The Prat Pack Gala Night – Review – Bradford Live
By Christine Goode, August 2025
Sunday evenings are usually spent with a roast at home or a visit to the local hostelry – not a big night out in the city centre. But here we are: my guest for the evening (darling hubby) and I, sat in a packed bar in Bradford’s Centenary Square, surrounded by excited couples and groups enjoying pre-show drinks and meals, all eagerly chatting about the long-awaited opening of Bradford Live.
Tonight’s gala performance is The Prat Pack, featuring seasoned entertainers Bradley Walsh, Brian Conley, Joe Pasquale and Shane Richie.
We get chatting to a couple who have travelled from Wigan, and another group of star-struck ladies who had bumped into Linda Lusardi in a restaurant – all heading to Bradford Live on a Sunday night!–
The venue has had its fair share of difficulties over the years and even came close to being demolished, much to the dismay of the local community. Campaigns began in 2000, after it closed its doors for what was thought to be the very last time, to save the building. In 2013, Bradford Council eventually bought it for £1 and considered new plans to restore it. A change in operators caused further delays, but here we are – over £50 million later – celebrating with gala night on this momentous occasion, feeling immensely proud and honoured to be witnessing this piece of local history.
“Must be seen”
It’s time, and we head over to the venue. A huge queue of people circles the building, all dressed to the nines with tickets in hand, desperate to get in and see the transformation. We step into the ballroom, a huge space with a sprung floor. The décor is spectacular: Art Deco style, with ornate coving and leaded windows in rich colours. This is a music venue unlike any other concrete, purpose-built arena I have ever visited, and it will lend itself superbly to a wide variety of events and music concerts.
Now into the auditorium – a massive expanse with seating for 3,318 people. The walls are stripped back to the brickwork, with striking alcoves, and the ceiling dome is a feature in itself that must be seen. The décor here is modern and contemporary, yet features beautiful ornate balconies.
It is unrecognisable from the old Odeon cinema some may remember. I sit reminiscing with my husband about the last time we were here, which was 30 years ago, when we came to see the film Seven. A lot has happened in the world since then, but to have this building finally brought back to life after its closure in 2000 is a dream come true for many Bradfordians like myself.
“Magical”
The show starts, and it does not disappoint. Bradley Walsh steps out and the crowd erupts, followed by the rest of The Prat Pack. Each one is a showbiz legend in his own right, and together they are dynamite. Dressed in sharp suits, bow ties and patent shoes, they are comedy gold. Accompanied by a big band, the evening is magical, taking me back to childhood Saturdays when I would relish watching The Saturday Variety Show with my family.
They sing well-known standards from the Rat Pack collection – ‘Mr Bojangles’, ‘Me and My Shadow’ and ‘Mack the Knife’, to name a few – all with their own special twist. The comedy is superb; some of the gags may be familiar, but the laughs keep coming and my face aches from smiling. I hope they continue next year with a tour, as there are still many people on social media eager to see them. And as Walsh said at the end: “We are a dying breed, there is no one left to replace us.”
It looks like the Sunday social calendar is changing for the better – a brand-new venue with plenty to look forward to, hospitality on the up, and more people visiting Bradford. And much of it is thanks to Bradford Live.
images: Thomas Gadd
Christine Goode founded her own dance school – The May School of Dance & Theatre Arts over three decades ago. Her dedication to teaching and love of dance, has created many successful artists in the industry, and she is delighted that many of her former students have now returned with their children, allowing them to also discover this beautiful art. She has choreographed, produced and directed shows over the last 36 years, and is devoted to all live theatre and music. Now in her third year of writing about her obsession with the arts, Christine loves to encourage everyone to see as much live theatre as possible.
maydanceschool.co.uk
