Story of the Alhambra Theatre

Francis Laidler

The Alhambra Theatre was founded by the great theatrical impresario, Francis Laidler. Laidler was known as the 'King of Pantomime' for his success in producing pantos in Bradford and around the country, including the West End. His legacy means the Alhambra Theatre, to this day, presents one of the biggest pantos in the whole of Yorkshire, drawing audiences from across the north of England.

1913

Construction

The Alhambra Theatre was built on a triangular strip of land called the Morley Street Waste, and was completed in 8 months, costing less than £20,000 to build.

Design

The Alhambra Theatre, with its domed roofs, columns and arches, is named after the famous Islamic palace in southern Spain (the name is Arabic for Red Castle/Fort). Built from designs by Chadwick & Watson (architects from Leeds), the interior is decorated as a French palace in opulent Louis XVI style, with painted friezes and elaborate plasterwork.

© West Yorkshire Archive Service

1914

Opening ceremony

On 18 March 1914, the Alhambra Theatre first opened its doors with a small official ceremony. There was a race against time to meet this date, as the builders and decorators were behind schedule - an army of cleaners and other theatre staff worked all through the night to get the venue ready. The ceremony, attended by the Lord and Lady Mayoress, involved founder Francis Laidler’s wife Annie opening the door with a golden key, an afternoon tea, and a toast to the future prosperity of the theatre.

Opening performance

The Alhambra Theatre opened to the public on 23 March 1914 as a theatre of varieties, during the height of variety entertainment. The opening performance involved a programme of variety performers including Nellie Wallace, ‘the essence of eccentricity’, with her tatty feather boa, funny hat and comical songs. The Telegraph & Argus reviewer was not impressed by the opening show, claiming that 'the best attraction at The Alhambra this week is… The Alhambra!... but praise should be given to the attendants who are smart in appearance and unwaveringly amiable'.

© National Portrait Gallery

Early shows

The Alhambra Theatre offered twice nightly shows at 6:50pm and 9pm, and an advance booking office with tickets reserved at no extra charge. Boxes cost 75p, Stalls seats 7.5p, Dress Circle seats 5p, and Upper Circle seats 4p. Seen as a model of glamour and innovation at that time, it offered 'upholstered tip-up chairs for all!'

© West Yorkshire Archive Service

Visiting performers

Visiting performers thought they were very well looked after, with hot and cold water, as well as gas and electric light in the dressing rooms! Rumour has it that there was a notice on dressing room doors, placed there by Francis Laidler, saying 'Please do not ask management for complimentary tickets for your friends. If your friends will not pay to see you, why should the public?'

© West Yorkshire Archive Service

Marie Studholme

Not long after it first opened, the Alhambra Theatre presented the hugely famous Bradford-born musical theatre artist and celebrated Edwardian beauty, Marie Studholme. The theatre was surrounded by crowds wanting to see the great star in her hometown.

World War One

The Alhambra Theatre started its early life shortly before World War One (1914-1918). Variety performances continued throughout the war, offering morale boosting entertainment during those troubled times. This 1917 programme states the importance of the theatre’s role in the war effort: 'Theatres and music halls are not luxuries, they are NATIONAL NECESSITIES. They preserve the mental health of the country, which at present time is of vital importance'.

© West Yorkshire Archive Service

Carlton, the Human Hairpin

During those early First World War years at the Alhambra Theatre, variety artistes performed at fundraisers and helped to recruit soldiers for the front with their performances. One of these was Carlton, the Human Hairpin, who recruited 18 men in half an hour during his act performed at the Alhambra Theatre and around the city centre in Bradford.

© Victoria and Albert Museum, London

1919

Vesta Tilley

In 1919, Vesta Tilley, the famous male impersonator known for singing 'Burlington Bertie', gave her farewell performance at the Alhambra Theatre. The great star was presented with a large silver loving cup inscribed 'To Vesta Tilley from Bradford admirers'. She in turn donated a weeks wages of £500 to Bradford’s Cinderella club, which equates to over £21,000 today.

