The City Varieties Music Hall, established in 1865, is one of the oldest and most iconic entertainment venues in the UK. In the 19th Century it became famous for it’s variety shows which included Comedy, Singing, Dancing and Acrobatics. Towards the end of the 19th Century and into the 20th, City Varieties thrived as part of the British Music Hall tradition, with performances from some of the most famous performers of the time, including Marie Lloyd, Harry Lauder and Dan Leno.

Sadly, like most other Music Halls, it suffered a decline after World War II as Cinema, TV and other forms of entertainment began to dominate. In the 1950s the building was in danger of demolition due to Urban Redevelopment Plans, however a campaign by local residents and supporters saved City Varieties from demolition and it was restored and reopened, preserving it’s historic character. The venue was then given a massive boost with the popularity of the BBC Series of  ‘The Good Old Days‘, which recreated the atmosphere of a Traditional Music Hall with audiences dressing in period costume, a programme that was produced and directed by Barney Colehan, a local lad from Pudsey, for the 30 year duration of the Show.

After a restoration between 2009 and 2011, the Music Hall  underwent a major restoration project to preserve it’s historic features while modernising it’s facilities. Today the City Varieties continues to host a wide range of performances including Comedy, Music, Theatre and Pantomimes, a beloved venue for local audiences and touring acts. It is a Grade II listed building.

On 1st March, ‘Call me Dusty’ is a ‘Play with Music’, telling the story of Mary O’Brien, the shy Convent Girl who went on to become Dusty Springfield, who led a tortured life, yet produced some of the finest music of that era.