York Grand Opera House is a center for live entertainment in the city of York. It hosts a diverse year-round program of comedy, dance, drama and music by touring artists and theater companies. Enjoy an evening dancing to songs by world-famous musicians and bring the children to family-friendly shows at York Grand Opera House. Bask in the dramatic art nouveau-style setting of the auditorium, which features stalls, a dress circle, grand circle and opulently decorated boxes.
The theater opened in 1902 with an interpretation of the European folktale Little Red Riding Hood. Its building, however, wasn’t always destined to be a performance venue. Erected in 1868, it first housed the York’s corn exchange and had an auditorium located in the warehouse. A local businessman converted it into a theater following the failure of the corn exchange and is has since been a bingo hall, roller rink and wrestling arena.
Famous British entertainers, including Charlie Chaplin, Gracie Fields and George Robey, have appeared at the theater. Purchase tickets today for productions of popular West End musicals such as Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat and Thriller Live. Take a journey through the ages of ABBA, the Beatles, Whitney Houston and other music legends. Attend talks by actors, explorers and sportspeople.
If visiting York during the Christmas period then be sure to experience a pantomime at the theater. These family-friendly stage shows are based on fairytales and feature audience participation, slapstick jokes and topical humor. Visitors aged 60 and over can take advantage of the afternoon shows of the matinee club.
The theater stands in central York and is a 15-minute walk from the city’s train station. There is a range of bars and restaurants nearby that are ideal for pre and post-show food and drinks.
Consult the schedule of York Grand Opera House and book tickets via the theater’s official website. Alternatively, visit the box office, which is open from Monday to Saturday and closes 15 minutes before showtime.
