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The Carriageworks, Leeds
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Leeds' Millennium Square, The Carriageworks Theatre stands as a beacon of cultural dynamism. This modern venue, housed within the historic Electric Press building, serves as a nexus for diverse artistic expressions, welcoming patrons to enjoy a rich tapestry of theatre, film, and family events.
Since its transformative reopening in 2005, The Carriageworks has become a cherished part of the city’s cultural landscape. Originally built in 1848 as the West Riding Carriage Manufactory, the building’s architectural heritage has been preserved as a Grade II Listed structure, now repurposed to foster creativity and community engagement.
With a capacity of 349, the Main Auditorium is the pulsating heart of the venue, hosting a variety of performances that span imaginative new plays, music events, and comedy shows, alongside captivating adaptations of popular tales. The Studio, an intimate space with 77 seats, offers a unique setting for experiencing cutting-edge theatre, emerging comedic talents, and intimate musical gigs.
The Carriageworks serves as the main hub for the Leeds Civic Arts Guild and the Carriageworks Young Theatre Makers (CYTM), led by artistic director Ruth Cooper. CYTM, comprising talented youths aged 11-19, stages six original productions each year, highlighting the theatre's dedication to developing young talent. Additionally, the venue hosts major arts and cultural events in Leeds, such as the Leeds Young Film Festival, INDIs Film Festival, Leeds Lit Festival, and the annual pantomime, alongside partnering with the Leeds in Motion street festival during the AJ Bell World Triathlon Leeds celebrations.
The Carriageworks Theatre not only honors its legacy through its name—derived from its origins as a carriage manufacturer—but also through its ongoing mission to provide a platform where the old meets new, creativity flourishes, and the community comes together to celebrate the arts.
Since its transformative reopening in 2005, The Carriageworks has become a cherished part of the city’s cultural landscape. Originally built in 1848 as the West Riding Carriage Manufactory, the building’s architectural heritage has been preserved as a Grade II Listed structure, now repurposed to foster creativity and community engagement.
With a capacity of 349, the Main Auditorium is the pulsating heart of the venue, hosting a variety of performances that span imaginative new plays, music events, and comedy shows, alongside captivating adaptations of popular tales. The Studio, an intimate space with 77 seats, offers a unique setting for experiencing cutting-edge theatre, emerging comedic talents, and intimate musical gigs.
The Carriageworks serves as the main hub for the Leeds Civic Arts Guild and the Carriageworks Young Theatre Makers (CYTM), led by artistic director Ruth Cooper. CYTM, comprising talented youths aged 11-19, stages six original productions each year, highlighting the theatre's dedication to developing young talent. Additionally, the venue hosts major arts and cultural events in Leeds, such as the Leeds Young Film Festival, INDIs Film Festival, Leeds Lit Festival, and the annual pantomime, alongside partnering with the Leeds in Motion street festival during the AJ Bell World Triathlon Leeds celebrations.
The Carriageworks Theatre not only honors its legacy through its name—derived from its origins as a carriage manufacturer—but also through its ongoing mission to provide a platform where the old meets new, creativity flourishes, and the community comes together to celebrate the arts.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Leeds. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
The Carriageworks on Map
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Sight Name: The Carriageworks
Sight Location: Leeds, England (See walking tours in Leeds)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Leeds, England (See walking tours in Leeds)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
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