A vintage chandelier from Leeds Town Hall, which has illuminated legendary performances since the 1960s, has been beautifully restored and repurposed for the Carriageworks Theatre’s festive panto production of “Beauty and the Beast.” This stunning piece not only enhances the theatre’s magical atmosphere but also serves as a bridge between Leeds’ rich musical heritage and contemporary storytelling, creating a unique experience for audiences until January 5, 2025.
What is the significance of the vintage chandelier at the Carriageworks Theatre in Leeds?
The vintage chandelier from Leeds Town Hall, a fixture that witnessed iconic performances since the 1960s, has been repurposed for the Carriageworks Theatre’s panto productions, symbolizing the city’s dedication to heritage. Meticulously refurbished, it enhances the theatre’s magical atmosphere, merging historical legacy with modern storytelling in the “Beauty and the Beast” panto.
A Glimmering Heritage Restored
The Carriageworks Theatre in Leeds has become the new home for a piece of the city’s illustrious history. A vintage chandelier, revered for its role in lighting up the stage for some of the world’s most famous music acts, has now taken up residence in the theatre. This ornate fixture, which presided over events at Leeds Town Hall for over three decades, has been given a new purpose, enhancing the magical atmosphere of the theatre’s festive panto productions.
The chandelier’s presence at Leeds Town Hall dates back to the 1960s and was a silent witness to historic performances by legendary artists such as The Rolling Stones in 1963, Elton John in 1971, and Queen in 1973. Its tenure continued unabated until the late 1990s, when it was replaced to accommodate modern stage enhancements. Since then, this luminous piece of Leeds’ cultural fabric has awaited a new dawn, resting quietly in storage, its future uncertain—until now.
Leeds Town Hall’s decision to confer a new lease of life upon the chandelier has been met with enthusiasm from historical and arts communities alike. The transition from a concert hall illuminating to a theatrical beacon is a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving its heritage. It serves as a bridge, connecting the past’s musical giants to today’s performing arts.
Centre Stage Once Again
The journey of the chandelier from the storerooms to the spotlight was spearheaded by Carriageworks Theatre’s technical manager, Steve Greenwood. Greenwood has dedicated his expertise to refurbishing the chandelier, ensuring its splendor is not just maintained but accentuated for its pivotal role in the panto production. His efforts included a meticulous polish of the brass elements and an innovative approach to lighting, given the chandelier can no longer be electrified.
By ingeniously integrating a disco ball at the heart of the chandelier, Greenwood has repurposed it to reflect stage lights into a captivating dance across the auditorium. This, combined with the adornment of vines and roses to mirror The Beast’s castle’s ambiance, has made the chandelier a central spectacle in the panto “Beauty and the Beast.” Greenwood’s dedication to the task encapsulates the spirit of the arts community in Leeds—a spirit that is both innovative and reverent of the city’s cultural landmarks.
The impact of repurposing such an iconic item is not lost on those involved in the panto’s production. The chandelier, once simply a functional item, has now become a storytelling device in its own right. As Steve Greenwood remarked, “It’s been a real challenge… 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.”
Legacy Meets Modern Panto
The narrative of “Beauty and the Beast” at the Carriageworks Theatre intertwines with the chandelier’s historical narrative to create a unique experience for the audience. The production, which opened on November 22, features a mix of familiar faces and fresh talent. Leeds favourite and panto veteran, Jez Edwards, returns in his 15th production at Carriageworks, portraying the character Philippe Philoppe.
The real-life couple, Kristel Herrera and Joshua Mumby, further the production’s charm by taking on the roles of Belle and The Beast, while Gemma Edwards shines as the antagonist Mauvaise. This dynamic among the cast members is not only a draw for audiences but also reflects the deep personal connections that the theatre fosters—connections that are as much a part of the Carriageworks legacy as the productions themselves.
Councillor Salma Arif, an advocate for culture in Leeds, expressed pride in the panto’s contribution to the city’s Christmas traditions. “The Carriageworks Theatre’s panto has become a cherished Leeds tradition,” she said. The inclusion of the chandelier in this year’s production adds a layer of historical significance, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience for families and theatre-goers in Leeds.
The production of “Beauty and the Beast” continues to run at the Carriageworks Theatre until January 5, 2025. Those interested in witnessing this fusion of classic fairy tale storytelling with a piece of Leeds’ musical heritage can find ticket information and show details at Carriageworks Theatre.
As the curtain rises, the chandelier once again commands the attention of a captive audience, its lights casting a warm and enchanting glow. This time, however, the applause will echo not just for the performers gracing the stage but for the rich history that now hangs, quite literally, over their heads.
ENDS
- A vintage chandelier from Leeds Town Hall, restored for the Carriageworks Theatre’s panto production of “Beauty and the Beast,” has illuminated performances since the 1960s.
- The chandelier enhances the theatre’s atmosphere while connecting Leeds’ musical heritage with contemporary storytelling.
- Historic performances by legendary artists like The Rolling Stones, Elton John, and Queen took place under this chandelier at Leeds Town Hall for over three decades.
- Technical manager Steve Greenwood led the refurbishment of the chandelier, incorporating a disco ball to reflect stage lights and adding decorative elements to enhance the panto’s ambiance.
- The production features a mix of familiar and new talent, with the chandelier playing a significant role in creating a unique experience for audiences until January 5, 2025.