I've spent 35 years behind the scenes at 'spectacular' Leeds Grand Theatre

As part of the Yorkshire Evening Post's new Heritage Heroes series we're recognising those who are keeping the city's stories alive for future generations.

- by Nina Swift

Alan Dawson who works at Leeds Grand and City Varieties Theatres.

Today we speak to Alan Dawson, the man who keeps Leeds Grand and City Varieties theatres in the spotlight long after the applause fades.At 4am, long after the applause has faded and the stage has been cleared, Alan Dawson pauses on the floor of Leeds Grand Theatre.

"You'd be literally sweeping up and just turn around and look at that auditorium," he said. "It's just spectacular. I really feel when I'm in this venue that it really envelops you. It almost holds you."

Alan has earned the right to those moments. He has worked at Leeds Grand since 1989 and now serves as Head of Technical and Properties for Leeds Heritage Theatres, overseeing both the Grand and City Varieties Music Hall.

Over more than 30 years, there are few places backstage, or beneath it, that he hasn't explored.

His career began on the operational side, as a stage manager, deeply embedded in the rhythms of touring shows, installing productions and clearing them away again. Moving into senior leadership meant trading some of that immediacy for responsibility - a shift he didn't take lightly.