Leeds Combined Arts

Theatre Visit: 'We Will Rock You'
2019-11-14 19:30 (Europe/London) | The Grand Theatre, Leeds, 46 New Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6NZ
‘We Will Rock You’, Leeds Grand Theatre. The worldwide smash hit musical by Queen and Ben Elton returns to the UK. Featuring 24 of Queen’s biggest hits and Ben Elton’s hilarious futuristic comedy writing, We Will Rock You boasts the scale and spectacle that marked the band’s legendary live performances.
This event has now reached its maximum capacity.

'Dance the World' workshop with Emma Lucy
2019-11-12 14:00 - 16:00 | Meanwood Institute, Green Road, Meanwood, LS6 4LD, United Kingdom
Join us for our new programme of World Dance Workshops at Meanwood Institute, Meanwood LS6 4LD. In our world today we find dance in all aspects of culture – in our gestures, in religious and spiritual ceremonies, in romance, in popular culture, in entertainment, in fitness and in art. Dance styles are closely tied to the cultures in which they develop. Each gesture and move has its own history and cultural derivation. The way we move with our bodies is both and expression of our culture and our identity.
In these workshops we will explore culture and identity by learning dances from all over the world. Circle dances are a widespread and traditional form of dance which exist in many cultures so we will be learning some of those. We will also look at other group dances and mind/body practices too. We will dance across the continents. We will learn about the roots of the dances and try our own feet at the steps. We will probably get it wrong quite a few times – that’s all part of it. We might never get it right – that’s ok. These classes aren’t dance instruction – they’re dance exploration.
Everyone is welcome to come and join. The dances are versatile and adaptable to suit each dancer. The classes are inclusive and welcoming for people of all ages and abilities. No special footwear or clothing is required. No experience is necessary as the dances are all taught first.

Circular walk around East Keswick
2019-11-10 12:00
Meet Carol at the Duke of Wellington Inn Main Street East Keswick LS17 9DB for a 5 mile walk around East Keswick with long distant views on Almscliffe Crag and the White Horse of Kilburn. As this is Remembrance Day any poems can be on ‘Memories’. Please bring a packed lunch and a drink. There will be an optional drink at the Duke of Wellington after the walk. For further details contact Carol on 07708 230 333.

Film ‘An American in Paris’
2019-11-08 11:00 | HEART – Headingley Enterprise & Arts Centre, Bennett Road, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3HN
‘An American in Paris’ is a romantic musical inspired by the 1951 film of the same name incorporating songs from George and Ira Gershwin.
The book is by Craig Lucas. The musical won several Tony Awards. The Broadway production closed in October 2016. A US national tour opened in the autumn of 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts, and a London West End production opened at the Dominion Theatre in March 2017. The Italian premiere took place in Genoa in Teatro Carlo Felice in October 2018. FREE! Tea & Cakes are available at very low cost provided by OWL’s and there will be an interval half way through the film.
There is no need to book you can just turn up!

Theatre Visit: 'Half of Me'
2019-11-07 19:30 | Kala Sangam Arts Centre, Bradford
Inspired by Satinder Kaur Chohan’s play by the same name, ‘Half of Me’ explores the often unheard stories of young people born through Assisted Reproductive Technologies, such as IVF. The story draws parallels with the famous Indian epic the Mahabharata, in which the biological mother Kunti meets her abandoned son Karna after he is grown into a young man and questions his loyalties. A contemporary, relevant story told through the classical South Asian dance form Bharatanatyam, ‘Half of Me’ is performed by some of the most charismatic dancers in the UK. The modern choreography by Swati Raut is accompanied by spellbinding music by Praveen D. Rao, a versatile music composer from India. This performance also features a post-show discussion, where you’ll have the opportunity to ask any burning questions. The majority of performances at Kala Sangam are now Pay What You Decide, which means you don’t have to pay until after you have seen a show. Please Note: Even though you don’t have to pay until after you’ve seen the show places still have to be booked in advance. Once you have confirmed you are attending, we can book your ticket which you will need to enter the performance. Please e-mail sibylle@leedscombinedarts.org.uk to reserve your place, (limited ticket availability).

Theatre Visit: 'The King & I'
2019-11-06 19:30 | The Grand Theatre, Leeds, 46 New Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6NZ
Directed by Tony Award winner Bart Sher (South Pacific, My Fair Lady – Broadway), this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness this glorious production, direct from its record breaking season at The London Palladium. This 5-star, critically acclaimed, Lincoln Centre Theatre’s production stars the West End’s Annalene Beechey and Broadway’s Jose Llana.

