Many in the North see the Alhambra Theatre as the finest location for large scale entertainment, and it often receives well-known performers from around the globe, such as internationally renowned dancers, actors, and musical performers.

It has seating for 1,400 people and is very popular with travelling theatre groups like Northern Ballet, Disney, the National Theatre, and Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, as well as the Lyric Theatre in London, Cameron Mackintosh, and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Broadway plays, such as The Lion King, War Horse, Billy Elliot, Wicked, and Mary Poppins have all had productions on Broadway. The Dance Consortium is a collection of UK theatres that team together to present the finest worldwide dance.

The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford’s gem, was the brainchild of entrepreneur Francis Laidler. Two years after building his new theatre, Laidler realised his goal. The Alhambra Theatre opened its doors at 2:00 p.m. on March 18, 1914. It began to operate for the general public on March 23, opening up its doors for a weeklong variety performance.