In Conversation with... Innocent Igiehon: News Views Stories: Leeds Heritage Theatres

Innocent wears a cap and red apron with a name tag, alongside two other men smiling at the camera.

Wednesday 29 Apr 2026

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In theatre, there are many hidden roles that work to make sure the magic can happen – and one of the most crucial is the team at Stage Door. We sat down with Stage Door Receptionist and all-round LHT legend Innocent, to talk about a day in the life – and all the good work he gets up to outside the theatre.

Written by Innocent Igiehon. Edited by Ben Fletcher

What is your relationship to Leeds Heritage Theatres?

My name is Innocent, I am a Stage Door Receptionist and I have been doing this job since the end of 2025. I enjoy it here at Leeds Heritage Theatres! I have also worked Front of House security since 2015, before I worked here at Stage Door.

What does a day in your role look like?

They are busy days. At the start of it, we have lots of people coming in, signing in and going to do their various roles – and at the end of the day, people start leaving to go home. This is when it gets busy and interesting. I see a lot of people, and you have to be very welcoming. I welcome everybody – and keep it safe.

Innocent holding a transparent trophy in a gown and hat, alongside a man in a white shirt and hat, presenting the award. — Innocent Igiehon. Credit South Leeds Life.

What would you be doing if not in your current role?

I’ve got a lot of hobbies. I run a community centre where I provide food to less privileged people in the community, particularly people struggling with the cost of living crisis. I’m passionate about this. We have two locations here in Leeds, such as my office at Richmond Hill. It’s a space where people can call or meet me, and where I can support them, often in the form of food parcels.

Also, at Involve in Hunslet, for one hour a week we get people together and sit down, have a cup of tea and talk about a range of subjects. Sometimes I invite guest speakers to talk about mental health and wellbeing, or others may offer support in terms of job applications. We also talk about health inequalities, with people who may not know how to access a GP, to educate them, or invite health practitioners to offer blood pressure readings and support.

I am also involved in politics. Before now, I was a councillor and represented workers, discussing workplace scenarios and issues.

What’s your favourite thing to do on your days off?

I respond to the community needs. When I’m in my office, people in the community know I’m around whenever they see my car outside! They will come and talk to me, share a cup of tea – or have some food. This is what I do when I’m not at work.

Why do you think this community work is so important?

It’s giving back to the community. I’ve grown up to realise that in every situation you find yourself there is inequality, and it’s important to bridge this gap. Some people may seem alright from the outside, but if you meet them and have a chat with them, you may see that they are not alright. I really want to give back to the community and bridge the inequality gap. The number one struggle that people in these communities have is hunger. Once issues like hunger are eliminated, life gets easier for people. People are happier.

What do you want Leeds to look like in the next 10 years?

I want Leeds to be a place of deep inclusivity. The people who come from all over the world, who have now settled and reside here, should have the opportunity to get involved in their society and community. I’m looking forward to seeing the youth in a good position, where parents are educated to look after their children so they can become good leaders in the future.

I also run a programme in my community where I mentor students from Africa who come here to study. I do bi-weekly meetings with them at my centre, where we do citizenship. We talk about many things. Sometimes – coming from Africa – they don’t understand the culture or the system here, and can get stressed about money matters, housing matters, working or paying school fees. Some of things I do is educate them, encourage them, provide them a basic knowledge for them to feel stable and prevent depression. I am someone to talk to.

I’m trying to do leadership roles in my community – I am standing as a candidate in the local elections, as I want to be a role model to other black people in our community. If I can make it, you can make it! I want to use the opportunity to educate and mentor them, to show if you work hard, you will get something good out of it.

A group of people stood posing in a gallery. — Innocent Igiehon at All Community Connect CIC's student support group. Credit unknown.

Innocent Igiehon

What is your favourite thing about Leeds?

The vibrancy of Leeds. When I arrived over 30 years ago, it was not as it is now. The city had lots of old buildings, and now there are many skyscrapers – Leeds has become a fast-growing city in the UK. With construction and job opportunities being created, it’s making life easier for people who want to live here.

I enjoy spending time in Beeston – where I have lived for 20 years. Since I moved to Beeston, I have never experienced anything negative, it’s been a very lovely place; I am the kind of person who gets to know all the neighbours!

Leeds has become home to a lot of us. I love Leeds. From my own experience, it’s a place where you can raise your child – I have raised my children here, the first went to the University of Leeds, the second to University of Hull, and the third in medical school.

Favourite venue?

I would have to say The Grand, as I know almost everybody! I love to meet and greet people, I love to socialise with a lot of different people. I get to know them, it’s one of the main reasons I do this job.