Panto magic as vintage Leeds Town Hall chandelier gets new lease of light

Now the historic chandelier has been repurposed for the Carriageworks Theatre’s spectacular production of classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, taking centre stage on last week's opening night.

Carriageworks technical manager Steve Greenwood has been busy breathing new life into the elegant light fitting, polishing up its elaborate ornamental brass and using all the tricks of the trade to ensure it looks its brilliant best.

Although its age means it can no longer be powered by electricity, by carefully affixing a disco ball to the centre of the chandelier, stage lights can be reflected through its bulbs and around the theatre’s auditorium.

Vines and roses have also been draped from the chandelier, in keeping with the décor of The Beast’s castle, making it a central feature of the fantastic panto, which opened on November 22.

Steve said: “It’s been a real challenge getting the chandelier ready to be on stage and making sure it’s looking its best for the audience during panto season.

“But it’s also been really rewarding to restore a bit of the city’s music history and to be giving it such an unusual new lease of life.

“Thinking of all the stars it’s seen over the years is incredible, and it’s definitely going to add a bit of something extra special to the set.”

Originally hanging in Victoria Hall at Leeds Town Hall in the 1960s, the chandelier was removed in the late 1990s to make room for a new acoustic canopy.

As well as hanging above concerts by The Rolling Stones in 1963, Elton John in 1971 and Queen in 1973, other artists who performed under its lights have included Pink Floyd in 1969 and Led Zepplin in 1970.

This year stars on stage for Beauty and the Beast will include Leeds favourite and panto veteran, Jez Edwards, returning for his 15th Carriageworks panto as the hilarious Philippe Philoppe.

Jez will share the stage with his wife, Gemma Edwards, who plays the villainous Mauvaise. The couple first met on the Carriageworks stage 15 years ago in Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.

This year’s production also stars real-life couple Kristel Herrera and Joshua Mumby as Belle and The Beast.

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “The Carriageworks Theatre's panto has become a cherished Leeds tradition and a big part of Christmas for families in Leeds, bringing together people of all ages to experience the joy of live theatre.

“It’s wonderful that this year, Beauty and the Beast will be enriched by a special piece of our city’s history and I’m sure audiences will enjoy a truly extraordinary performance.”

Beauty and the Beast is running at the Carriageworks Theatre until January 5, 2025.

For tickets and more information, visit www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk

ENDS