From the ticket prices to the dress code (or lack thereof), anyone can go and enjoy a magical evening full of music, storytelling and suspense.
In Leeds, we’re lucky enough to have the wonderful Opera North right here on our doorstep in Leeds- the company is highly regarded as a leading arts organisation outside London, and this reason alone was enough to put our city on the map as one of the best travel destinations in 2023.
From the ticket prices to the dress code (or lack thereof), anyone can go and enjoy a magical evening full of music, storytelling and suspense.
For first timers like us, this was music to our ears.
When you think of the opera, words that spring to mind include 'big', 'bold' and 'extravagant'. Attending your first performance can of course feel daunting and somewhat overwhelming, but it definitely doesn't have to be - and Opera North well and truly showed us that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Tickets and the Try it ON scheme
Having always wanted to go to the opera, to witness the incredible spectacle, amazing performances and be a part of the drama, we took the plunge and bought our tickets through Opera North's Try it ON membership scheme, which offers newbies a way to try out the art form for the first time.
For just £20 you can get your hands on two great seats to a performance of your choice, a tote bag filled with goodies and access to exclusive offers after the show so that you can continue to enjoy your newfound passion.
The scheme is open to anyone who is new to opera and fancies giving it a whirl.
We booked online in a flash and our tickets were ready for us to collect from the box office next door to the theatre, it really could not have been easier.
Our performance of choice was The Cunning Little Vixen - described as a bittersweet fairy tale that guides the audience through an emotional yet life-affirming reflection on the nature of life.
Performed in English, we thought this was the best option for our first visit.
Visiting Opera North for the first time: dining, drinks and drama
It was a cold February evening, and the warm lights of the beautiful Leeds Grand Theatre invited us in.
We stopped off at Opera North's restaurant Kino for a quick bite to eat before the performance. Located just next door to the theatre it's the perfect place to start your evening.
Kino, meaning cinema, is housed in a newly renovated, beautiful Grade II-listed building. The restaurant is hosting award-winning Levantine-inspired MorMor who serve delicious mezze and sharing plates focused on incredible flavours and fresh ingredients – until 1 Apr 2023.
After enjoying their pre-theatre menu and a couple of cocktails, we made our way to the box office to collect our tickets, eagerly awaiting the experience we were about to embark on.
Our tickets were swiftly checked, we grabbed a drink from the bar which had a buzzing atmosphere to it with excited theatre-goers, before making our way to our seats where our 'Try it ON' tote bags were left waiting for us.
The bags were filled with goodies, handy leaflets and tasty sweets which of course were very welcome during the interval.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Before we knew it, the curtains flew open and we were left astonished by an incredible set which resembled rolling hills complete with overhanging foliage.
The multitalented cast led us through the enchanting tale of Vixen Sharp-Ears. We remained mesmerised throughout, unable to look away from the spectacle before us.
Although this performance was sung in English, every show features surtitles which can easily be viewed on screens at either side of the stage, making it even easier to follow along with the plot.
Overall our experience at the opera was absolutely fantastic, from our meal at Kino to the final curtain call where we rapturously applauded the company for their triumphant performance.
From the outset we were made to feel so welcome, comfortable and at ease, leaving with any pre-conceived ideas of opera blown out of the water.
We left looking at what performance we could attend next, in Opera North's current exciting season alone.
And the fun definitely doesn’t stop there, with the spring season just around the corner there is lots to look forward to as Opera North embark on an exciting collaboration with Leeds-based contemporary dance company, Phoenix Dance Theatre.
From 26 May - 4 June 2023, the two companies will be joining forces to bring an electric co-production of Mozart’s Requiem to the Leeds Grand Theatre and it is certainly not one to be missed.
In this cross-cultural production, Phoenix Dance Theatre will join and performing artists from South Africa will join forces with the Chorus and Orchestra of Opera North in a unique response to the grief experienced by so many around the world during the pandemic.
So what are you waiting for? Dip your toe into the wonderful world of opera with Opera North's Try it ON scheme and find yourself a newfound hobby.
You can have a look at the list of upcoming performances and book your tickets here on Opera North's website.
Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds
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Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Sharan | April 2026
Why have one northern city when you can have two? Sharan, our latest Artist of the Month, was born in Leeds and is now based in Liverpool.
Giving herself the titles of DJ, workshop facilitator and community advocate while also balancing life as a cardiac physiologist – is there anything Sharan can’t do?
