Vintage chandelier brought back to life for panto

The former Leeds Town Hall chandelier has been in storage since the 1990s

A vintage chandelier which once lit up some of the biggest names in music has been brought back to life for Leeds' pantomime season.

The ornamental fixture hung at Leeds Town Hall from the 1960s, where it illuminated performances by artists such as The Rolling Stones, Elton John and Queen.

It was removed in the late 1990s and placed in storage, but has now been repurposed for the Carriageworks Theatre’s production of Beauty and the Beast.

Although its age means it can no longer be powered by electricity, a disco ball has been fixed in its centre - allowing stage lights to be reflected through its frame.

For more than 30 years, the ornamental light fitting illuminated many performances by household names

Steve Greenwood, Carriageworks' technical manager, said it had been a "real challenge" to get the light fitting looking its best for panto season.

He added: "It has also been really rewarding to restore a bit of the city’s music history and to be giving it such an unusual new lease of life.

“Thinking of all the stars it has seen over the years is incredible and it’s definitely going to add a bit of something extra special to the set.”

Originally hanging in Victoria Hall at Leeds Town Hall, the chandelier was removed to make room for a new acoustic canopy.

As well as hanging above concerts by The Rolling Stones in 1963, Elton John in 1971 and Queen in 1973, other artists who performed under its lights have included Pink Floyd in 1969 and Led Zeppelin in 1970.

Beauty and the Beast runs at the Carriageworks Theatre from 22 November to 5 January

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: "The Carriageworks Theatre panto has become a cherished Leeds tradition and a big part of Christmas for families.

“It’s wonderful that this year, Beauty and the Beast will be enriched by a special piece of our city’s history and I’m sure audiences will enjoy a truly extraordinary performance.”

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