This production has now reached its maximum capacity.

Theatre Visit: 'Dracula'
2019-10-31 19:30 | Northern Ballet, Leeds Playhouse (QT), 2 St. Cecilia Street, Leeds, LS2 7PA
Step into the world of Dracula – if you dare…. Seducing countless generations, Bram Stoker’s legendary vampire lives on in this extraordinary ballet. The dark tale of the immortal Count is played out through Northern Ballet’s blend of sensuous dancing and gripping theatre enhanced by gothic sets and costumes. If you think you know what to expect from ballet, think again. This is ballet with a dramatic bite that will leave you thirsty for more – don’t miss your chance to experience it. Features music by Schnittke, Rachmaninov, Pärt and Daugherty.
This production has now reached its maximum capacity.

Theatre Visit: ‘The Body Snatcher’
2019-10-27 19:00 | Carriageworks Theatre, Millennium Square, Leeds
Presented by Thunder Road & Harrogate Theatre, Something is rotten in the town of Inglenook. Sour milk, unread post, dogs howling day and night, the locals are vanishing…seemingly into thin air. As fear haunts the remaining few, a young scientist is disturbed by a noise underground. It’s the sound of terror, and it’s getting louder. The Body Snatcher is an unnerving experience inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s hair-raising horror: live action, music and storytelling combine in a tale of mystery, morality, and science unhinged. Nobody is safe.

Theatre Visit: Matinee 'La Bohème’ Opera North
2019-10-26 15:30 | Opera North, Leeds Grand Theatre, 46 New Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6NU
On a cold Christmas night in bohemian Paris, Mimì knocks on Rodolfo’s door in search of a candle and a love is sparked that changes their lives forever. But can this love survive the harsh winter? Set in the bustling clubs and cafés of early-60s Paris, don’t miss Opera North’s production of one of the most popular – and most heart-breaking – operas of all times! Sung in Italian with English titles. Running time: approximately 2 hours 15 Minutes. (Please note that seats could be high up!)

'Into the Light' DVD from this year's Glastonbury Symposium with Dr. William Bloom
2019-10-23 20:45 - 22:30 | Headingley Community Hub (formerly Headingley Library), North Lane, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3HG
We always like to bring you the latest cutting-edge talks from Glastonbury Symposium, with covers Truth, Mysteries, and New Frontiers. The main aim of the Symposium is to bring in speakers from around the world and to give people information that isn’t so easy to get from else-where. They have conversations and presentations about the things we are not supposed to talk about and looking again about the things in the world going on around us in a light that is not allowed to be shown in the mainstream. Dr William Bloom is one of the UK’s leading’s authors and educators in the field of holistic spirituality and health. He describes his approach as valuing the jewels in all traditions. He founded the Spiritual Companions project, is a Fellow of the Findhorn Foundation and co-founded Alternatives of St. James’s Church, Piccadilly. His many books include The Endorphin Effect, The Power of Modern Spirituality, Psychic Protection and Working with Angels. Recently he pioneered the first main-stream UK qualification on spirituality and health to be on the OFQUAL Register.
Presentation: Into the Light – Exploring Afterlife Dimensions
This presentation explores the great mystery of what happens when we die. The talk will be both personal and philosophical. For the first time in public William will share about his extended out of the body and near death experiences, which occurred when he was almost mortally ill during a two-year isolated retreat. Since that time, he has explored after death realities in his daily meditation practice, read the classic and contemporary texts, and helped many others prepare for their own passing and how to support others. His talk will include an exploration of texts such as the Tibetan Book of the Dead; practices that enable the transfer of consciousness; invisible helpers, purgatory, heaven and hell; and theories about the source and purpose of the soul’s journey. Just as we need to understand how to live, so we also need to know how to die.
The subjects discussed under the ‘Mind, Body, Spirit Programme’ are for entertainment and educational purposes, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Leeds Combined Arts.

