Two major summer shows at City Varieties to see Leeds' next generation of stars take to the stage

The footlights of the historic City Varieties Music Hall this summer won’t just be shining on touring professionals, but on a more vital group: the next generation of Leeds talent.

While the summer shows - a bold adaptation of Medea and the Disney classic Beauty and the Beast - are the finish line, the true story is the journey these young people have taken to get there.

For the members of Leeds Actors in Training (LAIT) and Leeds Grand Youth Theatre (LGYT), the stage is a place to find their voice, their community, and, for some, their future career.

For the older ensemble at LAIT, the summer production of Medea is a high-stakes moment; as "actors in training," working at a vocational level that demands professional discipline.

The production itself reflects their maturity. By splitting the role of Medea between four different performers, the show allows these young women to explore complex, difficult questions about power and anger.

Artistic Director Lizi Patch notes that the focus is on the performers as "complex women driven to the brink." For this age group, it’s about the transition from being a "theatre kid" to becoming a versatile, industry-ready artist capable of tackling one of the most brutal tragedies in history.

Further down the age scale at LGYT, the focus shifts from vocational training to the life-changing power of belonging.

As one member put it: "I have been at LGYT longer than I haven’t been, so it’s become fully integrated into my routine. I just love the performance and everyone’s company."

When they take to the stage for Beauty and the Beast (July 23–26), the audience will see the "tale as old as time," but the performers will be experiencing something new: the collective achievement of a year’s worth of growth.

From mastering Howard Ashman’s iconic lyrics to building the empathy needed to tell Belle’s story, the show is a vehicle for building confidence that will last long after the final curtain.

For Rachel Lythe, Head of Learning at Leeds Heritage Theatres, the goal is to provide a "pathway" for every young person in Leeds, regardless of where they want to end up.

"It’s vital that we provide inclusive training pathways to support the next generation of creatives," Rachel explains.

"Whether they go on to tread the boards or work behind the scenes, it’s a delight to see their skills, confidence, and sense of community come together on the stage."

When are Medea and Beauty and The Beast performing at City Varieties this summer?

The season begins with a one-night-only performance of Medea on June 26, showcasing the work of the 18–25-year-old vocational group.

Following this, the younger youth theatre members take over the City Varieties stage for a four-day run of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast from July 23 to July 26, with various showtimes available for family audiences.

Tickets for both shows are available through the Leeds Heritage Theatres box office and the official City Varieties website.