Intrepid Stories Of Inspiring Women Brought To The Stage

A legendary queen of the sea, and a time-travelling girl’s search for the first Black Britons are two of the inspiring stories being brought to life as part of Red Ladder Local’s autumn season.

Joining this eclectic line-up is an award-winning, queer parody epic where Disney meets Dolly Parton by way of Manchester’s gay village.

Acclaimed international storyteller and performer Debs Newbold brings Dauntless: Grace O’Malley, Pirate Queen (For adults and children 14+) to Leeds (Oct 29), Wakefield (Nov 29) and Barnsley (Dec 5).

She tells the remarkable story of Grainne ni Mhaille, aka Grace O’Malley, the legendary Irish clan chief and queen of the sea.

Stowing away aboard her father’s ship aged eight, Grace became a 16th-century force of nature. A multilingual, seafaring weapons expert, leader of 2,000 men, rebel, politician, kingmaker and slayer, prodigious lover, avenging hero and notorious pirate.

Alicia McKenzie's interactive family theatre show Alicia’s Amazing Adventure to Find the First Black Britons (for children aged 7+ and their grown-ups), explores Black British history when it comes to South Kirby (Nov 22).

This time-travelling family show, performed by Alicia, begins with one big question: “Why do people have different coloured skin?”

In this joyful and imaginative new theatre show, Alicia sets out to find the truth – journeying across time, meeting historic heroes, hidden heroines, and uncovering surprising stories from Britain’s past.

Blending bold visuals with playful storytelling, the production is a heart-filled adventure about identity, belonging, and seeing the world – and each other – more clearly.

Trans trailblazer and international cabaret renegade Hunter King presents a change of pace with his debut musical, A Northern Tr*nny Hootenanny (age guidance: 16+).

Inspired by Hunter’s real-life transition and the transformative power of drag, this foot-stomping, pun-slinging hoedown tells the tale of a milkmaid on a mission to discover their authentic self.

Alice Barber, the programmer for Red Ladder Theatre Company, said: “Once again, Red Ladder Local brings together a brilliant and eclectic trio of new shows, which proves that the spirit of entertaining, thought-provoking and experimental theatre is alive and well in this country.”

Red Ladder Local is part of Leeds-based Red Ladder Theatre Company and has been bringing shows to non-traditional theatrical venues, such as pubs, community centres and church halls, across Yorkshire since 2015.

Red Ladder Local is grateful to its partners: The Cluntergate Centre, Horbury; Belle Isle TMO, Leeds; Hawksworth Older People’s Support Service, Leeds; St John’s Parish Hall, Staincross, Barnsley; BHF Priory Centre, Barnsley; St Bartholomew’s Church, Armley; and Queen’s Mill, Castleford, for their support.

For more information and to book tickets, visit Red Ladder Theatre Company

Tour dates

Dauntless: Grace O’Malley, Pirate Queen

Hawksworth Wood Village Hall, Leeds – Oct 29

The Cluntergate Centre, Wakefield – Nov 29

St. John's Parish Hall, Staincross, Barnsley – Dec 5

Alicia’s Amazing Adventure to Find the First Black Britons

The Grove Hall, South Kirkby – Nov 22

A Northern Tr*nny Hootenanny (this performance is kindly supported with funding from Wade’s Charity).

Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation (BITMO) – Nov 12