Leeds

Disappointing Experience at Carriageworks – Not Student Friendly

As student filmmakers, we were incredibly excited to secure one of the theatre rooms at Carriageworks for an important shoot. Initially, everything seemed in order, the booking was confirmed, paperwork sorted, and our production was planned around the two full days we had locked in.

Unfortunately, the experience quickly soured due to what we were later told was a mistake on their part with the booking paperwork. Despite the error having nothing to do with us, we were suddenly told we could no longer use the venue, and it took a lot of back-and-forth, stress, and unnecessary negotiation just to be allowed access to the space we had already secured. It was disorganised, frustrating, and unprofessional.

Eventually, they agreed to let us use the room – but cut down our booking time significantly. What was supposed to be two full days turned into just a few hours each day (8:30am–2pm and 8:30am–5pm). This change completely impacted our production schedule, and we were offered no real support or solutions. We felt dismissed and, frankly, talked down to at every turn.

While we appreciate we did receive the space at a discounted rate, it felt less like a generous gesture and more like an excuse to justify the poor treatment we received. As creative students working with tight budgets, this wasn’t just a ‘cheap deal’ to us, it was a meaningful investment. Yet we were made to feel like second-class clients. The tone from staff was often condescending. One of the worst moments came when we politely asked if we could use the theatre lighting. The receptionist said yes, but not long after, a staff member stormed in, berated us loudly in front of the whole team, and began unplugging equipment without letting us explain what we were told. It was humiliating and entirely uncalled for. We were respectful and careful throughout, always asking permission before doing anything, only to be treated as if we were being intentionally disruptive.

On our final day, the unwelcoming attitude continued. With just 20 minutes left of our booking, staff began entering the room and interrupting us, almost as if we were being policed. We understand that staff finish at a certain time, but it began to feel like we were getting shoved out the door. These disruptions led to multiple cuts during performances and added more pressure to an already time-strapped day.

Despite the reduced hours, restrictions on equipment, and overall poor treatment, the venue still charged us the same fee. In summary: if you're a student, or anyone hoping for a supportive and professional venue, we can’t recommend Carriageworks. This experience left our team feeling dismissed, disrespected, and undervalued. There are many venues in Leeds that actually supports creatives, not just...

Well, I looked at the theatre in there, I have being there since Verve Club in Leeds, I was doing the performance of "No Strings Attached", I have being in the Leeds Carriageworks Theatre in Leeds, they're were doing "Beauty and the Beast" 👸 👹 🌹, the PHA Pantomimes company who did same as the horrible Disney and Upstagers Pantomime versions of "Beauty and the Beast" 👸 👹 🌹, you know it's the truth, we prove that they don't do it, don't say it, they don't have it, they are not, they don't have names on names and they do not appear those people and animals of characters in stories like Ogres don't live happily ever after and that was the Evil Fairy Godmother in "Shrek 2" and she was wrong and I know she was and I do not like the horrible Disney and Upstagers Pantomime versions of "Beauty and the Beast" 👸 👹 🌹 except the nice Goodtimes Entertainment/Golden Films Version of "Beauty and the Beast" 👸 👹 🌹, I like it of the nice version in 1992 and my influence if it's horrible of that pantomime version of "Beauty and the Beast" 👸 👹 🌹 like the horrible Disney and Upstagers Pantomime versions of "Beauty and the Beast" and we might do the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield and we have to wait and see find out what happens if the tickets 🎟 🎫 🎭 🎵 🎶 🎼 🎻 🎹 🎷 🎺 📯 🎸 🎤 🎛️ 🎧 🎙️ are left in the seats and anything else, but who knows and you are doing "Sleeping Beauty" here in 2019 next year and...

I went to see a friend in Jack and the Beanstalk . I didn't know what to expect as I had never been before. But I was pleasantly surprised.

We entered via a courtyard to a lift or stairs. As one of our party, has mobility issues, the lift that accesses all floors was brilliant! It's clearly signposted what you will find on each floor by the lift, too. The theatre is fairly small, but the seats are comfortable (even with pelvic pain and/or a slipped disc). The acoustics are excellent. Visibility is good even in the restricted view seats I had, I was impressed.

The one downside is parking. I had to park at the Rose, which is around a 4 minute walk, if you have mobility issues, estimate up to 10 minutes.

The bar is well stocked given how small it is and prices are reasonable. Definitely worth visiting this lovely...