This multi-talented music maker has played sets for Crop Radio, supported Sammy Virji, Barry Can’t Swim, SBTRKT and even soundtracked Liverpool FC’s official store ahead of a new kit launch.
Her sets cover all different music genres, meaning she can fit and curate any vibe, including UK funk, Amapiano, house and more.
Images: Press shots
An interview with Sharan – Audio North’s Artist of the Month
Now, the Leeds-born DJ takes a break from the decks, community programmes and medical assistance to chat about being Audio North‘s latest Artist of the Month.
What music did you grow up listening to?
I’ve always been around music. My Dad brought me up on Queen and then when I got to school my best friend listened to Bassline, UK Funky and I downloaded all these songs onto my Blackberry.
Annie Mac and Hannah Wants were real inspirations for me growing up and seeing female DJs in the media is great.
Tell us about the work you do in the DJ community?
I’m originally from Leeds but moved to Liverpool for work four years ago and I’ve become quite heavily involved in the DJ community. I do workshops through ‘Decks in the City‘; I’m a DJ Programmer for Dishoom and I play gigs across the North too.
Why do you want to give back to the DJ scene?
I joined a charity called Getaway Girls, who I still am with today, and I joined a music group through them and I remember decks being in the corner of the room and being intrigued. Then, at 14 I started going to their music workshops.
They’re the reason I got into music and inspired me to want to make the music industry a fairer place for women as well as advocating for women in music.
I love teaching women how to get into music or giving them the opportunity they wouldn’t necessarily have.
What do you hope to achieve through your DJ workshops?
I believe everyone should have the chance to try out being a DJ, or more broadly just have a go at learning a new skill in relation to music.
I want to give everyone a fair and equal chance to learn how to DJ and that’s why the courses I do are accessible and affordable.
As a South Asian DJ who’s also a woman, I want to encourage women and anyone from underrepresented communities to get involved.
In the long run, I’d love to improve festival line-ups and make the distribution of live music opportunities fairer.
What have been some of your favourite experiences as a DJ so far?
Alongside my community work, I’ve played at Leeds Festival for JD Sports and supported some big acts including Barry Can’t Swim, Virji, SBTRKT and Girls Don’t Sync.
What’s one fun fact about you?
I’m not just a DJ, I’m also a cardiac physiologist. It’s a really big part of my life aside from being a DJ. I balance the two together, I’m passionate about both.
How does your heritage influence your work?
I’m South Asian and I remember the Bend It Like Beckham soundtrack so vividly growing up. It fused British pop with Bhangra and Bollywood, it was revolutionary.
Even the storyline of the film itself resonates with me, watching the girl pursuing football against her parents wishes, something I’m doing by going against ‘the norm’ through following my dream of being a DJ.
I love this film and soundtrack so much that I wrote an article about this which explores the soundtrack and its impact on British Asian Youth.
Featured Images – The Manc Group/Press Shots (supplied via Liam Heeley)
News
Beloved Leeds bistro launches £30 lunchtime menu with strong focus on zero-waste cooking
Clementine Hall
You can now dine at one of Leeds' best restaurants for less.
The Swine Bistro in Headingley is as perfect as a neighbourhood bistro gets.
Run by husband and wife team Jo and Stu Myers, the cooking comes from the heart, with a menu focused on brilliant produce, seasonal flavours and sustainability. All served in a beautiful, cosy space with around 30 covers.
And now a year after relocating to Headingley, The Swine Bistro have launched a new lunchtime menu offering three courses for under £30, bringing its award-winning cooking to a daytime audience.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Led by sous chef Angus Evans and inspired by his previous role as head chef at Leeds organic restaurant Eat Your Greens, Evans has introduced new ways to make better use of ingredients and ensure the kitchen operates with minimal waste.
A standout dish is the Potato Pancake with Braised Chicken, Leek Top Relish and Walnut Ketchup made from leftover Sunday roast potatoes.
Angus Evans, sous chef at The Swine Bistro, said: "Sustainability has always been integral to how I cook and Jo and Stu were keen for me to expand this within the Swine Bistro menu.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
"It’s about ensuring every ingredient works harder. It’s not just about nose-to-tail cooking, it’s about using every part of our produce more thoughtfully - repurposing leftovers, and turning overlooked ingredients into something genuinely exciting on the plate. It shows how creativity in the kitchen can go hand in hand with reducing waste.”
Three courses for under £30 are now available at lunchtime at The Swine Bistro, and you can book your table here.
Clementine Hall -
3rd March 2023 
