News

‘Elf! The Musical’ is coming to York this Christmas

Tickets have just gone on sale now - you don't want to. miss this one

Georgina Pellant Georgina Pellant - 20th September 2021

A magical retelling of Christmas movie favourite Elf is coming to York's Grand Theatre Central this Christmas and it sounds absolutely incredible.

Called Elf! The Musical, this festive feel-good show comes from the same producer who has brought SHREK, The Sound of Music, Ghost: The Musical, and more West End and Broadway titles to the theatre over the years.

Set to be quite the spectacular festive show, the performances will follow the same plot as the cult favourite 2003 film starring Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel.

Just like the movie, audiences will follow Buddy the Elf beavering away at Santa's workshop before discovering he is actually himself a human and ventures off to New York to find his 'real' father - after Santa reveals to him that he had mistakenly crawled into his sack during a visit to his orphanage many years before.

As the story unravels, Buddy has fun exploring New York and meeting new friends on his quest to find his dad. Along the way, he discovers his true self and helps others in the city discover the true meaning of the Christmas spirit - saving the day for Santa along the way.

The musical Christmas production features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer), as well as a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone).

A spokesperson from York Stage Ltd said: "We return to the Grand Opera House York for the festive season with the York premiere of ELF! The Musical.

"We can't wait to bring this family favourite Christmas film to the stage with this sensational Broadway musical! Come join Buddy the Elf as he helps to bring festive joy back to New York"

With tickets priced from just £13, get ready to start your season off with a Buddy-shaped bang. The first show premiers at York Theatre on 25 November and runs up until 3 December according to the ATG Tickets listing.

To book your seats and find out more about the upcoming performance, click here.

News

Leeds city centre crowned one of the best places to live in the north by The Sunday Times

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Today, Leeds city centre earned itself a coveted spot in the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.

What brilliant news to end the week on, hey?

Leeds city centre was amongst eight other locations across the north and the north east to be featured on the list.

The market town of Skipton took home the dazzling first prize, but it's still nice to be included isn't it.

Here's what the judges had to say about Leeds city centre: “Leeds has five universities, the fourth largest urban economy in the UK (with job opportunities in finance, insurance and big business), a youthful vibe and a relatively affordable average house price (£285,100).

Image: Unsplash

“Stay close to the centre, where you won’t have to worry about the patchy public transport, and it all adds up to a fun-filled, fulfilled life within walking distance of stylish shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. There’s a good choice of riverside homes, where you may spot kingfishers and otters, and even the schools are good.”

In total, 72 places across the UK were selected by The Sunday Times to showcase the very best of Britain, with Norwich named the overall national winner.

The full list of locations in the north and northeast include:

  • Skipton
  • Howardian Hills, North Yorkshire
  • Leeds city centre
  • Morpeth, Northumberland
  • Newcastle: Gosforth
  • Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire 
  • Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire
  • York

Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, said: “This guide is a great opportunity to highlight the best places in Britain.

“It is full of places that show that our village, town and city centres can still be full of life, as well as places bursting with natural beauty, culture, connectivity and most importantly a sense of community.  

“Our expert team of judges visit every location on the list and talk to the locals to find out what they love about the place they live."

Read more: Leeds has been crowned the best city in the UK for foodies outside of London

Featured image - Unsplash

News

The best rooftop bars in and around Leeds to enjoy a tipple in the sunshine

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

The sun has got his hat on and there's no better place to soak it up than on a rooftop.

We've already been blessed with some beautiful weather this summer (touch wood), and here in Leeds there's plenty of sun-soaked spots to enjoy it.

To help you make the most out of the sun, we've taken it upon ourselves to do some in-depth research on the very best rooftop bars in Leeds to enjoy a drink or two.

You know, because someone's got to do it.

Whether you want to dress up and treat yourself to a swanky cocktail, jam out to a DJ whilst enjoying a craft beer or catch up with friends over some good food washed down by a refreshing beverage, there is a rooftop for you. 

Let's get into it then shall we?

Green Room

36 Wellington St, Leeds LS1 2DE

Images: The Hoot Leeds

This one definitely won't come as a surprise, having made a name for itself as one of the city's best nights out Green Room leads the way as the best rooftop in town.

Expect banging drinks, a buzzing atmosphere and New York style pizza - need we say more?

Headrow House

Bramleys Yard, 19 The Headrow

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Possibly the biggest rooftop in Leeds and set over two floors, this terrace promises a fantastic night out where you’ll be boogying on until the sun goes down. The first floor offers long picnic style tables, colourful parasols and overhead heaters to counteract the evening chill. The second floor has more benches amidst charming little covered huts, ideal for larger groups as they can be reserved in advance.

A huge neon sign is propped up amongst the skyline which comes alive when the sun goes down, setting the scene with a reddish tint as the DJ provides groovy tunes to take you into the early hours.

Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen

1-1a Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds.

Image: The Hoot Leeds

If you like craft beer and good music, this is the rooftop for you. Belgrave’s iconic rooftop is always jam packed in the Summer and it is no surprise why; the vibes are always immaculate and the drinks are ace. Kirkstall Brewery and Five Points Ale are just a taster of what’s on the pumps and there’s also a great cocktail menu which are well priced and mega tasty.

If you get peckish you can order some ‘session loaded fries’ from Patty Smith’s burgers or a huge sharing pizza from Dough Boys. Both vendors are just downstairs and are a good enough reason to make a trip to Belgrave alone. Live DJs play all day and there’s an authentic friendly atmosphere meaning you’ll all be bopping heads and soak in the views together.

Azotea

2 Sovereign St, LS1 4DA

Images: The Hoot Leeds

If you want to feel like you're on the set of Love Island then get yourself to Azotea and gather round the fire pit.

This Mexican-inspired rooftop is the perfect spot if you're feeling a little bit fancy and want to dress up with the girls and treat yourself to a couple of cocktails.

IF Rooftop

10 - 12 Park Cross Street, LS1 2BH

Images: The Hoot Leeds

This one's a little bit hidden, but if you can find the secret door and enter the code to the secret paradise then it's most definitely worth it.

Think incredible panoramic views of the city, banging cocktails and groovy DJs to get you grooving as the sun goes down.

Roland's

39 Call Lane, LS1 7BT

Image: The Hoot Leeds

Just when you thought Roland's on Call Lane couldn't get any better, head upstairs to their glorious sun terrace and be prepared to be proven wrong.

This small but mighty sun trap is a great spot to enjoy the best cocktails in town, and you can even watch the trains go by as you sip.

The Woods

5, Stainbeck Corner, Chapel Allerton, LS7 3PG

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Located in the heart of Chapel Allerton, this roof top is a firm favourite and it's easy to see why.

Great drinks, plenty of space and banging food by The Kerbside Kids. We can't think of a better way to spend a Friday night to be honest.

Headingley Heights

8 Otley Rd, Headingley, LS6 2AD

Image: The Hoot Leeds

If you're over in Headingley, then this is the spot for you. Upstairs at BOX you'll find this huge sprawling rooftop equipped with its own bar with exclusive cocktails, two huge HD screens showing all the sports and all the usual food and drink locals have come to know and love from BOX.

Read more: Five of the hottest new openings coming to Leeds this year

Featured images - The Hoot Leeds

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