Gwladys Stanley

In 1919, Francis Laidler spotted the fabulous Gwladys Stanley in a show on Blackpool pier and cast her in his next panto. Gwladys Stanley went on to become a huge star, one of the most famous pantomime principal boys of the era and eventually his second wife after the tragic death of his first wife.

© West Yorkshire Archive Service

1922

Sunbeams

At the Alhambra Theatre there is a long and continuing tradition of pantomimes, including a troupe of Sunbeams (12 young dancers from the local area). This picture shows an early touring group of Bradford Sunbeams with Gwladys Stanley in 1922. The Sunbeams first appeared at the Prince's Theatre, Bradford, which was managed by Francis Laidler at that time.

© West Yorkshire Archive Service

1925

Anna Pavlova

In both 1925 and 1930, the world-famous Russian dancer Anna Pavlova, described as the greatest ballerina of the 20th century, performed at the venue to a rapturous reception.

1926

Wedding

In 1926 Francis Laidler married performing artist Gwladys Stanley. Their wedding cake was decorated with a huge, icing model of the Alhambra Theatre and they went on to collaborate in running the venue throughout their long and happy marriage.

© West Yorkshire Archive Service

1927

Opera

Throughout the 1920s and 30s, opera was regularly performed at the Alhambra Theatre. In 1927 the English National Opera Company presented a Two Weeks' Season of Grand Opera with performances of Carmen, the Marriage of Figaro, Madame Butterfly, La Boheme and Faust. The Carl Rosa Opera Company regularly appeared at the venue in the 1930s.

© West Yorkshire Archive Service

Adelaide Hall

In 1928, singer and entertainer Adelaide Hall performed at the Alhambra Theatre in a musical revue and returned to the venue several times. Known as the first lady of jazz, and famous for her recording of Creole Love Call, she pioneered scat singing. Adelaide Hall held the accolade of being the 20th century's most enduring female recording artist, having released material over eight consecutive decades.

1929

Tallulah Bankhead

The acclaimed actress and star of stage and screen, Tallulah Bankhead, appeared at the Alhambra Theatre in the comedy Her Cardboard Lover. Tallulah was famous for her beauty, deep husky voice, flimsy costumes and outrageous lifestyle - 'My father warned me about men and booze but he never said anything about women and cocaine!' In this way she epitomised the free-wheeling flapper girl who defined the era.

© West Yorkshire Archive Service

1930

Mother Goose

The first ever pantomime presented at the Alhambra Theatre was Francis Laidler’s Mother Goose in 1930-1931. The cast included Norah Blaney, George Lacy, Joan Brett and Marie Piquart. This programme is from a later Alhambra Theatre production of Mother Goose in 1946.

© West Yorkshire Archive Service

1933

Shakespeare Festival

In March 1933, the Alhambra Theatre hosted a week-long Shakespeare Festival. Sir Frank Benson and the company performed the Merchant of Venice, Henry V, Hamlet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Othello. Both the RSC and the National Theatre have roots in this company which is described as the ‘nursery of modern Shakespearean acting’.

1939-45

World War Two

During World War Two, the Alhambra Theatre’s famous white walls and roofs were painted chocolate brown as protection from being a target in bombing raids. The venue took a role in maintaining the morale of locals by presenting comedy, musical spectaculars and hugely popular pantos. In the programme during this time there was a notice saying:

In the event of an Air Raid warning being received during the performance…anyone who desires to leave the theatre may do so, but the performance will continue, and patrons are advised in their own interest to remain in the building.

This image shows the Alhambra Theatre after the war but with its roofs and domes still painted dark brown.

© Bradford District Museums & Galleries

1946

Norman Evans

Considered one of the greatest pantomime dames, Norman Evans appeared in the panto Mother Goose. Known for his over-the-garden-wall comic sketches, in which a face-pulling, northern working-class matriarch gossips with a neighbour, his performance had people rolling in the aisles and queuing round the block to buy tickets.

