Opera North, Howard Opera Centre image

Opera North, Howard Opera Centre

Opera house Opera company

👍👍 Went to see Rigoletto. Brilliant production in every way. Imaginatively staged, colourful and exciting, modern without being over the top or distracting from the story. Wonderful singing, especially from the leads and a great cameo from the incredible Sir Willard White. Never heard him live before,... People often mention production, orchestra, performance,


Address

8 Harrison St, Leeds LS1 6PA, United Kingdom

Website

www.operanorth.co.uk

Contact

+44 113 243 9999

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (357 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 10 am to 6 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 6 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am to 6 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 6 pm
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 10 am to 6 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: production (8) orchestra (6) performance (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Nikki M. 4 years ago on Google • 63 reviews
    Staff were rude behind the bar but that's just standard... other staff were friendly, toilets had no toilet paper and dirty, drinks over priced... grease was amazing, absolutely loved it... not my favourite theatre but always good performances

  • 5/5 Tony M. 2 years ago on Google • 13 reviews
    I have attended numerous operas and ballets at Leeds Grand Theatre and have rarely ever been disappointed. My main criticism is that modern settings sometimes don't quite get across the historical ethos of the opera. This is more often down to choices of costumes and occasionally the scenery. I find that it seems to detract from authenticity of the opera. On the positive side, however, there are always outstanding performances by individual singers and the unfailing support of the chorus. But I feel that I should give special mention to the Opera North orchestra. They are, in my opinion, utterly world class. I've never found any fault in their superb delivery. I attended a performance of Alcina last night and you would have thought an authentic Baroque orchestra was playing with the harpsichord continuo. Congratulations on the magnificent orchestration on this occasion. I must mention that my recent experience of Rigoletto was also one of the best I've seen, but with Verdi, the Opera North orchestra and an excellent cast and chorus, it was never going to fail to deliver. Carmen to come on Friday. I look forward to being thoroughly entertained once again.

  • 5/5 Andrea K. 4 years ago on Google • 13 reviews
    Although not new to opera, this was our first live performance...and it was magical. The performance on stage was accessible, charismatic and beautiful, the music from the talented orchestra sublime. We are now officially hooked, and hope we can experience more live opera in the ornate and splendid Leeds Grand. 5 stars with no hesitation.

  • 5/5 MJ E. 7 months ago on Google • 7 reviews
    I've been going for years and it's great to see that the quality (singing, costumes and stress) and diversity of the performances remains excellent. Often world class. Recent highlights have been Parsifal, Tosca and Ariadne auf Naxos. A northern gem!

  • 5/5 Margaret H. 6 months ago on Google • 5 reviews
    So well sung. What fun. Fantastic costumes. Great fun.

  • 5/5 Clare K. 2 years ago on Google • 4 reviews
    Fantastic production. The music itself was enchanting - there were slow meditative moments where you heard the instruments individually - just beautiful - the audience was rapt, we all fell under the spell, as we were drawn deeper and deeper into the dark heart of the enchanted island.

  • 5/5 Caroline G. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely stunning!! Carmen was the most fabulous experience. Amazing set. Amazing performances. Would go back again tonight if I could! Worth driving through Storm Eunice for!!!

  • 5/5 Prudence N. 2 years ago on Google
    I had read a critical negative review beforehand so am pleased to say they were entirely wrong. The whole production was wonderful from cast to wardrobe from musical direction to interpretation. Loved it all.

  • 5/5 shuttleworth1978 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent production. Staging was just right with colour and design. Lead and chorus sounded beautiful. Orchestra was a wonderful accompaniment. All in all, wonderful

  • 5/5 Susan S. 2 years ago on Google
    The place itself is very beautiful and so grand, it's just a pity that the show that we went to see, was so amateurish it felt as though it had been done by a load of school children. It was a shame as bedknods and broomsticks is one of mine and my daughters all time musicals.

  • 5/5 Nigel J. 1 year ago on Google
    We have seen dozens of Opera North productions over the past 30 years, many of which have been outstanding. Joining this group has to be the new "Orpheus" - the most moving and beautiful work.

  • 5/5 Phil S. 2 years ago on Google • 1 review
    Went to see Rigoletto. Brilliant production in every way. Imaginatively staged, colourful and exciting, modern without being over the top or distracting from the story. Wonderful singing, especially from the leads and a great cameo from the incredible Sir Willard White. Never heard him live before, wow, what a voice, what emotion, what power. I've been to quite a number of operas now and this was unforgettable. I must go and see this production again before it ends. Go see it too.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hazel K. 2 years ago on Google • 2 reviews
    I went to see the ON production of Carmen last night. It was stunning in every way- a real treat for the senses. I loved the camp, zany take on Bizet’s original and thought the line dancing sequence inspired! How the soloists were able to sing and be so athletic I have no idea. I haven’t been able to stop the music going around my head since. An amazing production that I think everyone should see.

  • 5/5 Amanda D. 1 year ago on Google • 2 reviews
    Really enjoyed A Little Night Music. Everything was perfect: the venue (Quarry theatre, Leeds Playhouse), the seats (only 14 pounds) but especially the songs, the story and the live orchestra. I took my 16 year old daughter to a Thursday matinee performance - I'm not a fan of travelling into and out of Leeds at night. She thoroughly enjoyed it too despite being part of the tik tok generation! See it if you can!

  • 5/5 Mary H. 4 years ago on Google • 1 review
    Wonderful performance of Street Scene last night. This opera was brought dazzlingly alight by the orchestration and the amazing performance of the orchestra. The direction and choreography were fantastic and all of the large cast were marvellous, creating characters who were totally believable. A stunning and memorable production.


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