Guiseley Theatre
WHERE
Leeds
What it’s like
A proper old-school theatre for pantomime and family shows, with the rules of a building that's been standing for 156 years.
This is a working theatre putting on pantomime and family shows, not a soft play or an activity centre, so what your kids do here is sit, watch and (if it's panto season) shout at the baddie. Babies carried the whole time don't need a ticket, but any walking child does, even a toddler on your knee for half the show, because the theatre needs to account for everyone if there's an evacuation.
It's an old building, 156 years old by their own count, and it shows in the access. There are two steps up to the main entrance and stairs to the auditorium, though there's a chairlift up to the main seating area and ramped access to the stage door if you arrange it beforehand. There's no lift to the balcony, so if that matters to you it's worth sorting seats with that in mind rather than turning up and hoping.
Don't bank on bringing snacks in. Food and drink you've brought yourself isn't allowed, and neither are mobile phones, photography or recording, which they say they'll actually delete if they catch you at it. It's a bit strict compared to a cinema trip, but that's the trade-off for a proper theatre atmosphere rather than a phone-lit auditorium.
Booking goes through a separate ticket phone line rather than the theatre itself, and there's no box office number to ring directly, just an email address if you need to sort access needs or ask about a specific show. Tickets are non-refundable if your plans change, though they'll swap them for a gift certificate to use another time.
Facilities
Need to know
- Parking
- Free on-site opposite theatre in Leeds City Council Car Park
- Wheelchairs
- Ramped access to stage door by prior arrangement
- Dogs
- Guide dogs only. Other dogs prohibited
- No direct phone line to the theatre, booking and enquiries go through a separate ticket line or email
- Only guide dogs are allowed in, so leave the family dog at home
- Some shows run a no-latecomers policy, so check your specific show when booking
- Seating can be assigned or first-come-first-served depending on the event
Plan your visit
Do we need to book a ticket for our toddler?
If they're carried the whole visit, no. Once they're walking about and taking their own seat, they need a ticket like everyone else.
Is there parking nearby?
Yes, free parking opposite the theatre in the council car park, with retail parks nearby if that fills up.
What if my child needs a wheelchair or has access needs?
There's a chairlift up to the main auditorium and ramped access to the stage door if you arrange it in advance by email. There's no lift to the balcony though, so flag it when you book if that's an issue.
Can we get a refund if we can't make it?
Not a cash refund, they only do that if the show itself is cancelled. You can swap for a gift certificate instead, valid for 12 months.
Can we bring snacks or take photos during the show?
Your own food and drink isn't allowed in, and neither is photography or recording. They say confiscated recordings may be destroyed, so leave the phone in your bag.
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