Leeds Heritage Theatres launches ‘Keep a seat warm this Christmas’ campaign in fight for long term survival

To add to a year that has already seen the arts and culture sector suffer hugely as a result of the pandemic, it will be the first time in the histories of Leeds Grand Theatre, City Varieties Music Hall and Hyde Park Picture House, that the three buildings will remain closed for Christmas due to the ongoing concerns over COVID-19 and the need to protect audiences, employees and performers.

Leeds Heritage Theatres, the umbrella organisation for the three venues, is asking patrons to consider supporting them at what would have been their busiest period with a new campaign.

Ordinarily at Christmas, The Grand would be hosting a major West End production, whilst the City Varieties would be home to one of only two self-produced shows, and main revenue driver, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto. And whilst Hyde Park Picture House is closed for planned restoration work (on hold since April 2020), the cinema would usually screen a variety of Christmas favourites, including the iconic It’s a Wonderful Life.

By donating to their ‘Keep a seat warm this Christmas’ campaign, purchasing tickets to future shows or buying memberships, gift vouchers and merchandise, the company is hoping that money raised will help support their long-term survival.

It comes as the CEO, Chris Blythe reveals that had Leeds Heritage Theatres not been successful in obtaining several grants such as £1.5m from the government and Art Council England’s Culture Recovery Fund, the company purse would have run out completely on November 2.

“Whilst we had been making tentative steps to recovery by reopening the doors to The Varieties with a screening programme curated by Hyde Park, the truth of the matter is, income generated from screenings does not impact our bottom line in the same way live performance does.