Good old days back at music hall

Access to the site in Swan Street, a narrow alley, would be improved

One of the country's finest surviving music hall theatres could be returned to its Victorian heyday if plans for a £4m renovation get the go-ahead.

The Leeds City Varieties - home of television's The Good Old Days - is to bid for Heritage Lottery Fund cash to help restore the grade II listed site.

A report being considered by Leeds City Council recommends that it funds the £365,000 cost of submitting a bid.

The council said: "The Varieties is a jewel in the cultural crown of Leeds."

The renovation could include improvements to the theatre auditorium and stage, rebuilding front of house and backstage areas and bringing the existing cellar and attic areas into full use.

The City Varieties is an important part of Leeds' history. We want to make sure it's an equally important part of our future Councillor John Procter

The music hall on Swan Street dates from 1865, when Leeds entrepreneur Charles Thornton sought to capitalise on the success of the White Swan public house by adding a large room for performers.

It is one of the very few surviving music hall theatres in Britain.

Famous names to tread the boards have included Lily Langtree, Houdini, Bud Flanagan, Marie Lloyd, Leeds' own Frankie Vaughan and, before achieving Hollywood fame, Charlie Chaplin.

More recently, Ken Dodd, Roy Hudd, Barbara Windsor and Paul Daniels have all appeared at the venue.

Councillor John Procter, Leeds City Council executive board member for leisure, said: "The City Varieties is an important part of Leeds' history. We want to make sure it's an equally important part of our future.

"We all recognise that a vibrant cultural scene is essential for the city.

"I am glad that we are now able to bring forward this bid, which is a key element of the wider cultural revival we want to bring to Leeds."