See the world from SOYO – Around the World in 80 Days at Leeds Playhouse Pop-Up Theatre.

Two men (Darren Kuppan and Robert Pickavance) in Victorian costume, one with a moustache, bowler hat and suitcase and one with a top hat, beard and pipe.
Darren Kuppan and Robert Pickavance.

This Easter, head out on a voyage like no other as Leeds Playhouse takes you Around the World in 80 Days. Get your passports ready and your suitcases packed for this globetrotting escapade, a stage adaption of Jules Verne’s novel  Around the World in 80 Days.

Prepare to be transported back to the 19th century as the legendary Philieas Fogg embarks on a stupendous journey across four continents. Of course, things don’t go to plan and Fogg finds himself in the middle of many manic situations along the way. This production boasts a show packed full of surprises, laughter, props and high jinks. 

Sounds pretty great, right? Well if you want to get into the full swing of the action, head over to our Facebook, Linkedin, or Twitter for the chance to win a pair of tickets! 

Around The World in 80 Days – Rehearsal footage and trailer

This stage adaption will be directed by Leeds Playhouse’s award-winning Director of Creative Engagement Alex Ferris (Searching for the Heart of Leeds, Leeds Playhouse; Rise, The Old Vic). It will also feature new original music by award-winning musician Dom Coyote (We Can Time Travel, Shoreditch Town Hall; The Tin Drum, Kneehigh with Leeds Playhouse and Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse). It will be designed by award-winning designer Amanda Stoodley (Europe, Leeds Playhouse; Queen Margaret, Royal Exchange Theatre).

“For me, theatre is at its best when the audience is acknowledged and get to play and share in the story on stage. We want everyone to join us on this ambitious and slightly crazy mission to tell this epic story that passes through over 10 different countries, meeting over 30 different characters, featuring daring rescues from the jaws of death, high speed chases, displays of cunning and classic British grit, and a fair share of costume changes with just our 4 actors and a handful of props.”

 Leeds Playhouse Director of Creative Engagement Alex Ferris

Following its run at Leeds Playhouse, the production will tour eight community partner areas within the Leeds City Region. This will make the fifth year Leeds Playhouse has worked within these specific community partner areas, sharing productions and delivering workshops in community settings. 

See Around the World in 80 Days at Leeds Playhouse’s Pop-Up theatre, in association with SOYO Leeds, from 9 – 28 April.

Tue 9th – Sun 28th April, Box office 0113 213 7700. Book online leedsplayhouse.org.uk

SOYO AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS TICKET COMPETITION TERMS & CONDITIONS

  1. When entering this competition, entrants confirm that they have read and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions and guidelines stated below.
  2.  The Promoter of this prize draw is SOYO Leeds.
  3.  The Promoter is offering entrants of this promotion a chance to win 2 x tickets to a performance of Around The World in 80 Days at Leeds Playhouse.
  4.  To qualify entry for this prize draw, entrants must tag 1+ person in the comments section on the competition post on Facebook, tag 1+ person in the comments section on the competition post on Linkedin, RT (retweet and tag in 1+ person) on Twitter.
  5.  Entrants must be UK residents. This promotion is not open to any employees of the Promoter or any of their affiliate companies, their families, agents or anyone else connected with this prize draw.
  6.  One entry is permitted per person. Late, misdirected, incomplete or illegible, entries will not be accepted.
  7.  This promotion is open to entries from 11.00 on 3rd April until 23.59 on 8th April 2019. 
  8.  There is one prize to be won. The prize is non-transferable, non-refundable and non-exchangeable and there is no cash alternative offered.
  9.  The Promoter reserves the right to offer an alternative prize of greater or equal value.  In the event of circumstances outside the promoters reasonable control, the Promoter reserves the right to temporarily or permanently, discontinue or modify this promotion without prior notice.
  10.  The winner will be selected from all valid entries received during the promotional period, winner will be selected using a computer process that produces a random result and announced on the 9th April 2019.
  11.  Each winner will be notified within two working days of the draw via Facebook direct message or Twitter direct message to the account from which the entry was made and will be asked to provide their full name, address and relevant contact details. If a winner fails to respond within 1 working day of this notification, a redraw will take place from the remaining valid entries to select a new winner.  If any winner declines a prize or fails to respond within the required period, they forfeit any right to the prize.
  12.  The prize is to be collected at the Leeds Playhouse Box Office before the chosen performance on the 11th April. Winners may be required to submit valid identification before receiving their prize, once selected, the date of performance cannot be changed.
  13.  The Promoter does not accept responsibility lost, misdirected or delayed entries. It also does not accept responsibility for software failures, network or computer issues.
  14.  The Promoter reserves the right to remove  any inappropriate or offensive entries and disqualify any entries if the Promoter, at its sole discretion, believes that there has been an attempt to manipulate or tamper with the operation of the promotion (including, without limitation, by setting up multiple Twitter, Facebook or other social media accounts in order to submit multiple entries).
  15.  You agree to be bound by the decisions of the Promoter, which are final in all matters relating to the promotion.


