Opera North is preparing to breathe new life into the classic operatic performance of Puccini's Tosca in the coming weeks- and it's going to be an incredible experience.
A timeless political thriller, the three part opera takes you on a mesmerising journey of performance and sound that'll leave you on the edge of your seat.
Edward Dick's production effortlessly intertwines the beauty of Renaissance Roman grandeur with contemporary references for a critically-acclaimed production, all the action unfolding within a short, but gripping, 24 hour timeframe, told in just short of three hours on the stage.
Image: Richard H Smith
There's three main characters you'll want to keep your eye on: diva Floria Tosca and painter, republican and Floria's lover, Mario Cavaradossi; and the corrupt Chief of Police, Baron Scarpia, who has always had a crush on Tosca.
Cavaradossi is suspected of assisting with the crime of helping an escaped political prisoner and policeman Scarpia decides to use this to his advantage and manipulates Tosca into spilling all and explaining her lover's involvement, and the hiding place of the prisoner so that he can have her all to himself.
Then, with Cavaradossi captured, Tosca is left with an impossible decision: choose to give herself to Scarpia or see the man that she loves killed.
This gripping tale sees just how far people will go for love - and with a cast of additional henchmen as part of Scarpia's entourage and altar boys in 'Te deum', there's going to be plenty of voices involved in the journey.
Image: Richard H Smith
It is worth listening out for musical motifs that represent different characters throughout the performance, including the recurring ‘devil's interval’ consisting of an unsettling tritone to showcase the evil Scarpia.
The music itself will be recognisable to opera-enthusiasts, with Tosca bringing the famous soprana aria 'Vissi d'arte' (I lived for art) to life in the second act, as well as the heart-wrenching 'E lucevan le stelle' (The stars were shining brightly).
Tosca took Giacomo Puccini eleven years in total to complete and to become the age-old operatic performance that's been loved for over 100 years.
Book tickets for Opera North's Tosca at Leeds Grand Theatre here.
Image: Richard H Smith
Opera North is known in Leeds as one of the most impressive production companies in the city and beyond, and is noted as one of the reasons why Leeds is one of the 'top ten travel destinations to visit in 2023', according to Rough Guides.
The only nationally recognised UK opera company outside London is offering a wealth of incredible performances that brings art and culture to life throughout 2023, but Tosca is going to be setting the bar with performances spanning from January to March at Leeds Grand Theatre.
The following performances of Tosca will take place in 2023:
Saturday 21 January 2023 at 7pm (book tickets here)
Saturday 28 January 2023 at 2.30pm with audio description (book tickets here)
The performance will then travel to The Lowry in Salford, Nottingham and Newcastle's Royal Theatres before finishing up at Hull New Theatre on Saturday 1 April 2023.
How to get tickets
Ticket prices range from £15 to £80.50, with Under 30 Members able to grab tickets at a discounted rate of £10 each and receive a discount of food and drink too.
Those aged 16-20 can access free tickets, and if you want to bring a friend that falls into the same age bracket, they'll receive the same discounted rate as you.
If you've always fancied a trip to the opera but not ever committed, there's also a first timer's initiative that offers you all the advantages of the theatre without having to pay full price.
The Try it ON scheme gives you the chance to grab two fantastic seats and a tote bag filled with treats for just £20. You'll also get exclusive offers after the show so that you can continue to enjoy your newfound hobby.
Book tickets for Opera North's Tosca at Leeds Grand Theatre here.
Feature Image- Richard H Smith
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Miles Kane at Project House Leeds – an utterly electric night fuelled by leopard print
MIles Kane is back in Leeds and he is better than ever before.
“Good evening Leeds, how the f*** are we?"
Everyone's favourite scouser came onto the stage wearing a perfectly fitted leather jacket, and it's safe to say the crowd roared.
It's been a few years since I’ve been in a Miles Kane crowd, the last time I saw him he was supporting Blossoms at Millenium Square back in 2023 and my gosh it's good to be back.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
His whole energy is just utterly infectious and makes him a complete joy to watch. I’ve always been a Miles Kane fan and I just love where he's taken his 2025 album ‘Sunlight in The Shadows’.
We were blessed with a whole stream of songs from over the years, my personal favourite, ‘Rearrange’ was played second and was such a treat. Kane got the crowd to sing back to him “let it out, let it out, let it all out” which soon made me realise you were standing side by side with true fans.
Throughout the setlist we heard bangers from over the years and mid-set Miles screams out “Leeds on a Thursday, come on” and to say it was grey and very wet outside, we all definitely brought the energy.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Supporting Miles on his 2026 tour is Villanelle, you know Gene Gallagher’s band? Some could say nepo-baby but we say, when they were doing their own Leeds dates, they were class. Such a grungy, punk twist they’ve got and it's safe to say Gene has the Gallagher stance behind the mic.
