Who’d have thought that a Yorkshire town had such a past. But, Batley in West Yorkshire once known for its woolen mills had celebs flocking to play Batley Variety Club. So much so that it earned the title Las Vegas of the North. One such celeb was Eartha Kitt, who visited in the 70s and was enamoured with the local towns folk feeling an affinity towards them
Eartha Kitt, the legendary American singer and actress, was renowned for her distinctive voice and iconic performances, including her 1953 hits ‘C’est si bon’ and the holiday favourite ‘Santa Baby.’ While her talents made her an international star, one of her most surprising connections was to the Yorkshire town of Batley.
Batley earned its place in entertainment history through the Batley Variety Club, the creation of Yorkshire showman and self-made millionaire Peter Fleming. The club became a premier venue for big-name American acts, offering unprecedented pay that attracted global superstars. Eartha Kitt was among the luminaries who graced its stage, cementing the town’s reputation as a cultural hotspot.
Kitt’s affection for Batley and its residents became evident during her visits. In one memorable moment, she led shoppers at the local market in a spirited rendition of the Yorkshire folk song “On Ilkla Moor Baht ‘At.” Captured by the television program Nationwide, the scene showcased Kitt’s charm as she embraced local traditions, tried regional delicacies like tripe, and endeared herself to the community.
Eartha Kitt’s connection to Batley highlighted the unique intersection of glamour and small-town warmth, proving that even international stars could find a home away from home in unexpected places. As shown in the BBC Archive footage, which you can watch below.
In the video, Eartha interacts with the locals on the high street and is so enamoured by our Yorkshire anthem that she asks for a pen and pencil so she can write the lyrics down. The thing that is really special about the clip is the time she takes to understand and enjoy time with the towns folk.
It ends with the superstar singing her newly learnt song – a real treat if you ask us at The Yorkshireman. We very much enjoyed watching this little bit of history.
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