“There’s no place like home” as The Wizard of Oz becomes Leeds Playhouse’s big Christmas show in the newly renovated theatre

We’re so excited to announce that The Wizard of Oz will be coming to Leeds Playhouse as this year’s big Christmas production. Yes, this beloved show which is loved by all generations will grace the stage of the newly redeveloped Quarry Theatre.

It’s the first in-house production in the newly renovated Quarry Hill Theatre. It gives a whole new meaning to “There’s no place like home!”

The show is based on the novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum and it features many of the cherished songs from the 1939 movie starring Judy Garland. ‘If I Only Had a Brain’, ‘Follow the Yellow Brick Road’ and Over the Rainbow’ will bring back feelings of pure nostalgia to anybody who’s ever seen the film.

Directed by Playhouse Artistic Director James Brining (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Sunshine on Leith), this new production will run from 20th November 2019 until 25th January 2020.

“Christmas at Leeds Playhouse is always a magical experience and 2019 is set to be extra-special. We can’t wait to welcome everyone into our redeveloped building for this enchanting adventure story for the whole family.”

We can’t think of a better production than The Wizard of Oz to introduce (and reintroduce) patrons to the newly renovated Leeds Playhouse.

There’ll also hosting a sing-a-long performance which encourages the audience to dress up and get involved in the fun. There are also Relaxed and Dementia Friendly performances available.

“The Wizard of Oz will be the centrepiece of our reopening season here at Leeds Playhouse. It is a household favourite full of adventure, excitement and magic. I can’t wait to bring the story to life in a fresh, thrilling way for 2019. It’s going to be incredible to see the new Playhouse come alive and to share with audiences the freshly refurbished theatres, restaurants and bars. With the opening of the new public park on our doorstep, there should be a real festive buzz here on Quarry Hill.”

Wizard of Oz

Tickets are now on general sale. So make sure you polish your ruby red slippers in time to see this truly stellar performance. The Wizard of Oz will not be a production to miss!
https://leedsplayhouse.org.uk/events/the-wizard-of-oz/#tickets

The show will run from 20th November 2019 – 25th January 2020. The full cast and creative team will be announced later in the year.

Hamlet, as you’ve never it before, is coming to Leeds Playhouse

A young woman returns from university to attend the funeral of her father. But when she returns, she finds her whole world turned on its head. Hamlet finds herself consumed by grief but she vows to avenge her father after his brutal murder. This modern take on a Shakespearian classic focuses on the themes of love, loyalty, morality and madness. 

Tessa Parr will be taking on the title role of the contemporary Hamlet. It’s not the first time Hamlet has been played by a female. But this show isn’t just a ‘gender flip’ production, in this play, Hamlet is in a lesbian relationship with Ophelia. Only the role of Hamlet has seen the gender role flipped and the play has adapted the script to use the correct pronouns. 

Judi Dench at the Shakespeare Gala, 2016

Following the acclaimed production of Romeo & Juliet where Tessa Parr played the female lead, she has returned to play this traditional male role as she reunites with director Amy Leach and designer Hayley Grindle. It’s one of the most historically acclaimed British plays of all time and we can’t wait to see Tessa take on the role. 

Rehearsals are in full swing and its shaping up to be an unforgettable performance

To match the modern-day reimagining of Shakespeare’s iconic play, the production will feature contemporary costumes and stage design. Think of a Scandi noir visual with a gritty and cold feel to the production. 

Hamlet comes to Leeds Playhouse’s Pop-Up theatre on Friday 1st March and will run until Saturday 30th March.

Get your tickets here: https://leedsplayhouse.org.uk/events/hamlet/#tickets 

Dinner 18:55 – Two Generations Finding Common Ground at Leeds Playhouse

There’s not long now until Leeds Playhouse stages Dinner 18:55. A unique intergenerational production performed by participates from Leeds Playhouse’s younger and older people’s programmes. 

The performance was developed by Leeds Playhouse’s award-winning Creative Engagement department and it will showcase 18 community actors across two generations from the Leeds area. Leeds Playhouse firmly believes there’s nothing quite like bringing people together!

Rehearsals for Dinner 18:55 are already in full swing for the show which opens at the Playhouse on 22nd February. 

