Leeds Opera Story:  Discover over 250 years of opera history in Leeds with The Leeds Opera Story!

Curated by Northern Opera Group as part of the Leeds Opera Festival 2020 (more news to come about that later)

In a series of documentary films available on YouTube, explore the origins of the opera, unearth some of the long forgotten theatres of Leeds, and even confront the age-old question, ‘what is an opera’?

The 4 films can be viewed here 

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGP0w5nmmK5LzQy5ws0LKU5vnN0HAqtJx

The Leeds Opera Story is produced by Northern Opera Group (northernoperagroup.co.uk) and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Leeds Inspired.

Leeds Playhouse invite you to take part in a free-writing activity – details below from the Playhouse Engagement team:

“Inspired by photographer Helen Murray’s exhibition, Our Empty Theatres, we want you to respond to the image of the ghost light in the Quarry Theatre. All you have to do is write a 5-line monologue that begins with the phrase: “When I get back…” using a freewriting technique.

What is Freewriting?

Freewriting is a method where you write down your thoughts as they arise, with no interruptions or corrections and it’s a great way to focus the flow of your ideas. Try spending five minutes writing down your response to the image without stopping – you can read some tips below to help you get started.

• Find your favourite spot where you’re most comfortable.
• Some of the writers we work with love playing some music or popping the TV on – one even likes to listen to white noise
• Don’t be afraid to repeat words and phrases
• Forget all the rules about spelling or grammar
• Most importantly – have fun

We would love to see what you come up with, so please send your monologue to us by 7 August and we’ll find a way to share them.”

Send to engagement@leedsplayhouse.org.uk

https://www.facebook.com/events/584555638897012/

Music:Leeds:Leeds and Millennium Square present Live in the Virtual Square, a live streaming all day showcase, celebrating artists from the region.

This year’s official Yorkshire Day (1^st August) celebrations were due to be taking place in Rotherham, but due to coronavirus, a virtual event will be taking place online instead. The event will be streamed online and will feature a variety of entertainment including local poets and storytellers.

You can watch it on the facebook page (it’s a public page so you should still be able to see it if you don’t have a facebook account) https://www.facebook.com/RMBCEvents/

Or if you feel like marking the day with a bit of traditional Yorkshire Parkin – Leeds Cookery School have shared their special parkin recipe for the day (we know it’s meant to be cooked on bonfire night but it looks good anyway)  https://www.leedscookeryschool.org.uk/yorkshire-day-recipe/

County Cricket returns tomorrow, Sat 1st Aug, but it will be without fans after the government decided it was too risky to go ahead with a pilot plan to allow a small number of fans to attend.  It is hoped that the pilot might be able to go ahead after August 15th.

Yorkshire’s first fixture is against Durham 1st – 4th August – starting at 11am

Rugby Super League also returns this weekend – with Leeds Rhinos playing their first match, against Huddersfield Giants on Sunday at 6.30pm

You’re invited to a 60-minute special, featuring some of the best live show moments of ‘La Nou’a, ‘Varekai and Quidam! Rediscover these fan-favorite shows and enjoy mind-blowing acrobatics from the comfort of your home! For the whole family to enjoy!

Available to watch until further notice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYvs4Avhgp0