© West Yorkshire Archive Service

1952

Laurel and Hardy

In 1952 the world-famous comedy duo Laurel and Hardy appeared at the venue. Billed as 'Hollywood’s greatest comedy couple - here in person!' Stan and Ollie’s slapstick routines went down a storm. Their weeklong appearance - topping a bill that included comics Harry Worth, Frankie Howerd and 'the Great Cingale, Silent Man of Mystery' - was followed by a second show at the Alhambra Theatre in 1954.

1955

Red Riding Hood

In January 1955, the night before his 88th birthday, Francis Laidler passed away. After the announcement of his death, according to his instructions, the Red Riding Hood panto at the Alhambra Theatre played on as usual. Francis Laidler is described as one of the greatest theatrical impresarios and producers of panto this country has ever seen.

Change in management

After Laidler’s death, the ownership and management of the Alhambra Theatre passed onto his widow, Gwladys Stanley. She was suddenly the most powerful woman in British Theatre, managing not only the Alhambra Theatre but 3 other venues.

Variety shows

The Alhambra Theatre continued to host an incredible range of top performers and variety artists. This playbill from 1955 presents the Beverley Sisters, Morecambe and Wise, Moira Shearer and Frankie Howerd.

© West Yorkshire Archive Service

1957

Les Ballets Africains

In 1957, the Les Ballets Africains appeared in a show which celebrated the traditional dance, music and culture of Guinea and included djembe drummers Papa Ladjii Camara of Mali.

1958

Difficult times

Gwladys Stanley took on ownership of the Alhambra Theatre at a very difficult time. TV was now the new mainstream form of popular entertainment and theatres were closing all over the country. After managing the theatre and producing several successful pantos, Gwladys put the Alhambra Theatre for sale on the open market, but no one wanted to buy it.

© West Yorkshire Archive Service

1959

Ken Dodd

In 1959 Legendary comedian Ken Dodd gave one of his first performances in Bradford playing Jack in Jack and the Beanstalk in the Alhambra Theatre pantomime. Ken Dodd entertained audiences at the Alhambra Theatre many times over the decades.

© West Yorkshire Archive Service

Festival Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty

Throughout the 1950s and 60s the Alhambra Theatre presented dance performances from the Royal Ballet, Ballet Rambert, London Ballet, Metropolitan Ballet, International Ballet, Scottish Theatre Ballet, and the London Festival Ballet’s production of The Sleeping Beauty.

© West Yorkshire Archive Service

1962

Tommy Cooper

In 1962, the legendary comedian Tommy Cooper starred in the Alhambra Theatre's pantomime Puss in Boots. He was spotted, along with many others, queueing outside St George’s Hall for his smallpox vaccination when an outbreak of smallpox hit the city that year.

© West Yorkshire Archive Service

Winifred Atwell

Hugely popular pianist Winifred Atwell played at the Alhambra Theatre several times in the 1950s and 60s. Famous for her boogie-woogie and ragtime hits, Winifred Atwell sold over 20 million records and was the first Black artist to have a number one hit in the UK singles charts.

1964

Saved from demolition

In 1964 the Alhambra Theatre went into voluntary liquidation and was saved from demolition by Bradford Council who bought it for £78,000. Roland Hill, who started working at the Alhambra Theatre as a boy of 14 and worked his way up to become Laidler’s right hand man, took over as manager and ran the theatre until his retirement in 1974.

A new era

During Roland Hill’s skilful stewardship, many great performing artists appeared at the Alhambra Theatre including Shirley Bassey, Julie Andrews, Brian Rix, Engelbert Humperdinck, Pat Phoenix, Hilda Baker, Ronnie Corbett, Max Wall, Spike Milligan, Diana Doors, Thora Hird, and Bruce Forsythe. They appeared alongside great classical pieces such as the RSC’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by Peter Hall.

