Dinsdale's Scrooge Shines In Genre-Confused Christmas Carol
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This year's seasonal production at Leeds Playhouse, A Christmas Carol, occasionally appears to have lost its direction. The production struggles to navigate its rather confused genre.
Leeds Heritage Theatres Announces Dame Dr Linda Pollard As New Chair Of The Board
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Leeds Heritage Theatres (LHT) has announced the appointment of Dame Dr Linda Pollard DBE DL Hon LLD as its next Chair of the Board of Trustees, following a comprehensive recruitment and interview process. Dame Linda will formally take up the position in May 2026, succeeding Alan Gay OBE, who concludes his final term as Chair at that time.
Anything Goes
On a cold December night in York, climbing aboard the S.S. American to see Pick Me Up Theatre’s all-singing, all-dancing Christmas production of Anything Goes felt like entering a cocoon of comfort and joy.
Pass The Spoon: A Deliciously Daft Operatic Recipe For Festive Mayhem
If there's a theatrical tonic for the winter blues, it's Pass the Spoon at the Howard Assembly Room, Leeds. This isn't merely a show – it's a gloriously unhinged prescription for seasonal levity that demands immediate attention. Miss it at your peril.
Stick Man Setting Down Roots Amongst The Young
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Part of Leeds Playhouses festive offering sees the return of Stick Man, Julia Donaldson’s classic children’s tale brought to the stage by Freckle Productions.
Beauty Sleep? Not A Chance In This Raptor-Packed Panto Riot
Ooh, it’s that time of year again – oh yes it is!
Oliver Twist At Hull Truck
The imposing set design (Patrick Connellan) towered over us all as we moved stealthily in the mist to take our seats for Hull Truck’s Christmas production this year, Oliver Twist, Charles Dickens’ classic novel, adapted by playwright Deborah McAndrew, and directed by Mark Babych.
Midlane's Scrooge Sparkles In Sheffield's Carol-Filled A Christmas Carol
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{11}A wonderful classic tale for this time of year which, whilst true to the Charles Dickens novel is actually a brand-new adaptation by Aisha Khan.
Stunning Revival Soars In Leeds
The new UK tour of Miss Saigon opened at the Leeds Grand Theatre this week, filling the beautiful venue, and deservedly so. What unfolded on stage was a breathtaking, emotionally charged production that earned its packed audience a lengthy standing ovation. Right from the start, the show dazzles with its extraordinary set design.
Anything Goes Christmas Steamer Sails Into York
Ditch the December chills in York and climb aboard the S.S. American as it sets sail in Pick Me Up Theatre’s all-singing all-dancing Christmas production of Anything Goes! This Cole Porter classic follows the madcap antics of a motley crew as they sail from New York to London – on a Christmas-themed steamer.
Where Was Sleeping Beauty’s Kiss?
Dubious gags, inferred naughtiness and jokes for mum, dad and grandma, the 19th Carriageworks Theatre panto in Leeds is back in all its rumbustious, chaotic glory. But where oh where was Sleeping Beauty’s kiss to wake her from 100 years of slumber after being placed under the spell of wicked witch, Carabosse?
Cinderella The Pantomime Pleasure Beach Resort
If you are looking for a spectacular but highly traditional pantomime that dispenses pure fairytale magic, then Cinderella in The Dome Theatre at the Pleasure Beach Resort is for you. Once again, Stageworks Worldwide Productions has created what must surely be one of the most spectacular pantomimes around.
Harrogate Theatre's 125th Birthday: A Celebration Tinged With Challenge
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When Natalie Rawel took up her role as Head of Marketing and Development at Harrogate Theatre in November 2021, the venue was still finding its feet after the pandemic. But what she discovered surprised her: Harrogate audiences were ready to come back. "I was surprised how Harrogate was still very much attending," she recalls.
Aladdin : Raucous And Ridiculously Good - Oh Yes It Is!
Bonkers and dazzlingly brilliant does not shine a light on describing the impact of Aladdin at Newcastle Theatre Royal. I can’t remember when I laughed so much for so long that my ribs ached. Turning convention on its head, there is just a cursory nod to the rags-to-riches traditional theme in this extravaganza brimming with creative, comedic genius.
Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger's Drift
Way back in 1997, The Killings at Badger’s Drift was the very first episode of what became a much loved and long running television series, Midsomer Murders. In the intervening years, the beautiful county of Midsomer has seen numerous murders, making it, I’m sure, one of the most dangerous place to live in England and Wales.
