Here’s everything you need to know about Opera North’s current season - including what’s on, how to get tickets from just £10 and what to expect.
The opera is a fantastic experience for music, drama and theatre lovers around the world. Bringing people together with mesmerising performances, impressive vocals and exciting costumes leaves the audience on the edge of their seats every single time, regardless of what you’re watching.
Here in Leeds we’re fortunate enough to have Opera North on our doorstep to bring this to life. 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.
Fancy finding out what all the fuss is about?
Whether you’re looking to dip your toe into the wonderful world of opera or you’re a seasoned professional who’s familiar with the art form, we’ve got you covered with a handy guide to keep you up to date with everything going on at Opera North.
What's on
Image: Opera North
Tosca
21 January – 1 April 2023, Leeds Grand Theatre
Opera North have kicked off the season with a bang by bringing to the stage a dazzling portrayal of Puccini’s classic opera, Tosca.
A timeless thriller, this three-part opera takes you on a mesmerising journey of performance and sound that’ll leave you on the edge of your seat. Think passion, blackmail and murder!
You can learn more about Tosca, and how to grab tickets here.
The Cunning Little Vixen
4 February – 1 April 2023, Leeds Grand Theatre
This bittersweet fairy tale will transport you to the depths of the forest and take you on an emotional yet life-affirming journey.
Expect energising, folk-infused melodies sung by a flurry of mischievous creatures who join our protagonist, Vixen Sharp Ears, as she embarks on an adventure to take on the world.
First timers at the opera will absolutely love this option. This production is sung in English (with surtitles too!) so it allows just about everyone to follow the storyline through the heartfelt vocals, as well as the actual performance itself.
You can learn more about The Cunning Little Vixen, and how to grab tickets here.
Ariadne auf Naxos
18 February – 24 March 2023, Leeds Grand Theatre
Directed by multi-award nominated Rodula Gaitanou, this humorous, romantic, and drama-filled production will tell the tale of a bustling 1950s Italian studio where two films are about to be made.
One’s a heartbreaking myth, the other a light-hearted comedy - imagine the mischief that unfolds when disaster strikes and the films suddenly become one…
You can learn more about Ariadne auf Naxos, and how to grab tickets here.
Ariadne auf Naxos in rehearsal. / Image: Opera North
What you need to know before you go
The opera is an all-inclusive, unique, and extraordinary art form which everyone should have the pleasure of experiencing at least once in their life.
Naturally, if you haven’t been to the opera before then of course it can feel daunting but with all the helpful information and options available, it doesn’t have to be.
Opera North does a stellar job of ensuring that it is accessible to everyone: from the ticket prices to the dress code (or lack thereof), anyone can go and enjoy a magical evening full of music, storytelling and of course, drama.
Dress Code
We know what you’re thinking, as soon as you hear the word ‘opera’ you immediately think of ball gowns, tiaras, high heels, and dicky bows but at Opera North, that is simply not the case.
There is no official dress code for Opera North performances, if you fancy dressing up and making a night out of it then feel free to but equally, jeans and a jumper fit right in too. It’s your night so wear what you feel comfortable in.
Image: Tom Arber
What to expect
Most operas average between two to three hours in length including an interval where you can stretch your legs and grab a drink if you fancy.
Many operas are performed in their original language (French, German or Italian) but they will always be surtitled, meaning an English translation handily appears on a screen to the side of the stage. So, you don’t have to worry about missing anything or not understanding any juicy parts of the action.
Tickets
Ticket prices range from just £15 to £80.50. Those aged 16-20 can access completely free tickets with Under 30 Members able to grab tickets at a discounted rate of £10 each.
If you want to bring a friend that falls into the same age bracket, they’ll receive the same discounted rate as you. What a winner!
You can find out all about this exciting offer here.
Try it ON
It’s a new year which means if you’ve been thinking about trying something new, then now’s the time.
Opera North’s Try It ON scheme is the perfect opportunity to delve into the world of opera - go in with an open mind and prepare to have all your preconceptions blown out of the water.
Image: Richard H Smith
So how does it work? For just £20 each you can get your hands on two fantastic tickets to a performance of your choice alongside a tote bag filled with goodies. You’ll also get exclusive offers after the show so that you can continue to enjoy your newfound hobby.
The shortlist for the 2026 Mercury Prize has officially landed - and it's another huge year for music from the north.
The prestigious annual award, which celebrates the very best British and Irish albums released over the past 12 months, has unveiled its 12 nominated records ahead of this year's ceremony in Newcastle this October.
Among the biggest talking points is a first-ever Mercury Prize nomination for music legend and northern icon Sir Paul McCartney, whose latest album The Boys Of Dungeon Lane has earned him a place on the shortlist.
Elsewhere representing the north, Newcastle jazz collective Knats have been shortlisted for A Great Day In Newcastle while jungle pioneer Nia Archives, who comes from Bradford, is recognised for her acclaimed album Emotional Junglist.
