Ghostly Encounters at Most Haunted Live in the Historic City Varieties, Leeds

Most Haunted is a TV Show that some would say is a British staple. When I found out that Yvette Fielding and the gang were attending the famous City Varieties - an iconically historic venue - on the ominous night of Halloween... I knew I had to go.

**May Contain Spoilers**

The Venue

The City Variety music hall has a history that dates back to the 1760's. To put that into context, Napoleon Bonaparte was born at the end of this decade, and Mozart was just a 10-year-old child. That is something I simply can't wrap my head around!

the exquisite bar area at city varieties leeds - host for most haunted live


However, it wasn't a theatre back then; that era came later. It was first a coaching in, known as the White Swan Coaching Inn, a name that was later adopted by a local pub up the road. It became a performance hall 100 years later in 1865. Some notable names include, Charlie Chaplin, Houdini, and The Chuckle Brothers.

It must be noted that you have to put City Varieties on your bucket list before you die. This place is breath-taking. Although the exterior looks all swanky and new, stepping foot inside is like a time machine. I felt like I was in the same era as the Titanic.

Most Haunted

Most Haunted was a TV Show that aired intermittently from 2002. The original cast being Yvette Fielding, Karl Beattie, and the controversial Derek Acorah. The team would visit the most haunted places; around the world but mainly in the UK.

In its prime, I remember Most Haunted being the most available access to paranormal TV in the UK - in a time when the internet wasn't really a thing. 

There have been many sceptical rumours that the show is faked; I'll let you know my thoughts later in this blog post.

Today, you can find the Most Haunted show, teamed with Yvette and Karl's daughter, Mary on YouTube.

seating in the theatre area of city varieties leeds for most haunted live show


The Show

Little did I know that this show has been going for years. I would say that the venue was the perfect place on this occasion, though I can't speak for others.

Leading up to showtime, we were displayed old photos and video footage of City Varieties - which I thought was a lovely touch and something that was unique to that show.

The cast came out, introduced themselves - showed us some clips from over the years, and had a laugh with each other. Although some reviews stated that the comments were crude, which they were, I also felt like I was having a laugh with friends and joining in conversation - which I wasn't, but it was a very relaxed atmosphere. 

Maybe I'm just used to the environment of swearing and crude comments after working with mechanics and motorbikes for 5 years! - I'm not apologising for that comment. If you are a motorcycle mechanic, take it as a compliment.

My Honest Opinions

At the end of the show, some guests were called up to participate in an investigation & a séance. With only about 10 minutes to spare, I felt there wasn't really room for investigation. I have watched various ouija board experiences and paranormal investigations in real life. In my experience, spirits often get put off in a room full of people. Maybe this was different if they are old performers?

Whilst the séance was ongoing, and the investigators were backstage - the audience started experiencing tapping noises excessively - so the investigators were brought back.

After a few minutes of investigating this, most haunted wrapped up the show. It may have very well been the microphones getting turned off, but the tapping seemed to stop after that.

I just want to point out that I am a huge believer of the paranormal, after having my own experiences. However, I'm not sure I believe all of the occurrences on this occasion. I'm also well aware that this is an entertainment show, and it would be terribly boring if nothing happened.

Have you been to see Most Haunted? Or, have you been to the City Varieties? Let me know your thoughts below.

CONVERSATION

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