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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Iconic band Blossoms set for BIG return to Leeds Festival this year
Stockport-originating band Blossoms have just announced their big return to Leeds Festival, as the four-day music event continues to impress with its stacked line-up.
They might have a 'Joke About Divorce' from time to time but when it comes to entertaining a Leeds Festival crowd, Blossoms take it very seriously, playing at Bramham Park three times in the past decade.
This band have captivated audiences since the rise of standout track 'Charlemagne' and more recently with the addition of their fifth album studio album, Gary, named after an eight-foot-tall gorilla.
Known for always putting on a stellar performance, Tom, Joe, Charlie, Myles and Josh are bringing a brand-new set to Leeds when they pay us a visit this August.
As well as releasing new music, Blossoms are making a big return to Leeds Festival 2026 / Credit: Publicity Picture (Supplied)
Currently, Leeds Festival 2026 has seven headline acts spanning all genres from Dance and EDM to Pop and Rap with the likes of Charli XCX, Raye, Dave and more topping the bill.
The Stockport five-piece are featured alongside three other insane artists as 'Special Guests', appearing next to Skepta, Sombr and Role Model.
Also listed on the line-up are rising stars like R&B vocal powerhouse Skye Newman, pop princess Jade, Merseyside indie rockers The K's and Wigan-formed The Lilacs with more to be announced.
Although nothing is confirmed yet, this upcoming Leeds Festival set from Blossoms will contain high energy and obviously all their biggest and best bangers from across their four chart topping albums as well as new music.
Leeds Festival 2026 is set to be a belter with the addition of Stockport band Blossoms returning for a fourth time / Credit: Publicity Video (Supplied)
Whether you're there for 'Your Girlfriend' or 'What Can I Say After I'm Sorry', one thing's for sure, you're guaranteed to have an absolutely spectacular night.
Blossoms are making their big return to Leeds Festival 2026 which is taking place from 27 to 30 August at Bramham Park with tickets live HERE.
Dermot Kennedy at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, times, setlist and more for UK tour
Thomas Melia
Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy is bringing The Weight Of The Woods tour to Leeds for a night of powerful ballads and bangers.
After busking for a considerable time, Kennedy took to streaming platforms to upload his music before dropping notable tracks like 'Power Over Me' and 'Giants'.
Since then, this Irish performer has amassed a total of 9 million monthly listeners and multiple songs with over 100 million streams across three chart-topping albums.
In 2023, Dermot Kennedy teamed up with electronic music group Meduza for a monster of a collaboration titled 'Paradise' which peaked at 5 on the UK Official Charts.
Gig guide | Dermot Kennedy at First Direct Arena, Leeds
Dermot Kennedy UK tour dates
Fri 29 May - Glasgow, UK - OVO Hydro
Sat 30 May - Manchester, UK - AO Arena
Mon 1 June - Cardiff, UK - Utilita Arena
Tue 2 June - Leeds, UK - First Direct Arena
Thu 4 June - Birmingham, UK - Utilita Arena
Fri 5 June - London, UK - The O2
Are there any tickets left for Dermot Kennedy at First Direct Arena?
Hoping for some 'Better Days'? Well maybe that can happen by getting the chance to see Dermot Kennedy live on his latest The Weight Of The Woods tour.
Don't be 'Outnumbered' and grab a ticket or two for Dermot Kennedy on Saturday 30 May at First Direct Arena in Leeds HERE.
What are the stage times for Dermot Kennedy in Leeds?
First Direct Arena has a strict curfew of 11pm, meaning you'll be leaving the venue reminiscing 'An Evening I Will Not Forget' before the sun's up.
Supporting Dermot Kennedy on the night will be Irish three-piece band Amble who will be taking the Leeds crowd on a journey to 'Mary's Pub' and reflecting on 'Schoolyard Days'.
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 
