🎭 Feb 2025: Best shows to see in Leeds

Whoever planned the months of the year did a great job because, after the seemingly endless January, we get the shortest one to catapult us into March, and the thought of impending Spring. Whilst February might be lacking in quantity insofar as days are concerned, it makes up in quality with some fine productions. 

Leeds Grand Theatre is more or less taken over by Opera North with a couple of belters; The Flying Dutchman, on various dates and times between 1st and 21st February, and a return of The Magic Flute on dates from 12th to 22nd of the month. I am not familiar with the first one, which is by Wagner, and concerns a ship whose crew are condemned to sail the seas for all eternity, except for once every seven years when fate offers them a chance to end the purgatory. I bet the pubs in Hull take a nice few quid when it docks there.

I have reviewed The Magic Flute, by Mozart at should you wish to take a look. Actually I have reviewed it even if you don’t!

If you don’t fancy the full monty, then on Thursday, 20th February at 2.30pm, there is The Magic Flute Lite, which obviously has fewer calories and is a shorter, more relaxed and interactive version ideal for families, schools and those who want to dip their toe in the operatic waters. I hope that if you do, you don’t suffer the same fate as the tars on the Flying Dutchman.

To end the month at the Grand we go from the sublime to the ridiculous with Only Fools and Horses: The Musical (lead image) from 24th February until 1st March. It is written by John Sullivan’s son, Jim, and Paul Whitehouse, who also plays Grandad. It is already limited availability so don’t be a plonker, and get it booked now.

If you like your theatre streamed, then 25th February at City Varieties has The National Theatre’s production of The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde. It stars Sharon D Clarke and Ncuti Gatwa.

For all Leeds Heritage Theatres’ offerings please head HERE.

Leeds Playhouse gets back to normal after their amazing Christmas shows, beginning with Shellshocked, by Philip Stokes, which runs from 5th to 8th February in Bramall Rock Void, and is set after the Second World War, exploring the horrors of those who served and also of those who didn’t. It is a two-hander, dealing with loyalty, relationships and the desire to make great art. Performances are at various times.

Courtyard on 14th and 15th February sees All Blood Runs Red, from imitating the dog. This is the story of Eugene Bullard, who had an extraordinary life. After running away to join the circus, he became one of the first black pilots in the First World War, a jazz drummer, spy, and civil rights activist, his story tracing many of the 20th Century’s pivotal moments. 

From 18th to 22nd February, Quarry presents The Merchant of Venice 1936, an adaptation of Shakespeare’s play about power and political unrest. It is set in 1936 – I worked that out all by myself – and stars Tracy-Ann Oberman as Shylock, a single mother and businesswoman, struggling to protect her daughter’s future. 

What better way to end the month than with a good bash. The House Party is at Courtyard from 21st February until 1st March, and is a Leeds Playhouse, Chichester Festival Theatre and Headlong co-porduction about – guess what – a house party. It is Julie’s 18th Birthday do in her dad’s pad, but her boyfriend has just dumped her, so she is relying on her BFF Christine and her boyfriend, Jon, to help her make it through the night. This is another adaptation, this time, Miss Julie by Strindberg, but brought up to date. Head here for all Leeds Playhouse presentations.

Over in Millennium Square, Carriageworks has There’s A Monster In Your Show – makes a change from a fly in your soup – which is a stage version of Tom Fletcher’s ,Who’s In Your Book? aimed at 2 to 4 year olds. I think that you are allowed to take an adult or two if you think they won’t be too scared, but please keep an eye on them just in case. Performances are at 11.00am and 2.00pm on Saturday, 15th and Sunday, 16th February. 

On Monday, 17th February there is a presentation by Sean Conway, who holds an ultra-endurance record by completing 105 Iron Man competitions in 105 days, as well as others in cycling and triathlons. He obviously can’t afford a sofa and a telly!

Hangmen seems to be an appropriate way to finish the month, running from Wednesday 26th February to Friday, 28th with performances at 7.30pm and then at 2.00pm on Saturday, 1st March. It is set in a pub in 1965, where landlord, Harry Wade, relies on his reputation as the second-best hangman in England to keep his customers coming in. Obviously, for those of us old enough to remember capital punishment, Albert Pierrepoint was the undisputed King of Swing. This is a dark comedy asking how you keep your business afloat when you lose your USP. 

Check the link for all Carriageworks Theatre’s Spring/Summer listings. 

Enjoy the theatre on offer and Happy Valentine’s Day. As usual, I’ll be spending it with the one I love – that will be just the one glass for the Champagne then and a huge sugar rush from all the chocolates.