© Derek Allen / National Portrait Gallery, London

1968

An Inspector Calls

Bradford-born playwright JB Priestley’s play An Inspector Calls was performed in 1968. Set in 1912, this play examines the deep inequalities embedded in the society of the time. This play has continued to be performed at the Alhambra Theatre to the present day, most notably by the award-winning Stephen Daldry National Theatre production.  

© West Yorkshire Archive Service

1969

National Theatre

The National Theatre production of Chekhov’s Three Sisters directed by Laurence Olivier played at the venue in March 1969. Joan Plowright played Masha and Derek Jacobi stood in as Vershinin. Delighted audiences showed their appreciation of the performance by demanding 7 curtain calls.

© West Yorkshire Archive Service

1973

Amateur productions

In 1973 the Great Horton Amateur Operatic Society presented Roger and Hammerstein’s musical, Carousel. Most of Bradford’s major amateur companies have staged impressive performances with large casts at the Alhambra Theatre. This includes Bradford Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, the Bradford Gilbert and Sullivan Society, the Bradford Catholic Players and Buttershaw St Paul's Amateur, Operatic and Dramatic Society.

© West Yorkshire Archive Service

1978

Les Dawson

Billed as 'The only major panto for miles around', in 1978 much-loved comedian Les Dawson starred in Babes in the Wood, along with Tammy Jones and Peter Goodwright.

© Eugene and Willa Watson / National Portrait Gallery, London

1982

To Be or Not To Be?

In 1982, Bradford Council produced their study 'The Alhambra Theatre: To Be or Not To Be?', which questioned whether to close the theatre due to structural problems and the financial difficulties of the time. Thankfully, with help from the European Union, funding was found for a much-needed £8.5 million refurbishment, which included a much larger stage and a major glass box extension to create a better front of house space.

© West Yorkshire Archive Service

1983

The Dresser

In the early 1980s the Alhambra Theatre was looking worse for wear, with a nicotine-stained interior and antiquated facilities. For this reason, the Alhambra Theatre was chosen as the perfect setting for the film The Dresser by Ronald Harwood, showing the backstage story of a touring Shakespearean theatre company during the harsh austerity of World War Two.

1984

Refurbishment

In 1984 the venue closed for major refurbishment. This included restoring the beautiful painted friezes in the Alhambra Theatre auditorium by removing the nicotine staining caused by decades of audiences smoking.

1985

Ceremony

On 30 August 1985 there was a Topping Out ceremony with Lord Mayor Councillor Mohammed Ajeeb, on the roof of the Alhambra Theatre, to celebrate the final phase of the £8.5 million refurbishment.

© West Yorkshire Archive Service

1986

Rudolph Nureyev

In June 1986, the legendary ballet star Rudolph Nureyev performed on the new stage with the Northern Ballet Theatre.

Gala Re-Opening

On 30 October 1986, to celebrate its major refurbishment, London Festival Ballet performed Coppelia at the Gala re-opening of the Alhambra Theatre. The extended stage of 18 metres made it one of the deepest stages in the region, and the state-of-the-art backstage and front of house facilities gave the theatre a whole new lease of life. The Alhambra Theatre became one of the most prestigious venues in the region, able to host huge West End productions and international dance companies as well as local amateur productions.

1987

Kiss Me, Kate

In 1987, Nichola McAuliffe starred in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Kiss Me, Kate. The show centred around the production of a musical version of William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew and the conflict on and off-stage between the show’s director, producer, and star. The Royal Shakespeare Company continues to regularly perform at the Alhambra Theatre and now has an outreach programme working with children and community members across the district.

© West Yorkshire Archive Service

1988

Evita

In May 1988 the smash-hit musical Evita, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, was performed at the Alhambra Theatre as part of its first national tour. The cast included Michael Bauer, Tessa Pritchard, Peter Karrie and Nicholas Taggert.

© West Yorkshire Archive Service

1993

Billy Pearce

Billy Pearce’s first ever panto at the Alhambra Theatre was playing Buttons in Cinderella in 1993. Since that first performance, Billy has become a much loved regular in the Alhambra Theatre panto with his appearances receiving rave reviews.

