BRADFORD’S Council-run theatres are almost back to pre-pandemic levels of patronage, with interest in many shows “exceeding expectations.”

Musicals and comedy shows proved especially popular, although more people are now leaving it until the last minute to buy tickets compared to before the 2020 lockdown began.

Recent financial figures from Bradford Council show that after years of theatre closures and Covid uncertainty, the local theatre sector has almost recovered.

The Council runs four theatres in the District – the Alhambra, Alhambra Studio and St Georges Hall in Bradford city centre and Kings Hall and Winter Garden in Ilkley.

A report into Council finances at the end of the last financial year revealed that although Council finances were under strain in many areas – theatres were performing better than expected.

With a budget of £400,000 a year, Bradford’s theatres undespent by £200,000 in 2022/23.

The financial report said this was due to a “continued improvement in performance levels with income targets exceeding expectations.

“The increase in income has been driven through additional funds from booking fees.”

A similar report in December suggested there could be an overspend in the theatre budget of up to £100,000 due to uncertainty over Covid outbreaks and “resistance to high ticket prices.”

However, this was before the 2022 Bradford Pantomime Jack and The Beanstalk, which attracted 73,000 theatre goers.

This was up from 65,000 the year before.

Although Bradford Council does not retain the full cash from the ticket sales, the theatres bring in income through booking fees and sales at the venues’ bars, restaurants and cafes, so the busier the shows, the more income Theatres bring in for the Council.

In the past year the Alhambra has hosted a lengthy run for The Lion King, The Bodyguard, Rock of Ages and Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty.

St George’s Hall has hosted Frankie Boyle and Danny Baker while Kings Hall has seen performances by Tim Vine and an evening with Henry Blofeld.

When asked about the improving situation for local theatres, Adam Renton, General Manager of Bradford Theatres, said: “The autumn and winter season showed a great improvement with this year’s pantomime attracting 73,000 people.

“Large scale musicals and comedy have exceeded expectations.

“Booking patterns have changed significantly to become very last minute. However, year-end figures are virtually back to pre-pandemic levels.”

Acclaimed theatre production Life of Pi will come to the Alhambra later this year, and a run of record breaking musical Hamilton has been announced for 2025.