Opened in 1900, The Y Theatre is the oldest and only surviving Victorian theatre in Leicester. 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. 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 Danny Baker, 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.
