The Grand Theatre & Opera House Leeds — Attraction in Leeds

I went to see Disneys Bedknobs & Broomsticks a few nights ago with my little man (8y) and my mum (pensioner). The opening act is 'setting the scene' and explaining the story, it's also not spoken. I have to say as this went on i was worried that my little man wouldn't persevere or wouldn't enjoy it. My worries were forgotten, my little boy was completely engrossed! The actors did a fantastic job considering all the covid upheaval. The actors were all really very good, but the leading lady was amazing, she really was outstanding! Her voice was perfect. The other thing I was very impressed with were the 'magic' parts, the flying on the Broomstick, the bed and the dancing shoes etc. They were done so well my little boys mouth hung open lol, he said "Mama, they must be real magicians too" after wracking his brain trying to work out how it could have happened 😁 The whole production was brilliant, it was good wholesome family fun and I would definitely recommend you to go see it before we're locked down again!! One thing I did find disappointing, was the audience at the end. Only one couple and my family stood to applause. Considering the work and quality of the production, I found it very disappointing and quite rude to be honest. Had the production been mediocre then I could understand it.

For the show itself I give 5, for the venue I give 4. On the website they advise of their recquirements from the public regards mandatory face masks, and also their covid measures in brief. Besides a couple of 'sanitiser stations', that was pretty much where their covid measures ended!! There were at least 30% of the theatre not wearing a mask, and many that did, took it off when they sat down even if they weren't eating or drinking! They also state due to covid restrictions that snacks and beverages would be made available through an "in seat refreshments service"; that was non existent!!! Everyone piled out at breaks for toilets and refreshments. To be honest, I didn't see a single member of staff smile, and one older lady with blonde hair who was quite short, seemed quite irritated when I asked her if our seats could be accessed from down a corridor that was free of people. We had already been directed by her earlier where we could go, but we needed to use the bathroom before we sat down. I completely get that things are stressful for many businesses at the moment, but when you pay £146 for 2adults and a childs tickets, you aren't just paying for the show itself, you are paying for the whole experience, and I felt the latter lacking. If you are a more vulnerable member of the public and potentially taking risks by going to the theatre, I would definitely rethink before attending. The show as I have said is brilliant, we absolutely loved it. But you need to consider the environment too, because no-one within the theatre was made...

I went to the theater on my own, which was incredibly hard. I lost my wife to cancer just 6 months ago, and this is the kind of show she would have absolutely adored. We always loved going to different shows together, and I made a promise to her—to keep doing the things we loved, to keep living for the both of us.

I watched Kinky Boots which was an absolute triumph – a show that’s as bold and beautiful as it is moving and meaningful. From the moment the lights came up, I was completely captivated. The performances were phenomenal, the energy electric, and the story – oh, the story – struck right to the heart.

As a member of the LGBTQ community, this show resonated with me on such a personal level. I cried – not just at the emotional depth of the narrative, but because I saw parts of my own journey, as well as those of friends reflected on stage. The struggle for acceptance, the sting of rejection, the courage it takes to be unapologetically yourself – it was all there, handled with such authenticity, grace, and heart.

But what truly makes Kinky Boots so special is how it blends this deep emotional core with joy, humour, and hope. It’s laugh-out-loud funny at times, wonderfully cheeky, and endlessly heartwarming. It reminds you that love, understanding, and acceptance really can change the world – one step at a time, in a fabulous pair of heels.

This wasn’t just a show – it was a celebration of identity, resilience, and community. A standing ovation doesn’t do it justice. If you have the chance to see it, do. It’s a powerful, affirming, and unforgettable experience.

Sitting there alone was extremely painful, and I felt an overwhelming sadness when I arrived, missing my wife beside me so deeply. I cried quietly in the darkness, not just because of the show’s moving moments, but because she wasn’t there to share them.

But somehow, through the laughter, the music, and the message of hope and acceptance, the show gently lifted my spirits. It reminded me that joy can still be found, even through the grief, and for that, I’m truly grateful.

The cast of performers are fabulous! And the show made me miss going to drag shows with my sweet wife. We loved those!

The theatre itself is lovely. It has a real sense of character. Its period features and traditional charm give it a warm, welcoming feel, and the architecture adds a touch of elegance to the whole experience. The kind of place that adds to the enjoyment of the evening without overshadowing the performance itself.

Overall, a fantastic experience.

I've even booked myself a ticket to the Sounds of 60s show! And yes, alone but I...

On 17 April, four of us went to see Paddy McGuinness at The Grand. Prior to the night, my Mum had been in touch to arrange a table in the bar with a bottle of Prosecco waiting for us. This was as a thank you to the three of us for being such a support after losing my stepdad & being there for her birthday (which was that same day). The staff were very helpful in organising this. The problems all came on the night itself.

There was no sign of a table / fizz when we arrived, so we went to ask about it at the bar. The girl we spoke to had no knowledge of the arrangement, so she asked her supervisor who was working alongside her. We were all so taken aback with how rude this supervisor was. All we got was, “As I’m the supervisor, I would know if anything had been planned, and I know nothing about this.” She didn’t ask for any information and completely dismissed us. We explained that we’d already paid, she reiterated there wasn’t anything for us and sent us back to the foyer. Up and down the stairs talking to various staff members until a kind man came to our rescue (we didn’t catch his name). He took us back up to the bar and tried to explain the situation to the same supervisor but she continued to be incredibly rude, both to us and her colleague.

She managed to take what should have been a special surprise moment and completely ruined it. We totally appreciate that it was busy, but that is no excuse for sheer rudeness. All four of us were completely appalled by her attitude. We did eventually get the bottle of Prosecco (a few minutes before we needed to go into the show) with the distinct impression we’d massively inconvenienced her. Maybe she was having a bad day, maybe she thinks that service is acceptable, we don’t know.

My Mum emailed the theatre on 25 April to express our disappointment. Now, almost two months later, she has had no response. No apology, no mention of speaking to the supervisor in question about her behaviour, nothing. If they had replied, I wouldn’t be leaving this review. But, given everything Mum has been through, and the trouble she went to on her birthday to make the night special for us (which the theatre were well aware of)… I just think it’s completely out of order. I have waited nearly two months before leaving this review to see if they’d redeem themselves. Apparently not. But now I’m going public with this, I’m sure we’ll hear something! That’s normally the way it goes, isn’t it? We won’t be going again.

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