Image: Audio North
Another artist flying the Newcastle flag is JADE with her debut solo album That's Showbiz Baby!, whilst other notable nominations include Olivia Dean, RAYE and and the charity compilation HELP(2) from War Child Records.
The full 2026 Mercury Prize shortlist is:
Paul McCartney – The Boys Of Dungeon Lane
Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving
RAYE – This Music May Contain Hope
Dave – The Boy Who Played The Harp
Florence + The Machine – Everybody Scream
Dove Ellis – Blizzard
Knats – A Great Day In Newcastle
Kojey Radical – Don't Look Down
JADE – That's Showbiz Baby!
Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist
Suede – Antidepressants
War Child Records – HELP(2)
This year's Mercury Prize ceremony will return to Newcastle's Utilita Arena on Thursday 22 October after the city successfully hosted the awards for the first time last year.
The 2025 event saw hometown hero Sam Fender take home the coveted prize for People Watching, and who knows - maybe The Toon will bag another prize for a hometown hero.
The Maccabees at Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds – stage times, lineup, setlist and tickets
Daisy Jackson
It's finally time - indie heroes The Maccabees will be performing a huge headline gig at Kirkstall Abbey this week, with a lineup of fellow indie heavyweights.
The renowned quintet reunited for a comeback tour last year, and have spent this summer performing at some of the UK's finest open-air venues.
Now, it's Leeds' turn, as The Maccabees take to the Kirkstall Abbey stage on Friday 31 July, along with Maxïmo Park, Everything Everything, Mystery Jets, and Fiona Lee.
The Maccabees guitarist Felix White said at the time they announced their summer gigs: "The year we’ve just had was so special to all of us, and so unexpected, that it has put some momentum in everyone collectively …. and who wouldn’t want to do all that again?"
If you're going along to The Maccabees at Kirkstall Abbey, we've rounded up everything you need to know.
Are there still tickets for The Maccabees in Leeds?
At the time of writing, there are still tickets available to see The Maccabees at Kirkstall Abbey.
General admission tickets are priced at £64.45, with premium admission standing priced at £97.45.
You can see the latest availability and grab your tickets HERE.
Who else is on the lineup?
The Maccabees perform at Kirkstall Abbey in Leeds this week. Credit: Supplied
The main support act for The Maccabees in Leeds will be the brilliant Maxïmo Park, a Newcastle group who absolutely dominated the indie-alternative scene in the 2000s with their breakthrough debut album, A Certain Trigger.
But there's a lot more to this stacked lineup than that - The Maccabees have pulled together an almighty night of legendary indie bands to support them at Kirkstall Abbey.
Also performing will be Salford's finest art rock export, Everything Everything, who'll be performing their earworm hits like No Reptiles, Distant Past, and Cough Cough.
Before that, it will be Mystery Jets on the Kirkstall Abbey stage, who return with new album A Hole To See The Sky Through next month.
And opening the stage for the night is East Yorkshire lass Fiona Lee, who release EP Every Woman earlier this year.
Stage times for The Maccabees
Gates - 4pm
Fiona Lee - 4.45pm - 5.15pm
Mystery Jets - 5.45pm - 6.15pm
Everything Everything - 6.45pm - 7.30pm
Maxïmo Park - 8pm - 8.45pm
The Maccabees - 9.15pm - 10.30pm
Last entry will be 8.30pm.
The Maccabees expected setlist
The Maccabees have had a busy summer on the festival circuit, but based on their headline gig at The Eden Project earlier this month, this is likely to be their setlist:
Love You Better
Latchmere
Lego
Feel to Follow
Kamakura
Wall of Arms
First Love
Precious Time
Can You Give It
Spit It Out
Toothpaste Kisses
X-Ray
Marks to Prove It
Ballad Of So Long
Something Like Happiness
Encore:
Something Like Happiness
No Kind Words
Pelican
What does a Premium ticket get you?
If you're thinking of making your night a little fancier, there's a Premium area in Kirkstall Abbey that includes all of this:
Premium Entrance (please note this opens at the same time as all gates)
Premium Hang Out Area located in the Historic Abbey’s Cloister with Private bar and toilets.
Live at Kirkstall Abbey map
Getting to Kirkstall Abbey
You can pre-book parking, which will open at 3.30pm for The Maccabees. g.
Entry to Kirkstall Abbey Car park is located next to Abbey House Museum on Abbey Walk in Kirkstall (LS5 3EJ).
But fans are urged to use public transport or travel on foot wherever possible.
Kirkstall Abbey has two local train stations nearby; Kirkstall Forge is located approximately 1.3 miles from Kirkstall Abbey and Headingley Station is approximately 0.7 miles.
There are several bus stops near Kirkstall Abbey too, for more information visit here.
Clementine Hall -
30th January 2023 
