Grand Opera House York
The Grand Opera House in York opened its doors to the public in 1902 and has been entertaining audiences ever since.
Theatre lovers have been visiting the Grand Opera House for over a hundred years, and the theatre has become a respected establishment in the performance field.
Grand Opera House History
The Grand Opera House in York was not originally built as a theatre; there were two buildings standing side by side, a warehouse and a corn exchange. In 1901 the architect J. P. Briggs of London was given £24,000 to convert the two buildings into one theatre, and after three months of work The Grand Theatre and Opera House was completed.
First opening its doors on the 20th January 1902, the debut performance was the pantomime Little Red Riding Hood which starred Florrie Forde.
In 1916 the name of the Opera House was changed to the Empire Theatre and continued hosting shows until 1958, when the building was bought and changed for the use of roller skating, bingo and wrestling under the name S.S.Empire.
In 1985 the gambling and wrestling company ceased trading and the Grand Opera House closed.
In 1987 the building was purchased and renovated back to its previous glory in the Art Nouveau style of 1909, and in 1989 it opened its doors again as The Grand Opera House.
This time around the theatre was showing classic productions and performances such as Macbeth, but in 1991 mounting debts became too much and the building closed without warning to lay empty once again.
In 1993 the Grand Opera House reopened its doors and has been hosting a varied number of performances ever since, from serious theatrical shows to musicals and comedy stand-up.
How To Find the Grand Opera House in York
By Train: the Grand Opera House is a ten minute walk from the railway station. Turn right up Station Avenue, then up Rougier Street (walking past the bus station) and continue to the end then turn left onto Micklegate.
Walk up Micklegate as it turns into Bridge Street and Low Ousegate. As you walk up Low Ouse it will make a sharp turn to the right and turn into Nesgate, this then continues into Clifford Street where the Grand Opera House York is on your right.
By Car: follow the signs into the city for Clifford’s Tower and St George’s Field, either one of these car parks is only a short walk from the theatre.
Address:
Grand Opera House York
Clifford Street
City Centre
York
YO1 9RD
Tel: 01904 671 818