Storytelling Workshops with Saskia Solomons.
2019-10-22 15:00 - 17:00, 2019-10-15 15:00 - 17:00, 2019-10-08 15:00 - 17:00, 2019-10-01 15:00 - 17:00, 2019-09-24 15:00 - 17:00 | Meanwood Institute, Green Road, Meanwood, LS6 4LD, United Kingdom
Join us for a 5 week session of Storytelling workshops with Saskia Solomons at Meanwood Institute, Green Road, Meanwood.
Tuesday Afternoons 2 -4 p.m.
Everyone has a tale to tell, but how do we turn a memory into story? This workshop will provide a warm and welcoming space to explore our personal histories and develop the skills needed to craft our memories into captivating stories. We will work with our imaginations, our senses and our playfulness. Participants will be invited to work with memories of their choice, and will be supported in the intuitive process of deciding which to tell; if you choose to make it so, the crafting of a memory and the telling of it can be a very healing process. Together we will create a safe space to honour our stories and celebrate our experiences, and encourage each participant to work in a way that nourishes them.
Each session will offer a different aspect of the craft of the storyteller: from building characters in your body and voice, to creating images in space, exploring the relationship to the listener(s), and developing moods, landscapes and language. Entrance is £2.00 including refreshments.

Theatre Visit: Matinee ‘My Beautiful Launderette’
2019-10-19 15:30
This bold new production of Hanif Kureishi’s iconic and Oscar-nominated screenplay, explores issues of sexuality, cultural conflict, gender equality, class and generational strife, presented against a funky backdrop of 80s music and culture. Set in London during the Thatcher years, My Beautiful Laundrette tells the story of young British Pakistani, Omar, who transforms his Uncle’s run-down laundrette into a thriving business. After being confronted by a fascist gang, Omar recognises school-friend Johnny and uses their history to diffuse the situation. As they renovate the laundrette together, love blossoms between them.

Open Mic Poetry, Prose & Music Evening
2019-10-16 20:30 - 22:30 | Headingley Community Hub (formerly Headingley Library), North Lane, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3HG
This evening we’ll have an ‘open mic’ evening on any theme or topic for everyone to participate. All welcome. Entrance is just £3.50/£3.00 (members and concessions), including refreshments.

Theatre Visit: ‘There are No Beginnings’
2019-10-15 21:00
It’s 1975 and Sharon just wants to marry Donny Osmond. Her mum, June, is working to keep girls like Helen off the street and Fiona is desperate to get inside the Milgarth police station incident room. Between the years of 1975 and 1980 the women of Leeds lived in fear. With no clue as to who was responsible for the sustained attacks and murders across the city, the authorities urged women to stay at home. From the fear and fury, a steadfast solidarity arose, birthing the Reclaim the Night movement and echoing down the generations to this day.
This production has now reached its maximum capacity.

Walk to Gallow Hill
2019-10-13 13:00
Walk from Otley Bus Station with Rob.
Join Rob for a 5 mile circular walk from the centre of Otley calling on Gallows Hill. Gallows Hill Nature Reserve occupies a strip of land on the south side of the River Wharfe east of Otley. It is signed to the left off Pool Road, just after the cemetery on the way out of Otley. It consists of areas of trees, scrub and nettle beds with a pond, providing a variety of habitats important to birds, amphibians, butterflies and dragonflies. History of the site, it gets its name from its use as a site of execution as far back as Anglo-Saxon times. During the reign of Henry I (1100-1135) the Archbishop of York had the power to execute thieves caught in the Manor of Otley. The last execution took place in 1614. Much of the area is situated on the old Sewage works sludge beds. Otley Town Council purchased the land from Yorkshire Water Authority in 1987/8. There was considerable investment to remove toxic materials followed by a programme of development including construction of a pond, and tree and hedging planting. On the route back we will cross the Pool Road and walk up a gently sloping farm drive to cross a couple of sheep fields to the route of the old Arthington to Otley Railway line. This will take us to the Cambridge Housing estate and Otley Bus station. We are spoilt for choice for cafes and pubs in Otley and will decide en route. Buses back to Leeds are half hourly.
Rob intends to catch an X84 bus timetabled to leave Leeds at 10.30 am. and will be joining the bus in Headingley around 10.49 and arriving in Otley at 11.14 in good time for a cup of coffee. Please note that due to chaotic works going on in central Leeds the X84/X85 does not start from the bus station. According to the information from Metro the X84 and X85 buses now start their route on Albion Street (opposite St John Centre). The online timetable says that they leave from Stand J3 but last time he was at that bus stop there was a paper notice stating that from 28th September they will start from Stand L1 (a bit further up the road, just beyond the junction with Great George Street). You may have to check both stops. They’re only 100 yards apart.There is one later X84 bus that should get you there just in time, leaving Leeds (Albion Street) at 11.05 and arriving in Otley at 11.52. There is usually ample car parking to be found near the bus station. There are public toilets behind the bus station (30p) or in the Wetherspoons pub, the Bowling Green, which should be open. Please bring suitable walking gear, water and a packed lunch. “Autumn” would seem to be a suitable theme for optional poems/songs/readings.

