Young audiences at the heart of new Leeds opera

Combining new dance choreography with opera singing brings a contemporary atmosphere to the classic theatre.

The fresh retelling of Susanna opened to applause earlier this month at the Grand Theatre in Leeds, and will be running in the city until 22 October.

The show was directed by Skyarts award winner Olivia Fuchs, who says that all young people could love opera if they just “give it a go.”

She said: “It’s for everybody, sometimes going into an opera house, it might feel intimidating but it’s also exciting, it’s an experience.”

Source: Macy Wright | All Rights Reserved

As part of their mission to make opera more accessible, Opera North offers a free membership to under-30s where they can access discounted tickets, and free dress rehearsals.

If they are lucky, members can even access free tickets to certain shows.

The group hope that this scheme will encourage younger people who are conscious about costs to attend live theatre.

LeedsNow asked young adults in Leeds City Centre about their views towards live theatre, and many responded that it seems too expensive.

One man said, “I don’t know the exact price, but it seems like something which would be too much.”

It’s not just watching performing arts that costs too much, young theatrical hopefuls also say the process is far too expensive.

Twenty-year-old Maria Zureiqi was a finalist in West End Calling, a competition for up-and-coming young stars in UK theatre.

Over the past few years, Zureiqi has been relying on fundraising and grants to pay for auditions and schooling.

“It goes right back to the beginning with money and theatre,” she said, “bursaries have helped me so much.

“The beginning needs to be Saturday schools and summer courses, but all of them are so expensive, not everyone can do it.”