Our magical MUSIC HALLS

A mainstay of Victorian entertainment, discover the venues that are still going strong

- ZACHARY SWEENEY-LYNCH

For ordinary people in Victorian Britain, nothing matched the glitz and glamour of a night at the music hall. In smog-filled towns across the land, revellers rejoiced at boisterous nights of song, theatre and dance.

Stars like Marie Lloyd and Dan Leno regaled the crowds with their comic performances and renditions of popular songs, as audiences sang along and cheered their favourite performers.

Music halls fell into decline as cinemas and variety shows took their place, but a few magical spots are preserving the spirit of years gone by.

City Varieties Music Hall, Leeds

From Harry Houdini to Russell Crowe, entertainment’s biggest stars of past and present have graced the hallowed stage of City Varieties Music Hall in Leeds. With its ornate gold-leafed balcony and elegant velvet seats, it was a luxe-look venue. From 1953 to 1983, it hosted the BBC variety show The Good Old Days, a recreation of an old-time music hall, and remains a thriving cultural hub.

Tours and shows can be booked at leedsheritagetheatres.com