In Conversation With... Frank Burkitt
The programme at City Varieties Music Hall is a monolith of music, comedy and more, boasting over 200 shows a year. Behind all of it sits our Programmer – Frank Burkitt, whose job it is to research, schedule and liaise with the acts. We decided it was about time we sat down with Frank to hear about finding shows, finessing timetables, and folk music.
Written by Frank Burkitt
Describe a day in the life of a Programmer.
It is incredibly varied, and I am lucky enough to meet a large number of people from day to day. I could meet someone creating a new show on the Monday, and a promoter who is touring an established show on the Tuesday. Both require different approaches. I have an incredibly busy inbox too, as City Varieties Music Hall is such a popular and well-known venue that keeping up with enquiries to perform there is a constant task. But some of the requests that come in, or projects that I seek to develop, are incredibly exciting!
What has been the highlight (to date) of your time at Leeds Heritage Theatres?
Working with likeminded people that are incredibly supportive has been a massive highlight. Helping to programme and create Explore, our first family festival across all three venues, was another specific achievement that gave me a huge amount of pride. Also, forming new relationships with some incredible creatives and producers.
What is the most challenging thing about your role?
There aren’t enough hours in the day some weeks, and the sheer volume of different things in your head can sometimes feel overwhelming. But good organisation, remembering that I am only human, and supportive colleagues really help with that. Also, fitting all the shows I would like into The Varieties’ calendar year can be incredibly difficult, and you end up missing out on some fantastic artists. However, that is inevitable as you’ll never be able to programme everything.
Frank accepting the Aotearoa Music Award for Best Folk Artist of the Year 2019
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about working in a similar role?
Always have an open mind and talk to as many creatives, show-makers, and visionaries as you can. Try and see things from both sides, too (venues, and promoters/artists). Also, understand your audience and try to create a vibrant identity for your programme.
Frank’s favourite things
Favourite story about our venues?
There are so many great stories but I’ve always liked that, in 1899, The Varieties hosted The Clog Dancing Championship of the World.
(Editor’s note: Leeds actually has a history with The Clog Dancing Championship of the World. As well as The Varieties hosting in 1899, which was won by Harvey of Dublin, the 1890 championship took place at Princess Palace Theatre. The Princess Palace, previously The Hippodrome, was one of the venues that Leeds has lost to time. It was demolished in 1967 to make space for a garment works, and stood on the site that became the now also demolished Core shopping centre. The 1890 Clog Dancing Championship of the World actually took place at almost exactly this time, 136 years ago, running from May 17th to May 22nd.)
The Frank Burkitt Band in Wellington
Favourite show/act/film you have seen at one of our venues?
Shock Horror by Thunder Road Theatre Company. Fantastic puppetry, and it suited the space perfectly. Also Testament and Matthew Bourne’s William Blake Remixed with Corinne Bailey Rae was incredible.
Outside of LHT, you’re a part of the folk scene – how did you discover folk? What made you want to get involved in music?
I have always written songs on guitar since the age of about 11. It was what I did rather than learn covers, and I am a bit of a show-off, so I loved performing my own creations to audiences. I learned a lot about Americana and Scottish folk music in the pubs of Edinburgh, where I lived for over a decade.
Frank with the team at Todmorden Folk Festival 2026
After releasing five albums and two EPs, touring across the world, I now find myself promoting and putting on gigs for others – both for established acts, and emerging artists. I somehow ended up curating the line-up for Todmorden Folk Festival (where I now live) and I work with a fantastically committed group of volunteers to make that happen every May. It is now a fixture in the town’s calendar and a beautiful, community-centred event that gives me a lot of joy to make happen.
What’s a dream day off for Frank?
Fishing, cricket, and some slow pints in a cosy old pub with an incredible folk session.
The Frank Burkitt Band
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