Week of Events
Ripon Theatre Festival 2025
Get ready for a joyful celebration of live performance, bursting with theatre, music, dance, storytelling, puppetry, and plenty of laughs. Ripon Theatre Festival is fast becoming a highlight of the region’s cultural calendar—welcoming audiences of all ages with a programme that’s packed with high-quality performances, friendly faces, and magical moments. We’ll be popping up in streets, gardens, museums, and surprise locations all across our glorious city. Expect big laughs, bold ideas, and brilliant memories—and with many events free to attend, it’s the perfect way to kick off your summer.
The Highwayman
This July, West Yorkshire playwright John Godber is bringing his hilarious new play 'The Highwayman' to Theatre Royal Wakefield for three exclusive shows! You will not want to miss out on this brilliant production! It’s 1769, and everyone is flocking north; every ale house is packed with the great and the bad. Yorkshire is the place to be; a region drunk on making money, social climbing, gambling and gin, but with wealth in abundance, the temptation is great. The Highwayman is a thrilling theatrical adventure from John Godber, told in the style of his infamous Bouncers, is visceral, venal and very funny. The Highwayman’s creed is simple; look after number one and to hell with the hangman! Written and directed by John Godber, with music from Ruby Macintosh and starring a collection of emerging actors history will have never felt more alive, and theft never so attractive! Tickets on sale now for 'The Highwayman' at Theatre Royal Wakefield: https://www.theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk/events/the-highwayman-2025
Twisted! The Musical
This brand-new musical is an intriguing continuation of Dickens’ classic novel, Oliver Twist, shedding new light on beloved characters in a thrilling story of redemption, justice and the enduring power of love. Set in the heart of Victorian London, "Twisted! The Musical" follows Oliver Brownlow, now a young man, as he becomes intertwined with Jane, a working-class flower girl battling the harsh realities of life with an alcoholic uncle. This two-hour production combines live music, dynamic performances, and captivating choreography to explore profound themes of resilience, love, and social justice. Developed as a musical reimagining, "Twisted!" gives lovers of "Oliver Twist" a chance to see where Oliver's life has taken him and how he navigates the complexities of adulthood in a world that challenges his ideals. Select performances will feature a Q&A session with the writers, director, and principal cast, allowing audiences to delve deeper into the story and its themes. Age: 12+ Parental Guidance required
Living the Life of Riley
Living the Life of Riley
Starring Vicky Entwistle - Living the Life of Riley is a heart-warming, heart-breaking and hilarious tale of a family, trying to negotiate their way through teenage tantrums, autism, and Grandma.
Nanna Mo’s Botox and Bum Lifts
Nanna Mo’s Botox and Bum Lifts
After doing an online course in cosmetic procedures Nanna Mo has started earning a few quid by giving Botox jabs and Brazilian butt lifts to the fellow residents of her care home. A New Comedy by MaD Theatre Company. £14/£16.
5 Mistakes that Changed History
5 Mistakes that Changed History
We all make mistakes, but rarely do they change the course of history. 5 Mistakes That Changed History is a hilarious historical storytelling show performed by historian and comedian, Paul Coulter, about five people and how their mistakes (big and small!) changed the world. £22.25 - £24.25.
Skipton Comedy Live
Skipton Comedy Live
Get ready for a night of non-stop laughter at Skipton Comedy Live! The Hub bar will be open from 7pm with regular drinks intervals throughout the show.