York Barbican

The Barbican was built in 1989 as a multi-purpose arts centre for the people of York, but after a chequered early career (including a failed attempt by York Council to sell the place off to a developer) it closed in 2004 and lay empty until a £1.5m refurbishment saw it opening again in 2011. It's now managed on behalf of its owners York Council by the ultra-professional SMG group. It offers a broad range of live performance from concerts, stand-up comedy, rock opera, classical music and, if Bill Bailey happens to be playing, all of the above. Plus the occasional psychic.

York station is a mile to the west and the venue is served by the 4, 7, 18, 26, 27, 37, 42-2, 42, 44, 200 and 415 bus routes.