About The Potato Room Players

At the end of the 19th Century, there was a room at the Leeds City Varieties called the Potato Room. It was there that local artists from the taverns and halls used to congregate after their evening shows. They talked 'theatre talk' and ate roast potatoes. We are happy to call our Company after the Potato Room, as it binds us firmly to the delightful Victorian Theatre that we aim to support.

The Potato Room Players was started in 1988 as a totally new concept. The idea was to form an amateur ‘repertory’ Company that worked exclusively at the Leeds City Varieties. This theatre is known world-wide and has seen stars ranging from Charlie Chaplin to Tommy Cooper, from Noel Edmonds to Danny La Rue - and from Houdini to Rabbi Lionel Blue on its stage!

The Company rarely holds auditions – unless it receives many requests for one particular role. Instead it recruits its artists by personal recommendation, or by prior knowledge of suitability for a role. Workshops are held on occasions. The Company has no resident chorus, and if a show requires an ensemble, we may have to advertise. Many children have worked with us, and we have a substantial database of young performers. As it is not a ‘society’, there is no membership. A ‘show fee’ is charged – usually about £20. This non-refundable fee covers initial charges to us such as rehearsal rooms and insurance. Our members are given tremendous support from our production team and will receive much attention and help from everyone. We particularly try to look after new members!!

We do not raise funds through other activites, therefore like our Company members to promote the current show at every opportunity, and there is considerable pressure to sell tickets for the show. We have professionally designed posters and leaflets to help you. The tickets are ordered through our internal booking system, which allows us to keep a record of the number every cast member sells and also to offer a credit facility.