The Alhambra has staged some of the world's biggest and best productions since it opened in 1914. It has played host to some of the most prestigious companies. It is one of the North's premier musical houses and has staged shows by leading musical theatre producers including Cameron Mackintosh, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Bill Kenwright and David Ian.
Adam Renton, General Manager Bradford Theatres says:
"This year is a very special one for the Alhambra Theatre, as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. It's an honour for me to be General Manager of this prestigious venue in such a wonderful year. Through the golden age of variety when it opened, the 1980's refurbishment and up to the present day, the Alhambra Theatre has had a wonderful and varied history. It remains an iconic venue, attracting the very best in star names and live entertainment to the city of Bradford."
The year of 1986 was a great one for the Alhambra Theatre, with large scale musicals Jesus Christ Superstar, The Sound of Music and The Muppet Show gracing the newly refurbished stage. Bradford audiences were the first to see brand-new stage version of the TV series Allo, Allo before the West End opening. Thousands were fighting for tickets: 'it was as if a war for tickets had been declared' *
Other large scale productions that have appeared at the Alhambra Theatre include world-wide phenomenon Les Misérables in 1998 which ran for twelve weeks and a seven week run of Oliver! in 1999. During the year of the millennium, Phantom of the Opera came to Bradford for a five month run, while Miss Saigon had an eight week visit in 2004.
Numerous premiers have also taken place at the Alhambra Theatre including The London Festival Ballet's (now the English National Ballet) Swan Lake in 1977 which was seen by Princess Margaret here in Bradford. Northern Ballet Theatre also premiered The Three Musketeers in Bradford in 2006.Looking to the future, the Alhambra Theatre will continue to bring the best in live entertainment to Yorkshire as its Centenary year includes two outstanding touring shows. Disney's The Lion King opens this month for a seven week run. This is the biggest musical production ever to tour the UK and it will be coming to Bradford for its only Yorkshire dates from Thursday 20 March to Saturday 10 May.
The Lion King is followed by a three week run of the National Theatre's award winning War Horse . This remarkable production comes to the Alhambra Theatre from Monday 26 May to Saturday 14 June. This will be the only chance Yorkshire audiences will get to experience this acclaimed production as the play will not be visiting any other venues in Yorkshire as part of this tour.
Along with The Lion King and War Horse, Yorkshire audiences will have the opportunity to see many other great shows this year at the Alhambra Theatre, including Singin' in the Rain, One Man Two Guvnors, Barnum and Lord of the Flies.
The Alhambra Theatre will continue to host the best in international touring productions bringing the magic of theatre and live entertainment to Yorkshire.