In Dinner 18:55, we see the ensemble sharing real stories and experiences as well as their aspirations and fears while discussing their memorable mealtimes. The themes of the performance focus loneliness, conversation and community during these divisive times.

“Rehearsing for Dinner 18:55 has been an absolute delight! I’ve been encouraged to contribute to the process and have felt valued throughout. Nowadays I tend to attend daytime classes and social activities mixing almost exclusively with other retired people. I was really excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with a younger generation, and I wasn’t disappointed. Working with much younger people has been exhilarating and great fun. We all get on so well and continue to learn from each other at every rehearsal.” – Pat White, Dinner 18:55 performer

The show is directed by Leeds Playhouse’s Older People’s Programme Manager Maggie De Ruyck, with original music composed by Caution Collective’s Christella Litras and designed by Laura Ann Price.

Join the escapades as we embark on a venture where two generations make time for conversation over dinner. It’s an intergenerational performance that helps bridge the gap in our community. Intergenerational conversation and community spirit is certainly something we can all take away from this brilliant production.

Dinner 18:55 plays in Leeds Playhouse’s Pop-Up theatre from 22nd to 23rd February. 

Get your tickets here: https://leedsplayhouse.org.uk/events/dinner-1855/#tickets 

Northern Ballet Has Two Huge Announcements For Ballet Day!

To celebrate Ballet Day, Northern Ballet has some truly brilliant announcements! If you’re a ballet fanatic, we’re certain that we’ve got news that will tickle your fancy. Northern Ballet doesn’t just have one, but two incredible announcements. And both will have you pirouetting out of your seats with glee! And it all begins with Victoria and Dracula.

Northern Ballet is making their live cinema debut this year. Two phenomenal ballets are hitting the silver screen for all to see. It’s the first time one of their fabulous productions will make their live cinema debut. It’s a great opportunity especially for those who can’t make it to the theatre. 

First, Cathy Marston’s Victoria will stream live to cinemas across the UK on 25th June 2019. This will happen following its world première tour. Furthermore, Queen Victoria is undeniably one of the most iconic monarchs in British history and this ballet beautifully tells her life story.

The second is David Nixon OBE’s stellar production, Dracula. It will be streamed direct to cinemas from the newly redeveloped Leeds Playhouse on Halloween! If that doesn’t get you in the spooky spirit, I don’t know what will. It’s Bram Stoker’s legendary brought to life as you’ve never seen it before!

Victoria and Dracula are coming to the silver screens across the UK!

“As the widest touring ballet company in the UK, Northern Ballet goes further to provide world-class ballet on the doorsteps of people throughout the UK. However, it is not possible to reach everybody with our live tour and so I am delighted that we will be offering Victoria and Dracula to cinema audiences throughout the country to enable even more people to access our productions. We pride ourselves on being innovative storytellers, pushing the boundaries of what stories can be told through dance and these two ballets are excellent demonstrations of that. In the hands of one of the most exciting choreographers of today, Cathy Marston’s Victoria takes the life of one of our most iconic monarchs and presents her story in a way never seen before. Whilst Dracula sees Bram Stoker’s legendary vampire brought to the stage in a ballet full of sensuality and darkness; perfect viewing for Halloween.
We hope that through these cinema screenings, not only will ballet fans have more opportunities to see us perform but that others who may have never seen a ballet before will give it a try and discover a new passion for our art form.’ – David Nixon OBE

Both productions will be available in cinemas throughout the UK. It marks the first time one of Northern Ballet’s full-length productions will be shown on the silver screen!

What an amazing opportunity!

‘For over 10 years now, CinemaLive have been providing audiences worldwide with access to incredible events through their local cinema. We are delighted to be working in partnership with Northern Ballet to distribute these two exciting productions to cinemas in 2019. Their innovative approach to storytelling looks beyond traditional ballet titles and we are proud to bring this unique and inventive content to the big screen. We look forward to seeing both Victoria and Dracula connect with cinema audiences across the UK and Ireland this year”.  – John Travers, Head of Distribution for Cinema Live

We cannot wait to see these stellar performances come to cinemas. In fact, it gives those who’ve not been able to see a ballet before a chance to enjoy. 

Tickets for Victoria and Dracula in cinemas are on sale now. To find your closest participating cinemas and to book tickets visit northernballet.com/cinema


Leeds Playhouse Presents – random

It’s just an ordinary day in the ordinary life of an ordinary family. The alarm clock flickers to 7:37 am. With a rushed breakfast in their stomachs, they join the hectic rush of the world outside. But all it takes is for one random act to flip everything on its head. In a moment, lives are changed forever with a family left astounded by a devastating catastrophe. random is a remarkable play by debbie tucker green vividly details the feelings of grief and bewilderment. 

