If you thought April was busy, hold onto your hats.
May is shaping up to be a blockbuster month for Leeds’ cultural scene, offering a line-up that truly has something for everyone across the esteemed Leeds Heritage Theatres - and that’s on top of the incredible history that is steeped across the venues.
Whether you're looking to relive the 90s with the songs of Steps, test your nerves with a record-breaking ghost story, or dive into the history of soul with a true legend, our stages are packed with talent.
While this list isn’t exhaustive - for that or ticketing, you can visit the Leeds Heritage Theatres website - here are some of the highlights set to take place across the city’s venues throughout this month.
1. Here & Now: The Steps Musical (May 5 - 10)
Get your party on with Here & Now, the hilarious, brand-new musical based on the songs of multi-million-selling pop phenomenon, Steps. Hailed as the ‘biggest jukebox hit since MAMMA MIA!’, don’t miss this feel-good celebration of love and friendship. 🎭 Leeds Grand Theatre | Provided
2. P.P. Arnold (May 7)
Since she became London’s ‘First Lady of Soul’ back in the 60s, P.P. Arnold is a real Soul Survivor, still going strong! This year, she is touring with a pianist, performing her classics and telling the tales of her incredible life through story and song. 🎭 City Varieties | Mikio Ariga
3. Country Hits Live (May 10)
Fronted by UK country singer Jade Helliwell, and, direct from Nashville, Lars Pluto, prepare to be taken back through the history of country music featuring songs from Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Shania Twain and Garth Brooks right through to Taylor Swift and Luke Combs. 🎭 City Varieties | Provided
4. 2:22: A Ghost Story (May 11 - 16)
Winner of Best New Play at the WhatsOnStage Awards, the record-breaking supernatural thriller comes to Leeds, starring James Bye (Eastenders), Natalie Casey (Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps), Grant Kilburn and Shvorne Marks (Three Little Birds). This edge-of-your-seat mystery will have you questioning your own beliefs as the tension builds toward a final, spine-tingling reveal. 🎭 Leeds Grand Theatre | Helen Murray
5. William Blake Remixed: Testament and Matthew Bourne (May 14)
Experience the visionary world of William Blake like never before, in this electrifying live performance from two remarkable musicians: acclaimed rapper, poet and world record-holding beatboxer Testament, and celebrated composer and award-winning pianist Matthew Bourne. 🎭 City Varieties | Provided
6. The Shawshank Redemption (May 19 - 23)
The acclaimed stage production of the hit movie returns, starring Joe McFadden, Ben Onwukwe and Bill Ward. Based on Stephen King’s 1982 novella, this thrilling stage production examines friendship and hope behind the claustrophobic bars of a maximum-security facility. 🎭 Leeds Grand Theatre | Provided