As the set drew to a close Kane said “thank you so much and don’t forget who you are" which brought us to his last three songs, ‘Don’t Forget Who You Are’, ‘Sunlight In The Shadows’ and the ultimate bopper and most played song on Spotify ‘Come Closer’ which just never, ever gets old.
In the words of Carrie Bradshaw 'and just like that' my first gig at Project House (can’t believe its taken me so long) was over.
As an overall venue, Project House really had it all, Kirkstall brews, a spacious cool environment and really fantastic acoustics.
And it was time to walk back to the train station along the canal on a lovely Miles Kane high and debrief the evening. Hopefully see you soon Miles, rather than leaving it three years again.
Jason Derulo at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, times, setlist and more for UK tour
Thomas Melia
American chart topper Jason Derulo is visiting Leeds for a night of radio bangers that will get stuck 'In My Head' and yours too.
Known for soundtracking the early 2010s and beyond, Derulo is heading back to Leeds playing out at the iconic First Direct Arena.
The Florida-born performer has five UK number one singles to his name, so it's safe to say his setlist will be stacked with massive hits sure to 'Take You Dancing' all night long.
His latest effort The Last Dance is an eight track EP featuring collaborations with INNA and Melody as well as the bouncy lead single 'Sexy For Me'.
This leg of shows is titled after this project and Derulo is asking anyone going to wear their best futuristic or metallic attire and accessories - You might end up being his 'It Girl'.
Jason Derulo gig guide
Jason Derulo is coming to First Direct Arena Leeds on 6 February / Credit: Supplied via Wikimedia Commons
Jason Derulo UK tour dates
Fri 30 Jan - Birmingham, UK - Utilita Arena
Sat 31 Jan - London, UK - The O2
Mon 2 Feb - Cardiff, UK - Utilita Arena
Tue 3 Feb - Brighton, UK - The Brighton Centre
Thu 5 Feb - Bournemouth, UK - Bournemouth International Centre
Fri 6 Feb - Leeds, UK - First Direct Bank Arena
Sat 7 Feb - Manchester, UK - Co-op Live
Mon 9 Feb - Dublin, IE - 3Arena
Jason Derulo tickets for First Direct Arena gig
If you want to see Jason Derulo 'Talk Dirty' to a huge 13,000 arena crowd over some 'Trumpets' then you'll want to get tickets to this event.
Luckily there's plenty of opportunities for you to see Mr. Derulo 'Wiggle' right in front of your eyes as there's tickets available HERE.
Jason Derulo setlist
Although the tour hasn't kicked off yet, here's one of the Pop/ R&B champs latest sets from September last year which contains some 2010s classics and big belters.
Swalla
Wiggle
Take You Dancing
Acapulco
Savage Love
Whatcha Say
Who Hurt You
Tip Toe
Breathing
In My Head
Ridin' Solo
Spicy Margarita
Love Tonight
The Other Side
Dame Un Grrr
Talk Dirty
Want to Want Me
Don't Wanna Go Home / Shots
Who Hurt You
What are the stage times for Jason Derulo in Leeds?
The 'It Girl' hitmaker is visiting the UK for his The Last Dance Tour / Credit: Supplied via Wikimedia Commons
First Direct Arena has a curfew of 11pm meaning as much as we ′Don't Wanna Go Home', at least we'll be tucked up in bed before the early hours.
Anyone attending can expect the doors to open at 6.30pm with a kick-off time expected to be 7.30pm with support from Czech rising star THERA and Manchester EDM group LZ7.
How to get to first direct arena
Bus Station
Located on Dyer Street next to Leeds City Bus Station and approx. 15min walk from first direct arena and is wheelchair friendly.
Support and help for any persons with a disability is available as the station is a registered ‘Safe place’ to come into and ask for assistance.
Nearest Bus Stops
Clay Pit Lane
Wade Lane/Lovell Park Road
Woodhouse Lane
Nearest Train Station
Leeds City Station on New Station Street is around a 15min walk from first direct arena and a major hub on the national, regional and local rail network providing connections to a wide variety of destinations.
Parking
There are over 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. The arena doesn’t have it’s own car park however there are lots of options nearby. To receive 5% off Q Park when attending a show at first direct arena click here
The nearest Car Park with EV charging is located on Albion Street click here.
None of the above car parks are operated by the arena so for questions, queries or comments we ask that you contact the companies directly.
Hiring Bikes in Leeds
If you’re looking to hire a bike in Leeds, here are some of the best options you can try:
Beryl bikes – you’ll find the ‘Leeds City Bikes’ from Beryl stationed throughout the city. These are all e-bikes, and they’re available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis. It costs £1 to unlock the bikes, and then 16p per minute to use them. We’d say these are great for zipping around the city and getting from A to B.
Talio – for a wider selection of electric bikes to choose from, Talio based at Buslinthorpe Green is a great option. From this company, you can hire cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Prices start from £20 per day for rental, but if you’re hiring for a month or longer you’ll get a good discount.
Sophie Smith -
23rd December 2022 