Kiza Deen (Silent Witness and Hollyoaks) takes on the beautifully poignant one-woman play which focuses on an ordinary family caught up in the whirlwind of grief and heartache. Kiza portrays the roles of four different characters with incredible finesse in this marvellous play, directed by Gbolahan Obisesan.

Director Gbolahan Obisesan

We don’t want to give too much away about this play but we can’t recommend enough how much you need to see it. In fact, random promises highs and lows with Kiza giving everything she has to this demanding role. 

Kiza Deen in rehearsals for random

The rehearsals have been going spectacularly and now we can’t wait to see the final result in the flesh. Make sure you get your tickets now to guarantee your place to see this phenomenal play by an incredible award-winning playwright.

Update: We have some incredible photographs from the first night of random at the Pop-Up theatre and it looks truly brilliant!

So far, audiences have described this stellar production as ‘mesmerising’, ‘truly remarkable’ and ‘beautifully directed’. random will be at Leeds Playhouse’s Pop-Up Theatre from Monday 4th Feb – Sat 16th Feb

You can get your tickets here: https://leedsplayhouse.org.uk/events/random/#tickets

Coming to see ‘Kes’

‘Kes’ has been watched and loved by generations of northerners (and the rest of the UK) for years now. It’s a cultural masterpiece and being taught to school children ensures the spirit of this classic is kept alive.

Ken Loach’s acclaimed British film focuses on 14-year-old Billy Casper. Kes is a heartwarming tale about a boy trying to find himself in the world. Billy is a troubled working-class lad living in Barnsley. He’s subjected to abuse at school as well as in his home life. After finding a kestrel on a nearby farm, Billy begins to take an interest in falconry and he his life starts to change.

“It’s fierce, an it’s wild, an’ it’s not bothered about anybody, not even about me right. And that’s why it’s great.” 

The critically acclaimed film is an adaption of Barry Hines’ book ‘A Kestrel for a Knave’ which was written in 1968 but is still as poignant today as it was when it was first published. Ken Loach then released the film just two years later where it became an instant hit. 

Kes at Leeds Playhouse

The stage adaption of Kes has been brilliantly portrayed by the two-man cast at Leeds Playhouse. Lucas Button portrays the role of the young Billy Casper and he puts in a stellar performance of the troubled young boy. Jack Lord plays the role of ‘Man’. Jack brilliantly portrays all the other major characters in Billy’s life. Everybody from the man who runs the evil headmaster, the brutish PE teacher, his troubled mother, Jud the bullying older brother and the teacher who encourages Billy to follow his passion in falconry.

Barry Hines’ stellar novel has been adapted for stage and opens at Leeds Playhouse on 25th January, running until 16th February.

If you’re coming from out of town and you want to get the full ‘Yorkshire’ experience before heading to the theatre, why not check out some of Leeds’ best-loved boozers and traditional eateries. 

Whitelock’s Ale House

Whitelock’s Ale House is the oldest pub in Leeds. It was first founded in 1715 as The Turk’s Head before being taken over by the Whitelock family in the 1880’s. 

This gorgeous traditional pub also extended into the row of Georgian working men’s cottages where it was described as ‘the very heart of Leeds’ by English poet and broadcaster John Betjeman. The bar still features significant traditional 19th-century furnishings, from rich mahogany woodwork to low beamed ceilings and original beer mirrors.  Food critic Jay Rayner said that the people of Islington would sell their granny for the copper bar tops!

The Pack Horse

Records suggest that there was a pub on the site of The Pack Horse as far back as 1615! Despite closing and opening several times its has retained a very rich history over the decades. Royalists were entertained during the English Civil War; it has been home to a dancing school, and even spent some time as a theatre bar. Not only does it fit the traditional ‘pub’ aesthetic, you can sup a pint while enjoying one of their delicious Pieminister pies with mash and gravy. It doesn’t get much more traditional than this!  

The Adelphi

Another popular pub filled with history. Built in 1897, The Adelphi is filled with Victorian charm. Located just by The Tetley, this building actually became a Tetley Heritage pub in 1978 and later became a Grade II listed in 1994. Etched glass, tiled floors and mahogany fittings really sends you back in time as you venture into this beloved Leeds pub. We’d recommend one of the great craft beers with your Cherry Orchard Sausage and Mash. And if beer isn’t your thing, fear not, The Adelphi also boasts and extensive wine list and a curated G&T menu. 

We hope these will get you in the spirit for this fantastic production. It’s not a show to miss so make sure you grab your tickets fast! https://leedsplayhouse.org.uk/events/kes/#tickets

“He called the Kestrel ‘Kes’… as he would a friend.”