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The Y Theatre Leicester is Leicester's oldest surviving theatre and only remaining Victorian Theatre in the city and is grade 2 listed. Opened in 1900 as part of the new YMCA building on the corner of East Street, The Y Theatre was originally known as The Association Hall, however it quickly became known as The Playhouse, and then finally as The Y.
Still operated today by The Y (Leicester YMCA), the Theatre is best known for it's Comedy and Live Music. It has hosted events for the Leicester Comedy Festival every year since the festival started and is the venue for the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year awards.
The Theatre seats 300 which is split between the Stalls and the wrap around Balcony.
Recent acts to have performed at The Y include: Reginald D Hunter, Danny Baker, Sara Pascoe, Joe Lycett, Foy Vance, Miles Hunt and Mark Thomas.
The Theatre also hosts the 14/48 festival twice a year.
History
editThe Leicester Association began with premises in Market Place in 1883 with Mr Thomas Howard Lloyd as president. It soon became clear that “these premises were inadequate for the increasing number of young men employed in business houses in Leicester. Attractive facilities had to be made to counteract the temptations of life in a large town presented to men living away from home, with very few suitable places in which to spend their leisure hours, obtain recreation and form companionships”.
In 1896 Alderman Albert Sawday became president and began to design a new, Baroque style, home for the YMCA. The Association Hall was opened by The Marquis of Northampton on December 5th 1900. Originally built as a Christian lecture hall it is now known as The Y Theatre, Leicester’s oldest surviving theatre. Mr Sawday, an architect responsible for many buildings in early 20th century Leicester, became the Mayor of Leicester in 1903.
The East Street building had become run down during the 70’s and was refurbished and opened by HRH Prince of Wales on the 10th February 1981, when Leicester YMCA became a housing association. It became a grade 2 listed building in 2001.
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