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An Evening with Michael Portillo
Michael Portillo tells his life story on stage at Harrogate Convention Centre on Wednesday 4 November 2026, covering politics, television and his railway journeys. Starts 7.30pm, recommended for ages 14+.
What it is and who goes
An Evening with Michael Portillo is a one-man stage show, billed on the tour as A Life of Two Halves. He talks about growing up as the son of a Spanish refugee, his years in Margaret Thatcher's government, losing his seat, and his second career in television, including the railway journeys. It suits anyone interested in politics, history or travel, and the audience is open to the public rather than a trade crowd.
Dates and opening times
The show is in the Main Auditorium at Harrogate Convention Centre, Kings Road, HG1 5LA, on Wednesday 4 November 2026. It starts at 7.30pm and runs for about 1 hour 50 minutes, including a 20-minute interval. We could not find a published doors time, so check your ticket confirmation for arrival guidance.
For visitors
The tour is promoted by Fane Productions, and Harrogate Theatre sells tickets locally. Harrogate Theatre lists prices of £33 to £62.99. The recommended age is 14+, and anyone under 16 must be accompanied. When we checked, Harrogate Theatre's page showed this date as sold out, while Fane's page still carried a booking link. If you are still looking for tickets, check both and ask about returns. Harrogate Theatre's box office is on 01423 502116. The Convention Centre accepts card and contactless payments only, so leave the cash at home.
Getting there
Harrogate station is about a 10-minute walk from the Convention Centre. LNER runs direct trains to London King's Cross roughly hourly, and Leeds is about 35 minutes away. Leeds Bradford Airport is about 30 minutes by taxi. The Convention Centre says there are over 1,200 parking spaces in the town centre, but these will be busy on a show night, so allow extra time if you drive.
Book early
November is a popular time for conferences and evening shows in Harrogate, and central rooms fill quickly. If you are coming from further afield, or do not fancy a late journey home, it is worth sorting accommodation as soon as your tickets are confirmed.
After the show
The show should finish at about 9.20pm, which leaves time for a late dinner. Harrogate has plenty of restaurants and bars within walking distance of the Convention Centre. If you are staying overnight, a morning at the Turkish Baths is a good way to start the next day.
Staying with us
Short Stay Harrogate is a local family-run company. Our serviced apartments and townhouses are across central Harrogate, many a short walk from the Convention Centre and the Royal Hall. They suit couples, groups of friends or families who want a kitchen and more space than a hotel room, and you can walk back after the show.
Staying for this event?
Your base in Harrogate, a short walk from the venue
Make a night of it: dinner in town before the show, then a short walk back to your apartment.
See available homesCentral and walkable
Our homes are spread across central Harrogate, many within a short walk of the Convention Centre, the Royal Hall and the station.
Room for the whole team
Apartments and townhouses that sleep groups, often better value than booking several hotel rooms for exhibitors or delegates.
Book direct, best rate
Self check-in for late arrivals, fast Wi-Fi and a local team on hand. Rated 4.9 from 1,500+ five-star reviews.
Getting there
Harrogate station is in the town centre, with direct trains to London King's Cross roughly every hour and to Leeds in about 35 minutes. The Convention Centre is around a ten-minute walk from the station.
Book early
Big shows and conferences fill the town quickly, especially multi-day trade fairs. Book your stay as soon as your dates are confirmed.
Make a night of it
After the event, Harrogate's restaurants, bars and Turkish Baths are on the doorstep. See our local guide for where we eat and drink.
More events in Harrogate
See what's onQuestions people ask
What time does An Evening with Michael Portillo start?
The show starts at 7.30pm on Wednesday 4 November 2026. It runs for about 1 hour 50 minutes, including a 20-minute interval. No doors time is published.
Is An Evening with Michael Portillo open to the public?
Yes. It is a ticketed public show, not a trade event. Tickets are sold through Harrogate Theatre and through the promoter, Fane Productions.
Is there an age limit?
The show is recommended for ages 14+. Harrogate Theatre asks that anyone under 16 is accompanied.
How much are tickets, and are any left?
Harrogate Theatre lists prices from £33 to £62.99. When we checked, its page showed the date as sold out. Contact the box office on 01423 502116 or at bookings@harrogatetheatre.co.uk to ask about returns.
Where should I stay for An Evening with Michael Portillo?
Anywhere central keeps the walk to the Main Auditorium short. Our serviced apartments and townhouses are across central Harrogate, many a short walk from the Convention Centre. They work well for couples and groups who want a kitchen and some space.
How do I get to Harrogate Convention Centre?
The station is about a 10-minute walk away, with direct LNER trains to London King's Cross roughly hourly and about 35 minutes to Leeds. Leeds Bradford Airport is about 30 minutes by taxi. There is also parking in the town centre.
