Leeds Children's Theatre
Producing quality drama for children of all ages since 1935
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We have enjoyed facilities at a number of locations in Leeds over the years.

Many of our members will remember the variety of places we have worked over the years, some fondly and others we might prefer to forget. The society has rehearsed, built & stored scenery, props & costumes and performed in places as diverse as Stansfeld Chambers, 43 & 43a Cookridge Street, a disused swimming bath, old people's homes, local YWCA halls, Leeds Town Hall, libraries, church halls and of course two premier theatres in the centre of Leeds.

Civic Theatre,
Leeds
(more about it's history)

In May 2005 Leeds Children's Theatre's production of PETER PAN was the last ever performance staged at the Leeds Civic Theatre.
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For the majority of our first 70 years we were based at the Leeds Civic Theatre but 2005 was a year of huge change for us, with the closure of this much loved theatre on 7 May.  We, along with many other individuals and societies who used the Civic Theatre, campaigned against this closure and the local council agreed that this theatre based community was worth saving.  Alternative accommodation was provided and our new base, the Carriageworks Theatre, now offers our members and audiences a modern purpose built and accessible venue. 

Staircase from stage to flyfloor
Scenic workshop in the crypt
view from stage
The auditorium ceiling
view across from OP side
Did you know the Civic Theatre underwent an extensive £70,000 refurbishment programme in 1983? more 
More about this listed building here

Carriageworks Theatre, Leeds

​In November 2005 Leeds Children's Theatre's production of David Wood's THE IDEAL GNOME EXPEDITION was the first to be staged at the newly opened Carriageworks Theatre. 
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Sadly two of our oldest supporters and longstanding members, Edna Barwell and Bill Fawcett, both passed away in 2005 and never got a chance to see the Carriageworks Theatre completed. Later, at the theatre's official opening by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, in May 2006, two memorial plaques were revealed in memory of Edna and Bill. 


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"The aim of Leeds Children's Theatre is to produce plays suitable for children,
​the players to be either children or adults or both, as is necessary for the production"
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This was drawn into the constitution in April 1937 and it remains the aim of Leeds Children's Theatre today ​

​© 2022 Leeds Children's Theatre (updated 4 May 2022)