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Grand Opera House York York

About the Grand Opera House York

Located in the middle of the historic city, York’s Grand Opera House was originally two separate buildings, with one as the corn exchange and the other as a warehouse. By 1902 the two buildings were converted into one space and the theatre opened with the pantomime Little Red Riding Hood, starring popular music hall entertainer Florrie Forde.

The Grand Opera House has been used in several capacities throughout the years and was one of the first venues in York to screen motion pictures in the early 20th century. In 1958, entrepreneur Ernest Shepherd removed the stage and Stalls to allow activities such as roller skating and bingo. In 1987, a restoration saw it revert to its original use as a theatre with carefully chosen Art Nouveau décor that reflects the theatre’s early years.

The Grand Opera House opened under its current name in 1989, although financial problems eventually saw it close until 1993. Since 2009 the theatre has enjoyed better fortune; it was acquired by the Ambassador Theatre Group and now hosts a variety of events including top touring musicals, plays and tribute acts in its intimate, 1,000-capacity house.

Frequently Asked Questions

The box office is open from 12pm - 5.30pm Monday - Saturday. On performance days, the box office remains open until the start of a show for ticket collection and same-day purchases.
The theatre is open up to 90 minutes before the first performance of the day begins. Patrons can usually take their seats in the auditorium 30 minutes before curtain up. The lavish interior is pleasant and impressive, so it is worth arriving early to enjoy the atmosphere before your show.
There are multiple bars throughout the venue, on the Stalls, Dress Circle and Grand Circle levels as well as in the main Foyer. These offer a range of wines, beers, spirits, soft-drinks, crisps, sweets and other snacks.
Zaap Thai Street Food is six minutes’ walk from the venue, with a varied menu including dim sum, bao buns and curries. If you prefer a relaxed pub setting for a pre-show meal, The Hop on Fossgate serves woodfired pizzas and Ossett Brewery ales alongside weekly acoustic music sets.
York is home to a variety of luxury and boutique hotels in period buildings, such as The Principal, which boasts Victorian-era features and beautiful landscaped gardens. For those on mid-range or smaller budget, Hotel 53 and Holiday Inn City Centre both provide comfortable rooms close to the theatre.
The box office team can be contacted by phone for all booking queries on 0333 009 6690.

Past Shows At Grand Opera House York

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