Please bring a packed lunch and a drink. For any further information please contact Rob on 0113 216 4492.

Gallows Hill Nature Reserve, Otley.

Tour of the Leeds Playhouse.
2019-10-12 14:00 - 16:30
Join us at the Leeds Playhouse for a guided tour of the re-furbished building. There will be 2 time slots 1.00 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. Places are Free but must be pre-booked by e-mailing sibylle@leedscombinedarts.org.uk
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before each tour.
Please Note: This event has now reached maximum capacity.

Theatre Visit: Giulio Cesare: Caesar and Cleopatra in Egypt (Handel), Opera North
2019-10-11 20:00 | The Grand Theatre, Leeds, 46 New Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6NZ
Cleopatra and her brother are vying for the throne when Julius Caesar arrives in Egypt, pursuing an enemy. Seeing the opportunity to tip the balance of power in her favour, Cleopatra seduces Caesar. A dramatic love story with all the colour, passion and epic sweep of a Hollywood blockbuster. Sung in Italian with English titles.

'Light Night'
2019-10-10 20:00 | The Corn Exchange, Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BR, United Kingdom
Join us for a walk around Leeds Centre for Light Night. Light Night is once of UK’s largest annual arts and light festivals, and some of Leeds’s most recognisable indoor and outdoor spaces are transformed by spectacular artworks and captivating performances by local, national and international artists. Free.
Meet 7.00 p.m. Corn Exchange, Leeds.

Previous Light Night Leeds.

'LCA Book Reading Group'
2019-09-30 16:00 - 18:00 | Meanwood Institute, Green Road, Meanwood, LS6 4LD, United Kingdom
We have just commenced reading ‘The Tin God’ by local author Chris Nickson.
Leeds, England. October 1897. Superintendent Harper is proud of his wife Annabelle. She’s one of seven women selected to stand for election as a Poor Law Guardian. But even as the campaign begins, Annabelle and the other female candidates start to receive anonymous letters from someone who believes a woman’s place lies firmly in the home. The threats escalate into outright violence when an explosion rips through the church hall where Annabelle is due to hold a meeting – with fatal consequences. The only piece of evidence Harper has is a scrap of paper left at the scene containing a fragment from an old folk song. But what is its significance? As polling day approaches and the attacks increase in menace and intensity, Harper knows he’s in a race against time to uncover the culprit before more deaths follow. With the lives of his wife and daughter at risk, the political becomes cruelly personal.
All reading takes place in the two-hour slot, including a break. Entrance is £3.00 and includes refreshments. Further details on 0113 269 0356.

Theatre Visit 'The Greek Passion' Martinů Opera North
2019-09-27 20:30 - 23:00 | The Grand Theatre, Leeds, 46 New Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6NZ
When a group of desperate refugees arrives in a small village seeking help and shelter, deep rifts tear the community in two. This unique and powerful opera is not to be missed. Sung in English with English titles. Running time: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. Please note: seats could be high up.

Mind, Body, Spirit Evening, 'Artificial Intelligence: A Personal History' with Mark Tarver.
2019-09-25 20:30 - 22:15 | HEART – Headingley Enterprise & Arts Centre, Bennett Road, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3HN
Wednesday 25th September 7.30 p.m. ‘Artificial Intelligence: A Personal History’ with Mark Tarver, HEART, Headingley LS6 3HN.
AI is now very much in vogue, but did you know that this is the third revival of the subject since it began over sixty years ago? Dr Mark Tarver traces the development of the subject from the beginnings in 1956 to the present day and looks at what the future might bring. Dr Tarver taught AI for ten years at Leeds University and currently heads work in functional programming development. Don’t miss this fascinating talk! Entrance £4.00/£3.50 LCA members and concessions.

'Tolkien Trail' with Poetry and Music
2019-09-22 14:30
The Tolkien Trail 2019 Claire Rae Randall
This celebration of the time Professor JRR Tolkien spent in and around Headingley in the period after the Great War will give the local community the opportunity to explore and discover this aspect of its cultural heritage. The rich depth of historical landscape and features that we pass by daily may have contributed influences to his legendary world of Middle-earth and we can learn to see our environment in new mythic ways. During the walk there are likely to be some musical contributions from local musicians “Shadowfax”, an ad hoc collaboration performing Tolkien’s songs from “The Lord of the Rings” as set to music by Donald Swann in 1967 to complete the immersion in his imaginary world.
Meet at The Library Pub, 229 Woodhouse Lane, LS2 3AP.

