Want to know what the Leeds theatre scene has to offer this June? From family-friendly fun to unique productions, there’s something for everyone.
Deciding which Leeds theatre to go to this month won’t be easy because this month is packed with unmissable plays, family-friendly shows and improvised performances. 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 every month.
Credit: Richard H Smith
Requiem. Mozart’s awe-inspiring choral masterpiece is paired with the work of South African composer Neo Muyanga in this Opera North production. Both works are choreographed by Dane Hurst, in a touching response to the grief experienced by so many around the world during the pandemic. See it at Leeds Playhouse until Sunday 4th June 2023.
A Passionate Woman. Stuck in a loveless marriage, Betty takes refuge in her attic on the day of her son’s wedding, where she relives her youth and an old love affair. She’s torn in this story of family, love and Leeds that challenges what it means to be the family matriarch. In memory of Kay Mellor, it’s at Leeds Playhouse until Sunday 10th June 2023.
Zog. Fancy a family trip to the theatre? The phenomenal stage adaptation from Freckle Productions is back and promises to be bigger and brighter than ever before! With lively songs from Joe Stilgoe, the much-loved Zog is a magical production for all ages – grown-ups too! Catch it at The Carriageworks from Monday 5th to Saturday 10th June 2023.
Football Freddie. Football Freddie is off on a community tour! Catch this heartfelt production at a community venue near you from Monday 5th to Saturday 17th June 2023. A warm and witty new show made for families all about football, teamwork and the joy of taking part, it tells the story of footie-mad Freddie and her journey to overcoming her fears.
Buffy Revamped. Fresh from an award-winning run at Edinburgh Fringe, Buffy Revamped is the new production bringing you the entire 144 episodes of the hit 90s TV show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as told through the eyes of the one person who knows it inside out – Spike. Funny, satirical and bursting with pop-culture references, see it at Leeds Playhouse on Tuesday 6th June 2023.
Dirty Dancing. Dirty Dancing returns to Leeds following an ever-successful season in the Big Smoke. Exploding with heart-throbbing music and sensationally sensual dancing, this worldwide smash-hit is a tale of summer lust everyone should experience at least once. Find out why at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 6th to Saturday 10th June 2023.
Credit: Matt Crockett Dewynters
Happy Place. On Thursday 8th June 2023, you can join the critically acclaimed Forget About The Dog in what has been described as a Black Mirror meets Monty Python meets Jumanji – exploring happiness, friendship and the role technology plays in our world through comedy, puppetry, theatre and music. Happy Place is not to be missed.
The Bodyguard. The international, award-winning musical The Bodyguard is back at Leeds Grand Theatre! Starring Pussycat Doll and multi-platinum Grammy-nominated Melody Thornton as Rachel Marron and soap star Ayden Callaghan as Frank Farmer, this romantic thriller will really get your heart going – catch it from Monday 12th to Saturday 17th June 2023.
Happy Birthday Sunita. Put on your birthday best as Rifco revives the sell-out comedy, Happy Birthday Sunita, with a whole new cast and a fresh script. With unexpected guests and a few skeletons in the cupboard, join the Johal family for a ride that will leave you laughing, crying and talking all the way home from Tuesday 13th to Saturday 17th June 2023 at Leeds Playhouse.
Credit: Ellie Kurttz
9 To 5 The Musical. Based on the hilarious 1980s movie, 9 to 5 is an empowering show about three women teaming up, standing up and taking care of business. With music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, 9 To 5 is brought to you by the award-winning LIDOS at The Carriageworks from Wednesday 14th to Saturday 17th June 2023.
Astray. You can witness the power of Leeds’ youth in this theatrical performance of Astray. With a cast of over 70 young actors, it’s a brilliant showcase of the next generation of theatre artists, set in a school where all the teachers have disappeared, leaving the students to their own devices. Be there on Saturday 17th June 2023 at Leeds Playhouse.
The Commitments. With over 20 soul classics performed live on stage including ‘Night Train’, ‘River Deep’ and ‘Mountain High’, The Commitments is a fantastically feel-good celebration of soul. After a record-breaking run on the West End, it brings the BAFTA award-winning film to Leeds Grand Theatre from Monday 19th to Saturday 24th June 2023.
Credit: David Freeman
Fleabag: Screening. Written and performed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and directed by Vicky Jones, Fleabag offers a rip-roaring look at some sort of woman living her sort of life. Following a record-breaking run in cinemas in 2019, the one-woman show returns to the big screen – and you can see it at the City Varieties in Leeds on Wednesday 21st June 2023.
5 Years. Using innovative digital technology, the show looks at how we are bombarded with body image messages and how this influences the way we see ourselves and the choices we make. 5 Years is a new comedy–drama that asks, ‘What do we lose in the pursuit of perfection?’. Experience this all-new show at The Carriageworks on Friday 23rd June 2023.
Rocky Horror Show. Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical celebrates 50 years of non-stop partying with a special anniversary production. The longest continuous run of a contemporary musical anywhere in the world, The Rocky Horror Show continues to delight audiences as it returns to Leeds Grand Theatre on Tuesday 27th June until Saturday 1st July 2023.
