Grand Opera House York York

Grand Opera House York Tickets

Hairspray the Musical

The hit 60's musical is back and bigger than ever!

Paul Smith: Pablo

The hilarious comedian delivers a brand new stand up set.

An Officer and a Gentleman the Musical

Prepare to be swept off your feet in this musical adaptation of the hit film.

Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch

See Ursula as you never have before - featuring drag queen River Medway.

The 39 Steps

Hitchcock’s classic spy film, The 39 Steps, brilliantly and hilariously recreated for the theatre!

The 13-Storey Treehouse

Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton’s hilarious, multi-award-winning book The 13-Storey Treehouse comes to life on stage!

Awful Auntie

David Walliams' hit comedy is back and zanier than ever!

Only Fools and Horses the Musical

Direct from a record-breaking four-year sold-out run-in London’s West End - featuring Del Boy and pals!

101 Dalmatians

Show-stopping choreography and irresistible puppies - what's not to love?

Beauty and the Beast: The Pantomime

Tale as old as time - the classic tale is back for the pantomime season.

The Smartest Giant in Town

The lovable children's story is brought to life onstage!

NOW That's What I Call A Musical

This fun-filled evening is bursting with hits from the compilation brand NOW!

Murder on the Orient Express

This new production is a gripping, tense, and cryptic murder mystery that promises a thrilling ride, ensuring suspense until the very end.

What’s On at Grand Opera House York

The biggest events at Grand Opera House York in 2024 include a flurry of West End musicals, ready to bring the glitz of Theatreland up north. Audiences are patiently waiting for the lovely jubbly musical Only Fools and Horses as it visits York in October; or try a brand new homegrown show with Little Mermaid parody-meets-origin story Unfortunate in June.

Other shows to book tickets for include Hairspray on tour in October. This fantastic musical is a classic for the whole family to enjoy.. Also to look forward to is 101 Dalmatians as the new family-friendly Disney movie-to-musical adaptation heads on tour in November. Take a look at what other events are heading to your area and secure your tickets today.

About the Grand Opera House York

Located in the middle of the historic city, York’s Grand Opera House was originally two separate buildings, with one as the corn exchange and the other as a warehouse. By 1902 the two buildings were converted into one space and the theatre opened with the pantomime Little Red Riding Hood, starring popular music hall entertainer Florrie Forde.

The Grand Opera House has been used in several capacities throughout the years and was one of the first venues in York to screen motion pictures in the early 20th century. In 1958, entrepreneur Ernest Shepherd removed the stage and Stalls to allow activities such as roller skating and bingo. In 1987, a restoration saw it revert to its original use as a theatre with carefully chosen Art Nouveau décor that reflects the theatre’s early years.

The Grand Opera House opened under its current name in 1989, although financial problems eventually saw it close until 1993. Since 2009 the theatre has enjoyed better fortune; it was acquired by the Ambassador Theatre Group and now hosts a variety of events including top touring musicals, plays and tribute acts in its intimate, 1,000-capacity house.

Map and Address

Clifford and Cumberland Street, York, YO1 9SW

The Grand Opera House is located in York’s picturesque town centre, close to several tourist attractions, including shops, restaurants and the River Ouse. Situated on the same street is the York Dungeons and Clifford’s Tower, with the riverside one street away. Jorvik Viking Centre and Fairfax House are also relatively close. There are many places to eat and drink within a 10 minute walk of the venue, primarily located on King Street, Castlegate and Bridge Street.

Grand Opera House York Auditorium from Stage

Frequently Asked Questions

The box office is open from 12pm - 5.30pm Monday - Saturday. On performance days, the box office remains open until the start of a show for ticket collection and same-day purchases.

The theatre is open up to 90 minutes before the first performance of the day begins. Patrons can usually take their seats in the auditorium 30 minutes before curtain up. The lavish interior is pleasant and impressive, so it is worth arriving early to enjoy the atmosphere before your show.

There are multiple bars throughout the venue, on the Stalls, Dress Circle and Grand Circle levels as well as in the main Foyer. These offer a range of wines, beers, spirits, soft-drinks, crisps, sweets and other snacks.

Zaap Thai Street Food is six minutes’ walk from the venue, with a varied menu including dim sum, bao buns and curries. If you prefer a relaxed pub setting for a pre-show meal, The Hop on Fossgate serves woodfired pizzas and Ossett Brewery ales alongside weekly acoustic music sets.

York is home to a variety of luxury and boutique hotels in period buildings, such as The Principal, which boasts Victorian-era features and beautiful landscaped gardens. For those on mid-range or smaller budget, Hotel 53 and Holiday Inn City Centre both provide comfortable rooms close to the theatre.

The box office team can be contacted by phone for all booking queries on 0333 009 6690.