🎭 November 2024: Best shows to see in Leeds

November, no way! Don’t worry though it is not only Guy Fawkes who has all the bangers this month.

Talking of Mr Fawkes, on 5th to 9th of the month there is a cracker of a show at Leeds Grand Theatre in Dear Evan Hansen. It is written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul who were responsible for The Greatest Showman. It is about a youth who suffers from imposter syndrome, for the simple reason that he is an imposter. What will happen when the truth catches up with him? Probably a song, a dance and a big finish!

Before that, though, on 1st and 2nd November we have the last two days of Ruddigore, a Gilbert and Sullivan work from Opera North. I previewed it last month so won’t repeat myself. I said I won’t repeat myself.

There is only one more theatrical production at the Grand during the month and that is & Juliet, from 18th to 30th, the rest of the time being taken up with one night stands. As you might have guessed from the title it is a take on Romeo & Juliet but here, the eponymous heroine ditches the conventional ending and, rather than topping herself, sets off to live life her way – go girl! The music is provided by a string of Max Martin songs, such as Baby One More Time and Roar. The talky bits are by David West Read, he of Schitt’s Creek. See you up there but bring a paddle.

That might be that, insofar as November at the Grand is concerned, but the ‘other’ Heritage Theatre in Leeds, City Varieties and Music Hall, stages Jack and the Beanstalk, this year’s Rock ’n’ Roll Pantomime. It will follow the usual format with singing, dancing and gross behaviour. But enough about the audience, the actor/musicians are no slouches and this promises to live up to the previous incarnations. So, if you are in the mood for sophisticated songs and witty repartee, stay at home and stream some Frank Sinatra, otherwise get down to the Varieies from 29th November to 12th January, 2025 and rock your socks off whilst laughing at the raucous corny jokes.

Details of all shows at Heritage Theatres can be found at https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/whats-on/

Leeds Playhouse has quite a few things going on, starting with The Hidden Garden from 2nd to 4th November. It is aimed at the 5+ age group and tells the tale of a curious young lad who discovers, you guessed it, a hidden garden amongst the urban landscape. He meets the man who created it and their friendship blossoms – geddit?

Also on 2nd November is a play staged by graduating actors and actor/musicians from Leeds Conservatoire. It is called John Proctor is the Villain, written by Kimberley Bellflower. It is a coming of age story about a group of students studying what happened in Salem, amongst other things. It was highly recommended by Witch Magazine.

On 5th and 6th there is a new musical called Sanctuary about a young Iranian man who seeks shelter in St Mary’s Church in an unnamed northern town. It deals with those members of the community who want him to stay and those who want him to go. It also asks if we want freedom for everybody, or just ourselves.

If you still have any nerves in tact after Halloween, nip down to Bramall Rock Void from 8th to 11th of the month to catch The Watch House. It is for those aged 10+ so probably not that scary, but who knows? It is set in an old coastguard station inhabited only by Anne, dumped here whilst her parents sort out their divorce, who goes on an adventure through graveyards, discos and shipwrecks. Boogieman on down then.

Ripe is on 15th and 16th and comprises members of The Performance Ensemble, aged 60 to 90 years, who describe having to deal with attitudes to their age that restricts who they are. Tell me about it.

Here we have it, the big Christmas show, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, which runs from 18th November until 25th January, 2025. It is based on the novel by CS Lewis, obviously. I was lucky enough to be invited to a sneak preview of the sets and costumes and was mightily impressed, but not half as much as I was with the star of the show, a rather large lion called Aslan! That’s the last time I have a nosey round someone else’s wardrobe. These big productions are always brilliant so get your tickets now.

Here’s something out of the ordinary, Feel Me is an interactive show which asks, via your mobile phone, who and what you care about – other than the amount of data allowance you will be using. It is a mixture of live performance, film, projection, dance and music and is on 21st and 22nd at 1.00pm and 7.30pm each day. Don’t worry Leeds Playhouse has free wifi.

Closing the month’s offerings is Mr Snow which runs from 30th November to 5th December. It is for 3 year-olds and upward and is about Blessyou who lives in an icy land with his polar explorer dad and his best friend Bertie. One day, when his dad brings home a jar of unusual snow, strange things start to happen. I have double checked that it is for 3+ years. Children, just say NO!

What’s on at Leeds Playhouse can be accessed by clicking on https://www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk/whats-on/

Finally we come to Carriageworks where, from 6th to 9th November, we have Wind in the Willows, an adaptation of Kenneth Graham’s novel featuring Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad – hang on, isn’t that Take That. It is suitable for 6 year olds and above, yes, it is Take That!

At the other extreme of drama, 20th November sees Toxic, a play which asks what it means to be a man, the power of friendship and speaking up, now that men account for three quarters of all suicides. It is not as dour as it sounds as apparently there is plenty of humour involved.

Finally – you guessed it – it’s panto time.  This one is Beauty and the Beast which you can catch from 22nd November until 5th January, 2025. It is good to have a traditional pantomime amongst the other Christmas shows and this is about as traditional as it gets. A handsome count who has been cursed, a lovely girl who loves him and lots of singing, laughs and audience participation. If you don’t see it by 5th January – it’s behind you.

The full programme can be found at https://www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk/whats-on/

Have a great month supporting live theatre, use it or lose it.