Leicester's oldest surviving Theatre, entertaining audiences since 1900
Box office hours - Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
View our brochure - https://tinyurl.com/YTheatreSpring2026 A bustling live performance venue based in Leicester city centre, our eclectic programme includes music, comedy, theatre, dance and spoken word. The 300 seat theatre also comfortably hosts candle-lit cabaret style events and standing
gigs. The Leicester YMCA was founded in 1883 and by the late 1890’s had established itself within the city and raised the money for its own building on the corner of East Street and Granby Street. Opened as part of the new East Street Building in 1900, the Association Hall as it was known then was soon being used to put on performances and concerts for the people of Leicester. Popular events included the Saturday night Penny Concerts and theatrical performances from local amateur groups. During the First World War the Theatre was utilised for the war effort and it is estimated that more than 1 million service men used Leicester YMCA’s facilities across the city between 1914 and 1918 and that more than 1,200 members of Leicester YMCA went on active service. As it was located close to the railway station, the Leicester YMCA or “Hut” provided refreshments, beds, entertainment and activities, becoming a place of rest and recreation for thousands in transit. Distinctive YMCA writing materials were freely available to those wanting to connect with loved ones. In recent years The Y has established itself as one of the main venues in the city for comedy and has hosted many well known names from around the world. Performers such as Sarah Millican, Tim Minchin, Rachel Parris, John Bishop, Jimmy Carr, Grace Petrie, Michael McIntyre, and Ardal O’Hanlon have taken to the Stage and every February The Y plays a major role as a busy venue during the Leicester Comedy Festival, resulting in being awarded the Lifetime Contribution Award in 2018.