Day Trip to Nostell Priory near Wakefield
2019-09-20 11:00
As part of the Heritage Weekends we have organised a trip to Nostell Priory on Doncaster Road, Near Wakefield.
Nostell Priory is a glorious 18th-century country house with interiors by Palladian master architect Robert Adam. The house was built in 1733 to a design by James Paine. Robert Adam was called in to expand and renovate Paine’s work in 1766, and over the next 19 years he created a marvellous neo-classical house. The house takes its name from medieval Nostell Priory, an Augustinian monastery founded in 1114. The monastery was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1540. The monastic site is near the current house, but there is very little to see beyond the 17th-century cow stalls which were converted from monastic outbuildings. Nostell Priory stands 2 stories high, with a centre block of 5 bays. The interiors are mainly by Robert Adam, with furniture designed by Chippendale specifically for the Priory. There is an extensive art collection with paintings by Angelica Kauffman and Breughel, among others. The library is considered one of the best at any National Trust property. Free Entrance. Please meet at 10.00 a.m. at Leeds Central Bus Station.

'Poetry & Arts Evening' with Michael Hildred 'Time and Tide'
2019-09-18 20:30 | HEART – Headingley Enterprise & Arts Centre, Bennett Road, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3HN
Our minds leap to complete the proverb, which instantly gives food for thought about the human condition. Yet how much more potent does the process become when we realise that the saying is attributed to Geoffrey Chaucer in 1395.
This evening gives us the opportunity to explore the theme in all its richness and variety, with a truly Yorkshire flavour.

LCA World Circle Dance Workshops with Emma Lucy Dance
2019-09-17 15:00 - 17:00 | Meanwood Institute, Green Road, Meanwood, LS6 4LD, United Kingdom
In these workshops we will learn dances from around the world; from Greece to Bollywood, from lively to meditative, from frivolous to sacred. We will learn about the roots of the dances and try our own feet at the steps. We will probably get it wrong quite a few times – that’s all part of it. We might never get it right – that’s ok. These classes aren’t dance instruction – they’re dance exploration.
I teach these dances as circle dances. There is joy and celebration and fun in learning and dancing together and that energy flows particularly well in a circle. This style of dance is transformative too; in opening our bodies to unfamiliar movements, our ears to unfamiliar music and our minds to unfamiliar philosophies we prove to ourselves and the rest of the circle that we are bolder, more capable and more flexible than we think.
Everyone is welcome to come and join as we explore various dances from across this diverse and beautiful world. Circle dancing is very versatile and adaptable to suit each dancer. The ethos of circle dancing is ‘there are no mistakes, only variations.’ This makes it inclusive and welcoming for people of all ages and abilities. No special footwear or clothing is required. No experience is necessary as the dances are all taught first.
We will meet each week at 2.00 p.m. at Meanwood Institute where some of the dancing will take place, however weather permitting we may also walk to the park for some of the sessions. Please wear comfortable clothing and footwear.
Entrance £3.00 – £2.00 (members & concessions) including refreshments.
See you in the circle!

Workshop schedule:

Week 1
Tuesday 30th July 2019

Week 2
Tuesday 6th August 2019

Week 3
Tuesday 13th August 2019

Week 4
Tuesday 20th August 2019

LCA Summer break

Week 5
Tuesday 10th September 2019

Week 6
Tuesday 17th September 2019

LCA Book Group - New book 'The Tin Good' Chris Nickson
2019-09-16 16:00 - 18:00 | Meanwood Institute, Green Road, Meanwood, LS6 4LD, United Kingdom
Leeds, England. October, 1897. Superintendent Harper is proud of his wife Annabelle. She’s one of seven women selected to stand for election as a Poor Law Guardian. But even as the campaign begins, Annabelle and the other female candidates start to receive anonymous letters from someone who believes a woman’s place lies firmly in the home.
The threats escalate into outright violence when an explosion rips through the church hall where Annabelle is due to hold a meeting – with fatal consequences. The only piece of evidence Harper has is a scrap of paper left at the scene containing a fragment from an old folk song. But what is its significance?
As polling day approaches and the attacks increase in menace and intensity, Harper knows he’s in a race against time to uncover the culprit before more deaths follow. With the lives of his wife and daughter at risk, the political becomes cruelly personal …
All reading takes place in two hours slot, including a break.
