The summer season is officially off to a scorching start across Leeds’ historic stages as Leeds Heritage Theatres unveils an unmissable month of entertainment.
June sees a massive influx of talent hitting the city, splitting the action between the grand, sweeping stage of Leeds Grand Theatre and the legendary, intimate surroundings of the City Varieties Music Hall.
Whether you are in the mood for a smash-hit musical comedy, a night of side-splitting laughter from TV favourites, or boundary-pushing independent music, the city's theatre scene is firing on all cylinders.
From massive West End blockbusters like Mamma Mia! and Legally Blonde to star-studded comedy and inspirational live talks, here is your guide to 13 brilliant productions hitting two of Leeds’ most hallowed stages this month
7. Lady Maisery and Jimmy & Sid present Wakefire (June 13)
Two of the most engaging and inventive acts on the English folk scene unite for a hotly anticipated musical collaboration, Wakefire: An Incantation to Summer, designed as an alchemic celebration of the season. 🎭 City Varieties Music Hall | Provided
8. Charanga del Norte (June 18)
As the UK's only full charanga orchestra (complete with flutes, violins, cello, and heavy percussion), this special performance will see the band reworking Serge Gainsbourg’s classic 1950s and 60s Latin catalogue alongside New York and Havana classics. 🎭 City Varieties Music Hall | Provided
9. Jah Makin' it Happen: A Reggae Musical (June 20 & 21)
This powerful musical depicts the Morgan family’s emotional journey from Jamaica to the UK during the Windrush era, beautifully portrayed through the resilient, triumphant, and vibrant sounds of live reggae music. 🎭 City Varieties Music Hall | Provided
10. Medea (June 26)
Support the absolute best in fresh, local theatrical talent as Leeds Actors in Training (LAIT) present a brand-new, ensemble-led adaptation of Euripides’ brutal tragedy, complete with bold storytelling and an original score. 🎭 City Varieties Music Hall | Provided
11. Ferg's Imaginary Big Band: 'The New Atomic' Album Launch (June 27)
A staple of Leeds' independent experimental music scene, this group brings a fierce punk ethos and relentless enthusiasm to big band music, dragging the genre kicking and screaming into the 21st century. 🎭 City Varieties Music Hall | Provided
12. It's Not a Game: Starring Jay & Joss
Having completely stunned the judges on Britain’s Got Talent, award-winning illusionists Jay & Joss are back with a mind-bending new show designed to make you leave real life behind at the door. 🎭 City Varieties Music Hall | Provided