As the works at Leeds Grand Theatre continue, those of us still coming into the building have been reflecting on how even the seemingly mundane parts of our beloved theatre hold a plethora of historical significance and even the stairs can tell us so much about society in the 1800s.
By Stairah Jewers
Theatres Act 1843
The Theatres Act of 1843 allowed the Lord Chamberlain to grant a theatre license to any suitable person. Not only did this lead to an increase in the building of new theatres, but magistrates were also able to grant public houses licenses to offer entertainment. This led to the popularisation of music halls, particularly amongst the working class. To bring ‘respectability’ back to theatre-going, theatre building became a specialist architectural discipline and theatres were specifically designed to make theatre-going acceptable to the middle classes.
It was important to these architects to design theatres in a way that separated the classes, to keep the working class, who were perceived as disruptive, away from the upper class, including on staircases.
Outside The Grand. Credit: Sarah Jewers
Life of luxury
If you walk into the entrance of Leeds Grand Theatre, you’ll be met with two impressive staircases leading up to the Dress Circle and on to the Upper Circle. They’re wide, have rich carpets and feel luxurious. When the theatre originally opened in 1878, these staircases would have been for the rich patrons. They were wide so that ladies in large circle dresses could pass each other with ease on the staircases and would mean no one ended up in a heap of dresses at the bottom. In an age where theatres were burning down, particularly in Leeds, these wide staircases would mean patrons could escape the theatre if necessary, avoiding any crushes.
This was summed up perfectly by Leeds Grand Theatre’s first General Manager, Wilson Barret:
Looking down to the entrance to the Dress Circle. Credit: Sarah Jewers.
“If the stage were engulfed in fire, every gentleman would have time to light his cigar comfortably, give his arm to his lady love, and saunter pleasantly out of the building.”
These wide staircases stop at the Upper Circle, so what about the patrons needing to get to the Balcony?
To the balconies
Up to the balconies. Credit: Sarah Jewers.
For the audience members who were not from riches, they would watch shows from the balconies and would not be able to use the red-carpeted staircases used by the upper classes. Instead, they would collect their tickets from an underground box office and then head up narrow staircases up to the balconies. These staircases never intercepted with the stairs to the Stalls, the Dress Circle and the Upper Circle, keeping the classes firmly divided. Even if those with tickets in the balconies wished to upgrade their tickets, there was a separate kiosk up near the balconies so they could still upgrade without needing to use the main stairs.
But if some stairs were designed in a way that reduced risk during emergencies, weren’t these smaller stairs a huge health and safety nightmare I hear you ask? Well in short, yes. In Victorian society, very little consideration was given to the safety of the lower classes, and in theatre design, there was no exception. Whilst the wealthy could escape the building without being crushed, it is unlikely that those in the balconies would be so lucky.
Sarah vs stairs
Thankfully, modern technology brought us lifts meaning everyone can enjoy our theatre, no matter their mobility needs. We also welcome all our patrons through our front entrance and there’s nothing quite like the bustle in our corridors before our shows with everyone mingling, whether they’re sat close to the action or are going to enjoy the spectacle from above in our balconies.
However, here in the Communications team, we’re tucked away on the sixth floor and come in through Stage Door. When there isn’t a matinee or during this period of closure, we use the front of house lift to our desks – but if we took the longer approach, what does that look like?
Number of stairs: 105 (plus 6 going down into front of house)
Time taken: 2 mins 24 secs
We probably can’t produce an accurate number of people who have walked our stairs. We also probably can’t count the number of steps in Leeds Grand Theatre. What we can do is count ourselves lucky that when we go inside history stands with us, every step of the way.
A close up of the luxurious carpet in Leeds Grand Theatre. Credit: Sarah Jewers
Up to Shakespeare. Credit: Sarah Jewers
Leeds Grand Theatre Buildings Fund
As a Grade II listed building, we want to preserve Leeds Grand Theatre for future generations, making it more accessible, sustainable, and comfortable; everything we do will enhance your experience as a customer. All donations will be fully invested in ongoing projects, including improved access facilities, changing our lighting to LED, and investing in a new Flying system.
