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.
7. Dr Louise Newson: Breaking the Cycle: The Power of Hormones (May 19)
Following on from her hugely successful 2024 theatre tour, renowned physician and women’s hormone specialist Dr Louise Newson is back with Breaking the Cycle: The Power of Hormones, an unmissable new show challenging everything you’ve been told about hormones. 🎭 City Varieties | Provided
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8. Ancient Infinity Orchestra (May 23)
The joyous large ensemble has communal music-making at the heart of everything they do. And that includes the melodies that flow out of their new album, It’s Always About Love, which blossom with uplifting improvised contributions that circle bandleader Ozzy Moysey’s beautiful songs; generous sonic gifts of healing and repair. 🎭 City Varieties | Solomon Charles-Kelly
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9. Jo Harrop Quartet and Hannah Horton Quartet (May 24)
Two female leading lights of the UK jazz scene perform as a special double bill as part of the Leeds Jazz Festival. From Harrop’s velvet-toned vocals to Horton’s soulful, commanding saxophone, this evening promises a masterclass in modern jazz sophistication and technical brilliance. 🎭 City Varieties | Provided
10. Jazz Sabbath (May 25)
Jazz Sabbath is a jazz trio from Great Britain that plays new jazz arrangements of Black Sabbath songs, exploring the boundaries between jazz and the songs that defined heavy metal. It’s a brilliant, tongue-in-cheek reimagining that proves the heaviest riffs in rock history sound surprisingly smooth when served with a sophisticated side of swing. 🎭 City Varieties | Provided
11. The Karate Kid: The Musical (May 26- 30)
The Karate Kid: The Musical brings the legendary 1984 film to life on stage. Don’t miss the unforgettable theatrical experience of the season as this heartfelt coming-of-age story takes flight with spectacular musical numbers and dazzlingly inventive choreography. 🎭 Leeds Grand Theatre | Provided
12. Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox: The Future is Vintage (May 31)
The acclaimed troupe of singers, dancers and instrumentalists will be performing a brand-new show in the group’s signature time-twisting style – putting a retro spin on everything from 70s rock classics and 80s Britpop hits, to current chart toppers, movie and video game soundtracks. 🎭 Leeds Grand Theatre | Provided