The Best Shows & Plays in and Around Leeds This Month

Find out what’s on in the region's theatres this month.

Written on Things To Do

Deciding which Leeds theatre to go to this month won’t be easy because this month is packed with unmissable West End hits, family-friendly shows and magical musicals. So before you buy your tickets, let us tell you what’s on at Leeds’ most legendary and little known theatres.

Don’t forget to come back next month to find out what’s on, because we’ll be updating this guide monthly. And if you love songs on stage, check out our guide to the best musicals in Leeds over the next 12 months.

Shellshocked

Two actors on stage for Shellshocked

Fresh from a successful, sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Shellshocked comes to Leeds Playhouse this month. Written by Leeds-born playwright Philip Stokes, this powerful new play delves into the horrors of war.

The story follows Wesley, a young World War II veteran struggling with shell shock and PTSD after returning home from the front. Emotional and thought-provoking, this is a show in Leeds that’s sure to tug at your heartstrings.

Shellshocked will be at Leeds Playhouse from Wednesday 5th to Saturday 8th February 2025.

The Magic Flute

The Magic Flute, Opera North, Leeds Grand Theatre

Credit: Alastair Muir

One of the greatest operas ever written, The Magic Flute arrives at Leeds Grand Theatre this week. With its blend of fantasy, romance and breathtaking costumes, it’s the perfect introduction to opera.

Follow Prince Tamino on his quest for love and happiness – armed with a magical flute and joined by the bird-catcher Papageno, he must overcome trials and tribulations to rescue the imprisoned Pamina.

The Magic Flute will be at Leeds Grand Theatre from Wednesday 12th to Saturday 22nd February 2025.

All Blood Runs Red

A man in a performance of All Blood Runs Red

Credit: Morgan Bailey

All Blood Runs Red explores the extraordinary life of American pilot Eugene Bullard. A production by imitating the dog, this one-man show uses innovative storytelling to shine a light on a forgotten historical figure, told through a modern lens.

Audiences will learn about Bullard’s remarkable journey – from aviation pioneer to jazz drummer, spy and civil rights activist – touching on some of the most significant moments of the 20th century.

All Blood Runs Red will be at Leeds Playhouse on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th February 2025.

There’s A Monster In Your Show

Based on Tom Fletcher’s beloved book, There’s A Monster In Your Show comes to Carriageworks Theatre this February – a fun-filled experience for the whole family.

This high-energy, 50-minute show follows a group of performers preparing for their big performance, only to discover they’re not alone – Little Monster wants to join in too! Expect plenty of laughs, surprises and audience interaction.

There’s A Monster In Your Show will be at Carriageworks Theatre on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th February 2025.

The Merchant of Venice 1936

A production of Merchant of Venice 1936

Credit: Marc Brenner

If you love Shakespeare and are looking for shows to watch in Leeds, this one is a must-see. Direct from sell-out runs at the RSC and London’s West End, The Merchant of Venice 1936 arrives at Leeds Playhouse this February.

Shakespeare’s classic has been reimagined in 1930s Britain, where we meet Shylock – a resilient single mother and hard-working businesswoman – desperate to secure her daughter’s future in a time of rising fascism.

The Merchant of Venice 1936 will be at Leeds Playhouse from Tuesday 18th to Saturday 22nd February 2025.

The House Party

Don’t miss your chance to catch The House Party at Leeds Playhouse this month. The play follows Julie, who throws a party in her father’s extravagant townhouse for her 18th birthday.

Her boyfriend has just dumped her and her best friend Christine is trying to pick up the pieces – but when the party spirals out of control, chaos ensues. What happens next? You’ll have to find out for yourself.

The House Party will be at Leeds Playhouse from Friday 21st February to Saturday 1st March 2025.

Only Fools & Horses: The Musical

The cast of Only Fools & Horses the musical on stage

Credit: Johan Persson

Now, this is one of the shows in Leeds we’re most excited about! Only Fools & Horses: The Musical comes to Leeds Grand Theatre this month, bringing John Sullivan’s legendary TV show to the stage.

Direct from a record-breaking four-year sold-out run in London’s West End, the show features all the beloved characters, from Del Boy to Rodney. With over 20 hilarious original songs, this is one you won’t want to miss.

Only Fools & Horses: The Musical will be at Leeds Grand Theatre from Monday 24th February to Saturday 1st March 2025.

Hansel & Gretel

Looking for plays in Leeds that are perfect for little ones? Northern Ballet’s Hansel & Gretel is sure to delight – catch this enchanting reimagining of the classic tale at Leeds’ Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre.

As Hansel and Gretel wander through the woods, they remain blissfully unaware of the impact they’re having on their surroundings. When they get lost, they meet new friends who teach them how we can all do our part to protect the planet.

Northern Ballet’s Hansel & Gretel will be at Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre from Saturday 15th to Saturday 22nd February 2025.

Hidden

Now, time for something a little different. Hidden is a dynamic fusion of dance, circus and digital art, exploring division and voices in an ever-shifting world.

Taking to the stage at Lawrence Batley Theatre, it features gravity-defying choreography, a booming soundscape and immersive projections to make for an unforgettable watching.

Hidden will be at Lawrence Batley Theatre on Saturday 1st March 2025.

Cover image credit: Marc Brenner
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Ella Aldridge Writer

Ella moved to Leeds in 2018 and never looked back. She joined the Leeds-List team as a writer in 2023 and her knowledge of the city continues to grow every day. She never passes up an opportunity to try somewhere new, be it visiting an exhibition or dining out at restaurants off the beaten track.

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