PREVIEW: New season of big names and must-see shows at Leeds Grand Theatre

Leeds Heritage Theatres is Leeds Grand Theatre, City Varieties Music Hall and Hyde Park Picture House. A registered charity, our three venues are united by a single cause; to bring people together, create the extraordinary and provide a positive environment in which to entertain and educate.

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Leeds Grand Theatre begins its brand-new season with Northern Ballet’s Merlin. From April, join Al Murray, Clinton Baptiste and Judi Love for unforgettable comedy.

Josh Widdicombe and Tom Davis keep the laughs coming, with rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield taking the stage for one night only for an evening of inspiration and leadership.

Northern Ballet’s Merlin: Sat 13 – Sat 20 September 2025

Two kingdoms at war. A pair of star-crossed lovers. One boy with a whole lot of magic. Discover how the world’s most famous sorcerer mastered his powers in the epic adventure you’ve been waiting for. Oh, and did we mention? There’s a dragon too.

Opera North’s Susanna: Sat 4 – Wed 22 October 2025

Opera and dance combine in this story with a dark heart and strong contemporary resonance. Opera North’s Susanna explores the corrupting influence of power structures and the challenge of creating an inclusive and equitable society.

Opera North’s La bohème: Sat 18 October – Sat 1 November 2025

From Paris with love comes a tale of friendship and romance. When struggling poet Rodolfo meets Mimì, a quiet seamstress who lives upstairs, it’s love at first sight. With empty pockets but full hearts, will their love be enough to see them through?

Dear England: Tue 4 – Sat 8 November 2025

From multi-award-winning writer James Graham and director Rupert Goold, Dear England tells the inspiring, at times heart-breaking, and ultimately uplifting story of Gareth Southgate’s revolutionary tenure as England manager.

The Book of Mormon: Tue 11 – Sat 29 November 2025

This outrageous musical comedy from the creators of South Park follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent on a mission to a place that’s about as far from Salt Lake City as you can get.

Miss Saigon: Tue 2 – Sat 13 December 2025

Michael Harrison and Cameron Mackintosh present a new production of Miss Saigon, featuring hit songs like The Heat is On in Saigon and Last Night of the World. In the final days of the Vietnam War, Kim’s epic journey to reunite with American GI Chris unfolds.

Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker: Thu 18 December 2025 – Sun 4 January 2026

Christmas isn’t complete without Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince in a magical winter wonderland, featuring dazzling snowflakes, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the Mouse King.

John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers: The Play: Tue 6 – Sat 10 January 2026

Adapted by John Cleese and directed by Caroline Jay Ranger, this sell-out production brings Basil, Sybil, and the Major to life in a laugh-out-loud show full of sharp wit, chaos, and calamity.

Opera North’s The Marriage of Figaro: Fri 30 January – Fri 20 February 2026

It’s supposed to be the happiest day of Figaro and Susanna’s lives, but this is opera, so there’s plenty of time for some plot twists before they say, ‘I do’. Cue a whirlwind of secret scheming and surprise revelations.

Opera North’s Peter Grimes: Fri 13 – Sat 21 February 2026

Fisherman Peter Grimes is an outsider, torn between the dream of a conventional life with Ellen Orford, a local schoolteacher, and the truth of his own nature. For his community, he is a channel for their worst fears and their deepest desires.

Sunny Afternoon: Tue 24 – Sat 28 February 2026

Set against the backdrop of Britain on the cusp of the rebellious 60s, Sunny Afternoon is an exhilarating and moving celebration of the music, life, and the band that changed it all.

Northern Ballet’s Gentleman Jack: Sat 7 – Sat 14 March 2026

Anne lived, dressed and loved as she desired, not as 19th century society expected her to. With her words dancing across the page, she vividly chronicled her adventures, heartbreaks and triumphs.

TINA - The Tina Turner Musical: Tue 17 March – Sat 4 April 2026

From humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her triumphant transformation into a multi-award-winning global superstar, Tina Turner didn’t just break the rules, she rewrote them. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her iconic hits, discover the heart and soul behind the queen of rock ‘n’ roll.

LAOS presents Shrek: The Musical: Tue 7 – Sat 11 April 2026

Perfect for audiences of all ages, Shrek: The Musical is a joyful celebration of friendship, self-acceptance and finding your own happily ever after. Join Shrek, Fiona and Donkey on a heart-warming and hilarious journey through the swamp and beyond.

Here & Now: The Steps Musical: Tue 5 – Sun 10 May 2026

Happiness is only a heartbeat away with this hilarious and heart-warming new musical based on the songs of pop phenomenon Steps. Welcome to seaside superstore Better Best Bargains, where it’s Friday night, the vibe is right and everyone’s dancing in the aisles.

2:22: A Ghost Story: Mon 11 – Sat 16 May 2026

Jenny believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam isn’t having any of it. They argue with their first dinner guests, old friend Lauren and new partner Ben. Can the dead really walk again?

The Shawshank Redemption: Tue 19 – Sat 23 May 2026

Despite protests of his innocence, Andy Dufresne is handed a double life sentence for the brutal murders of his wife and her lover. Incarcerated in the notorious Shawshank facility, he quickly learns that no one can survive alone.

Legally Blonde: The Musical: Tue 9 – Sat 13 June 2026

This ultimate feel-good rom com, based on the award-winning film starring Reese Witherspoon, follows Elle Woods on her transformation from ‘It girl’ fashionista to legal ace at Harvard Law School, all in the name of love.

MAMMA MIA!: Tue 16 – Sat 27 June 2026

Sophie’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings her mother face-to-face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they’ll never forget.

The Sound of Music: Thu 9 July – Sat 1 August 2026

Maria, a free-spirited novice nun, is sent to look after the rowdy von Trapp children. Soon, the entire family is under the spell of Maria’s unquenchable zest for life and even the Captain’s steely heart begins to soften, as they fall in love.

Operation Mincemeat: Mon 7 – Sat 12 September 2026

The year is 1943 and right now we’re losing the war. Luckily, we’re about to gamble all our futures on a stolen corpse.

SIX: Tue 3 – Sat 7 November 2026

From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st-century girl power. These Queens may have green sleeves, but their lipstick is rebellious red.

Mrs. Doubtfire: Tue 10 – Sun 29 November 2026

Out-of-work actor Daniel will do anything for his kids. After losing custody in a messy divorce, he creates the alter ego of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives.

To view a digital copy of our new season brochure – CLICK HERE.

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Enjoy the show.

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