Leicester’s Hidden Gems

The Y Theatre occupies a unique place in the history of Leicester as the city’s oldest surviving theatre and as part of the YMCA. Since 1900, our eclectic programme has included music, comedy, theatre, dance, new work and family shows. In recent years our focus has been supporting new, emerging and local artists, and being an open and welcoming space for the whole community.

Our project in 2024 – 2025 worked with YMCA Leicestershire residents to uncover the Hidden Gems of our history, with the help of funding from Historic England. Residents delved into the archives to discover and document stories from across the theatre’s dramatic 123-year life.

Head over to the Hidden Gems web archive to learn more about the project.