1968 City Varieties Leeds Cinderella Programme Vintage Pantomime Souvenir

This original 1968 City Varieties Leeds souvenir programme for the pantomime Cinderella is a charming piece of Yorkshire theatre history. Produced for the festive season beginning 23rd December 1968, it features striking mid‑century artwork by Y. Demuth and includes full performance details, cast information and show notes from one of Britain’s most iconic variety theatres.

City Varieties — famous for its music hall heritage and later for The Good Old Days — staged some of the region’s most memorable pantomimes during the 1960s. Programmes like this were printed in limited numbers and sold only at the venue, making surviving examples increasingly collectable. The bold red, black and white cover captures the playful spirit of traditional pantomime and the unique atmosphere of the historic Leeds theatre.

A wonderful find for collectors of pantomime memorabilia, Yorkshire theatre history, or mid‑century ephemera. A nostalgic reminder of a classic Christmas season at one of the UK’s best‑loved variety venues.

City Varieties and the Golden Age of Pantomime

City Varieties in Leeds is one of Britain’s most celebrated Victorian music halls, known for its ornate interior, intimate atmosphere and long tradition of variety entertainment. By the 1960s, it had become a key venue for festive pantomimes, drawing families from across West Yorkshire.

The 1968 production of Cinderella reflects a period when pantomime combined comedy, music, spectacle and local talent, creating a uniquely British theatrical tradition. Programmes from this era offer a valuable glimpse into the performers, producers and creative teams who kept the pantomime tradition alive during a time of cultural change.

This 1968 souvenir programme stands as a colourful reminder of City Varieties’ enduring role in Leeds’ entertainment history.