A Ghostly Count Magnus In Person On The Coast
‘Count Magnus’ is coming to Scarborough in the SJT’s busy run up to Christmas! It will be the fourth successive year Robert Lloyd Parry has brought his thrilling one-man show to town - and there is every reason to suppose a seasonal tradition may be in the making.
Childhood Wonder Returns In Slava's Magical Winter Spectacle
As my grandson and I headed out to the Grand Opera House to see the multi award-winning international sensation Slava’s Snow Show, it started to snow, adding a wonderfully festive touch to our evening – marketing must have had a word with Mother Nature!
Yorkshire Students Take Centre Stage In National Theatre’s Dear England Schools Project
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Inspired by James Graham’s Dear England, Leeds-based students recently participated in workshops with Leeds Heritage Theatres (LHT) and the National Theatre, exploring themes of identity, legacy, and aspiration.
West End Stars Arrive At Blackpool Pleasure Beach For Pantomime Rehearsals
Three West End actors have arrived at Pleasure Beach Resort’s theatre ahead of the launch of its Christmas pantomime, Cinderella. Ian Oswald, Chris O’Mara and James Colebrook arrived last week at the resort, and have already begun rehearsing with the rest of the cast and crew.
In Conversation With Vanya Polunin Ahead Of Slava’s Snow Show Coming To Yorkshire
Conducting an interview surrounded by clowns in full costume is something that I am not normally accustomed to; as I chatted to Vanya, son of Slava Polunin, the creator of Slava’s Snow Show, his fellow clowns were fooling around in the background. 32 years after its inception and thousands of performances, which have seen it dazzle everywhere from Beijing to Bogota, the touring troupe o…
Theatre's Family Ties Still Sewing Strong
An inseparable mum and daughter working together in local theatre for almost 30 years have given a peek behind the curtain of a beloved Leeds venue celebrating a major milestone.
Good Old Godber Does It Again
Good things are coming thick and fast to the SJT, as the year ascends to its customary climax in the ‘pantoesque’ Christmas show - this year, a sparkling Sleeping Beauty. The latest from John Godber, the wickedly funny Black Tie Ball, is a great advert for popular theatre and the place was packed.
Kynren Returns With Spectacular New 2026 Show And Launch Of Uk’s First Live-Action Historical Theme Park
Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, the UK’s biggest live action outdoor theatre production, is set to return next summer with its legendary night show – and tickets are on sale now.
In Conversation: Kym Marsh Talking About Psychological Thriller, Single White Female
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“This is my villain era,” says Kym Marsh, with a laugh so warm it is hard to imagine the multi-talented actress with her friendly, likeable persona, being remotely villainous.
Create Opportunities For Young People In The Arts
If we want to see young people thriving in the arts then we need to create more opportunities for themTyler Pickles I think I was always destined to have a career in the performing arts. As the son of a dance teacher who runs her own dance school I often ended up in her classes.
Prophecy, Poison And Poultry - The Rise And Fall Of The Yorkshire Witch
It’s 1809. Mary Bateman is about to be hung for witchcraft and murder. Her career of crime has included fake identities, magic charms, poisoned pudding, a holy hen, drunk watchmen and – of course – a freshly-shaved leg of mutton. MUTTON is the new play from Leeds theatre company Brave Words, exploring the rise and fall of the Yorkshire Witch.
In Conversation With Jim Jefferies
One of the most influential and provocative voices in global comedy is heading back to the UK. Acclaimed comedian, actor, and writer Jim Jefferies has announced the long-awaited UK leg of his brand-new stand-up tour, Son of a Carpenter, coming in November 2025.
Matilda The Musical Hits The Bradford Stage
The theatrical phenomenon that is Matilda the Musical has swept into Bradford and lit up the stage at The Alhambra. Based on the 1988 Roald Dahl novel Matilda, and wickedly illustrated by Quentin Blake, this is the story of a precocious and hugely intelligent young girl who develops a love of reading, despite her abusive parents and the bonkers headmistress of her school.
Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts
There cannot be anyone of a certain age who does not remember the Inspector Morse TV series set in and around the beautiful city of Oxford and its world renowned university. The iconic John Thaw, who took the title role made the character his own with his unique and inimitable style ably assisted by Lewis, his ever faithful Detective Sergeant.
Not To Be Missed: Aladdin With A Tyneside Twist
Thrills and spills galore are promised as the countdown hurtles relentlessly towards this year’s panto extravaganza of Aladdin at Newcastle Theatre Royal. Set in the Royal the Royal Kingdom of Pantomania – oh yes it is! – a host of fairytale characters promise to serve up a seasonal feast of fun to brighten the gloomiest of winter days.