With a new generation of university students hitting the streets of Leeds for the first time, we have been looking more at what we can do to open our doors to under 30s. From discounts to exclusive events, here’s a round-up of what’s new with us!
Written by Aaron Cawood
Our Under 30s membership
Earlier this year, we launched our brand new Under 30s membership. For ages 18-29. It’s a free membership option that gives bookers exclusive access to discounted tickets at Leeds Grand Theatre and City Varieties Music Hall.
And it couldn’t be simpler; all our Under 30s members have to do is book a seat on the day of a performance. Like rush tickets on the West End, members are able to snag price band B and below tickets on the day of the show for £20*.
Whether it’s a smash-hit musical or an award-winning play, the discount applies to all eligible productions at The Grand and The Varieties. And if that wasn’t enough, the membership also allows our members to book £13 tickets to National Theatre Live screenings at The Varieties too!
Signing up is as easy as filling out the form and providing proof of ID! It’s a completely free membership, and we couldn’t be prouder to have developed and launched this offer to make theatre more accessible to under 30s audiences who might not otherwise feel that they have the opportunity to visit us.
So, with our sights set on bringing the under 30s of Leeds into our venues, the only question left was what we could do to shout about it…
Find out more on our Memberships page.
*£22 from 2025.
Finding the freshers
Learning and Engagement Officer Imogen at University of Leeds' Culture at Leeds fair.
As part of our campaign, we took to the streets to attend freshers fairs across the city. From Leeds Conservatoire to Belgrave Music Hall and beyond, we teamed up with our Learning and Engagement team as well as Hyde Park Picture House to celebrate all of the work we’re doing at LHT and to share it with the city’s newest batch of students.
And beyond our Under 30s membership, we have a lot to offer to the students of Leeds!
Whether it’s Leeds Actors in Training, our year-long studio-based vocational programme for young people aged 18-25 that will be once again open for applications in summer 2025, or Hyde Park Picture House’s 15-25 membership for £6 cinema tickets, there’s no shortage of opportunities for students across the city to get involved in what we’re doing.
We believe that the arts and culture have the power to change lives, improve well-being, and remind all of us of what connects us as humans. At a time when engaging with the arts can feel like a luxury, we feel strongly about keeping the barriers of entry as low as possible, to provide opportunities across the board for any type of audience member.
And it doesn’t end at ticket discounts. We don’t want to spoil the second act, but it’s safe to say that Under 30s members should keep their eyes peeled for our first exclusive pre-show event that will truly be larger than life…
What will you come to next?
No matter your taste, there’s something for everyone. I caught up with the Under 30s team, and here are our picks for the best ways to use your Under 30s membership!
Aaron’s picks
Sarah’s picks
Paul’s picks
At City Varieties Music Hall: Ginger Johnson Blows Off
This show in three words: Fabulous, glamour, camp.
Henry’s picks
At City Varieties Music Hall: Most Haunted
This show in three words: Spooky, scary, skeletons.
If you’re taking advantage of Hyde Park Picture House’s 15-25 membership, don’t miss their upcoming screenings, from chilling horror-drama The Substance to inimitable modern classic Twilight.
