Opera North, Howard Opera Centre

So lovely to be at leeds grand. Seats are more spaced. Slightly. More knee room n can get past easier. Merlin ballet was a vision of beauty, costumes and scenery stunning as usual. So happy to be able to return to theater. Back again in December.

Went to see Rigoletto. Brilliant production in every way. Imaginatively staged, colourful and exciting, modern without being over the top or distracting from the story. Wonderful singing, especially from the leads and a great cameo from the incredible Sir Willard White. Never heard him live before, wow, what a voice, what emotion, what power. I've been to quite a number of operas now and this was unforgettable. I must go and see this production again before it ends. Go see it too.

Although not new to opera, this was our first live performance...and it was magical. The performance on stage was accessible, charismatic and beautiful, the music from the talented orchestra sublime. We are now officially hooked, and hope we can experience more live opera in the ornate and splendid Leeds Grand. 5 stars with no hesitation.

I went to see the ON production of Carmen last night. It was stunning in every way- a real treat for the senses. I loved the camp, zany take on Bizet’s original and thought the line dancing sequence inspired! How the soloists were able to sing and be so athletic I have no idea.I haven’t been able to stop the music going around my head since. An amazing production that I think everyone should see.

Really enjoyed A Little Night Music. Everything was perfect: the venue (Quarry theatre, Leeds Playhouse), the seats (only 14 pounds) but especially the songs, the story and the live orchestra. I took my 16 year old daughter to a Thursday matinee performance - I'm not a fan of travelling into and out of Leeds at night. She thoroughly enjoyed it too despite being part of the tik tok generation! See it if you can!

I have attended numerous operas and ballets at Leeds Grand Theatre and have rarely ever been disappointed. My main criticism is that modern settings sometimes don't quite get across the historical ethos of the opera. This is more often down to choices of costumes and occasionally the scenery. I find that it seems to detract from authenticity of the opera.On the positive side, however, there are always outstanding performances by individual singers and the unfailing support of the chorus.But I feel that I should give special mention to the Opera North orchestra. They are, in my opinion, utterly world class.I've never found any fault in their superb delivery.I attended a performance of Alcina last night and you would have thought an authentic Baroque orchestra was playing with the harpsichord continuo. Congratulations on the magnificent orchestration on this occasion.I must mention that my recent experience of Rigoletto was also one of the best I've seen, but with Verdi, the Opera North orchestra and an excellent cast and chorus, it was never going to fail to deliver.Carmen to come on Friday. I look forward to being thoroughly entertained once again.

So well sung. What fun. Fantastic costumes. Great fun.

I've been going for years and it's great to see that the quality (singing, costumes and stress) and diversity of the performances remains excellent. Often world class. Recent highlights have been Parsifal, Tosca and Ariadne auf Naxos. A northern gem!

Staff were rude behind the bar but that's just standard... other staff were friendly, toilets had no toilet paper and dirty, drinks over priced... grease was amazing, absolutely loved it... not my favourite theatre but always good performances

We have seen dozens of Opera North productions over the past 30 years, many of which have been outstanding. Joining this group has to be the new Orpheus" - the most moving and beautiful work."