© West Yorkshire Archive Service

1996

Frank Bruno

World champion boxer, Frank Bruno MBE, played Little Frank in Jack and the Beanstalk in 1996-97. Known for his catchphrase 'You know what I mean Harry?', Frank was adored by fans when he performed in Bradford. He continues to make public appearances and is a mental health campaigner.

1997

Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

In July 1997, the legendary Pakistani singer and songwriter Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan performed at the Alhambra Theatre. Known for his exceptional vocal abilities and considered the greatest Qawwali singer of all time, he is credited with introducing Qawwali music to new audiences across the world. This sell-out event marked the 50th anniversary of independence for Pakistan and India.

Ravi Shankar

A week later, continuing the celebration of independence for India and Pakistan, the world famous classical Indian musician and sitar player Pandit Ravi Shankar appeared with his daughter Anoushka Shankar at a special concert at the Alhambra Theatre.

2005

Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake

Revolutionary award-winning choreographer Sir Matthew Bourne made history in 1995, with his remake of the ballet classic Swan Lake, changing the swans to men. This ground-breaking show played at the Alhambra Theatre in 2005.

© Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake 2005

2007

Dance Consortium

In 2007, the Alhambra Theatre became a member of the Dance Consortium, resulting in a range of world-class, ground-breaking dance theatre being performed at the venue, including Nederlands Dans Theatre, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

Mahabharata

On 7 April 2007, the Alhambra Theatre presented the world premiere of Mahabharata, a co-production with Sadler’s Wells. This performance of India’s greatest epic involved music, theatre, puppetry, kathak dancing, a musical score composed by Nitin Sawhney and a company of 26 performers.

2014

A Night of Variety

In 2014, the Alhambra Theatre marked its 100th anniversary with a year of celebration, including A Night of Variety starring Michael Ball, Billy Pearce, Lesley Joseph, the Krankies, Joe McElderry, Joe Pasquale and dancers from Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures.

Disney's The Lion King

The Alhambra Theatre celebrated its centenary with a series of award-winning touring shows including Disney’s The Lion King. The auditorium was adapted to host this theatrical phenomenon, which became the highest selling show in the Alhambra Theatre’s history.

2017

Anita and Me

In March 2017, the Alhambra Theatre hosted the show Anita and Me, based on the best-selling coming-of-age novel written by actor/writer Meera Syal and adapted for stage by Tanika Gupta, and starring acclaimed actress Shobna Gulati as Daljit.

2020

Covid

In 2020, the Covid pandemic struck the UK and on Friday 13 March 2020 the Alhambra Theatre, along with all theatres throughout the country, closed to the public. These were dark times for theatres, with huge uncertainty, and many theatre companies and venues went bankrupt

Maintenance

While the building was empty during Covid, a skeleton crew was kept on to look after the venue, touching up and maintaining the building. Other staff were re-deployed to settings such as crematoriums, markets, Covid testing hubs, waste management, etc.

© Guzelian

2021

Reopening

In September 2021, almost 18 months after closing, the Alhambra Theatre opened again with 9 to 5 the Musical, with mask-wearing audiences, strict cleaning schedules and hand sanitisers.

Panto returns

In December the Alhambra Theatre panto Sleeping Beauty, which had been cancelled in 2020, went ahead. Audiences were very emotional as they returned to the theatre again, and many a tear was shed at the chance to gather to enjoy live performances once more. The panto took record returns as people poured back into the venue.

2025

City of Culture

In 2025 Bradford was the UK’s City of Culture. The Alhambra Theatre hosted Hamilton, the multi-award-winning musical, for a 7-week run, as the only venue in Yorkshire to receive its first national tour. Over a hundred years after it first opened, the Alhambra Theatre continues to present a dazzling range of shows including ground-breaking dance performances such as Akram Khan’s Jungle Book reimagined, and celebrated South Korean choreographer, Eun-Me Ahn’s Dragons.