Protests, nuns, romance, rats and racy movies… the Howard Assembly Room has seen it all. 

First opened in 1879 as part of Leeds Grand Theatre, the venue started out life as a concert hall, before becoming a cinema in the early 20th-century. In 1958 it was nicknamed The Plaza, said to be Leeds’ first adult cinema. Its programme included less than reputable art films and B movies, and with them came enthusiastic audiences and even more enthusiastic picket lines. 

This year as part of Hidden Histories of New Briggate, a heritage project by East Street Arts, for one night only you will be transported back to The Plaza for an evening of entertainment, historical reenactment, exploration of film and social history.  

All shot through with cabaret, but hopefully no rats.