Michael Portillo - A Life of Two Halves

Live at

Grand Opera House York

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Tue 17 Mar 2026

Tickets available from £35.46

subject to a transaction fee of £3.95

Talk

Secretary of State. Traveller. TV superstar. The inimitable Michael Portillo joins us live on stage to share funny, insightful, and poignant stories from his extraordinarily rich and varied life.

Grand Opera House York

change

Tue 17 Mar 2026

Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW

Tue at 19:30

Age guidance: 14+ at the discretion of a parent or guardian.

For group bookings of 10 or more:

Submit a request online

Or call 020 7206 1174

The son of a refugee who rose to become one of Britain’s leading politicians and best loved broadcasters, Michael Portillo’s life has been a game of two halves. As a statesman he served under Margaret Thatcher, ran for the leadership of the Conservative Party, and lost his seat in one of the most famous moments in British political history, only to become one of the nation’s favourite broadcasters, sparring with Diane Abbott and Andrew O’Neill and enthralling millions of us with his travels on the world’s greatest railways.

In this unique stage show, Michael will share his life story, from his late father’s experiences of the Spanish Civil War and escape to England, where he and Michael’s mother met while looking after refugee children, all the way to his present-day adventures travelling across Spain, the USA, India, and beyond.

We’ll hear Michael’s funny and insightful observations about his old boss Margaret Thatcher and his reflections on the decay of political power. He’ll tell us about his break into TV – including the time he became a single mum… And, of course, we’ll hear about the great railway journeys he has undertaken and what they can tell us about the history and state of the world today.

Whether you are passionate about politics or a fan of Michael’s many international adventures, this is an unmissable treat. All aboard!

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Grand Opera House York

Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW

York Station

The Box Office is open for 90 minutes prior to the performance commencing. See 'What's On' section for performance times

About

Getting here

Access

Bar - Pre-show & interval drinks and snacks

Ambassador Lounge - Pre-show & interval table service (Charge applies)

Membership Benefits - 25% off pre-show drinks (30mins prior)

Not originally intended to be a theatre, the buildings that comprise the Grand Opera House York officially opened in 1902 with Little Red Riding Hood starring Florrie Ford. Since then it has been owned by FJ Butterworth, the Shepherd of Shambles and the India Pru Co. Ltd who spent £4,000,000 restoring the theatre to its former glory in 1987.

See other shows at this venue

Grand Opera House York

change

Tue 17 Mar 2026

Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW

Tue at 19:30

Age guidance: 14+ at the discretion of a parent or guardian.

For group bookings of 10 or more:

Submit a request online

Or call 020 7206 1174

Join ATG+, the UK's best live entertainment membership to enjoy these benefits and much more across 35+ venues:

Priority booking and ringfenced seats

Ticket offers and no transaction fees

Flexible tickets

Join today