SPRING EVENTS
With the dark nights almost over and Spring just around the corner there’s a lot to look forward to, so grab your diaries and make a date to remember.
1. Matilda The Musical:
Based on Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book, this musical version with songs by Tim Minchin has been a hit the world over and is now entertaining audiences at Bradford’s Alhambra Theatre.
To March 23rd, bradford-theatres.co.uk
2. Wise Children:
Emma Rice’s critically acclaimed adaptation of Angela Carter’s novel comes to York Theatre Royal. Expect showgirls, Shakespeare, sex and scandal and mistaken identity.
To March 16th, yorktheatreroyal.co.uk
3. Victoria:
Northern Ballet’s new biopic of Queen Victoria takes to the stage of Leeds Grand Theatre. Based on her diaries, the story of love and loss is brought to life by choreographer Cathy Marston, who was behind the company’s hit Jane Eyre.
March 9th to 16th, leedsgrandtheatre.com
4. York Literature Festival:
The annual event returns with a host of big names, including crime writer Mark Billingham, queen of the aga saga Joanna Trollope and bestselling novelist Kate Mosse, best-known for the epic tale Labyrinth.
March 15th to 31st, yorkliteraturefestival.co.uk
5. The Good Will Out 21st Anniversary Tour:
Embrace celebrate the coming of age of their platinum selling, debut album, which includes All You Good Good People, Back To What You Know, by playing the record in its entirety at Leeds O2 Academy.
March 16th, academymusicgroup.com
6. Blue Planet II Live:
Yorkshire’s own Anita Rani takes to the stage at Leeds First Direct Arena, presenting a selection of footage from David Attenborough’s game-changing series as a full symphony orchestra provides the soundtrack.
March 19th, firstdirectarena.com
7. The Greatest Showman Sing-a-long:
Fancy dress is strongly encouraged and audience participation essential in this fully interactive screening of the Hugh Jackman box office hit. Not one for shy, retiring types.
March 31st, cityvarieties.co.uk
8. Rhod Gilbert – The Book of John:
The multi-award-winning Welsh comedian is back. With previous shows inspired by an award-winning mince pie and a Battenberg tattoo, here he reveals how life hit rock bottom after he met a bloke called John.
March 31st, leedsgrandtheatre.com
9. The Zutons Who Killed The Zutons:
After a decade apart, legendary Liverpool band, The Zutons reunite to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their seminal album, Who Killed The Zutons and will be playing the album in full at Leeds O2 Academy.
April 4th, academymusicgroup.com
10. Titanic Live Screening:
Experience James Cameron’s epic film at the Leeds First Direct Arena with a 100 piece orchestra playing the score as Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio ramp up the mascara moments.
April 4th, firstdirectarena.com
11. Seann Walsh:
After he caused scandal on Strictly with that kiss outside a pub, the comedian returns to his natural home on the live comedy circuit. Stopping off at Leeds City Varieties, his latest show is aptly titled After This One I’m Going Home.
April 9th, cityvarieties.co.uk
12. Kinky Boots:
Based on the true story of a Northampton shoe factory which diversified into erotica to stay afloat, the musical with songs by Cyndia Lauper arrives at Leeds Grand Theatre having won just about every major award going.
April 9th to 20th , leedsgrandtheatre.com
13. Take That:
There may only now be three where once there were five, but Take That go on. Their latest greatest hits tour will stop-off at Sheffield’s FlyDSA Arena where they will be joined by special guest Rick Astley.
April 12th&13th, 15th&16th, flydsaarena.co.uk
14. Gung-Ho!:
The world’s biggest inflatable 5k run is coming to Harewood House. From huge slides, to enormous spiky balls, it’s designed to be as accessible as possible and is the perfect course for tackling with friends and family.
April 13th, harewood.org
15. Rita, Sue and Bob Too:
Revival of Andrea Dunbar’s semi-autobiographical play comes to Bradford’s Alhambra. Written when she was just 18, it paints of vivid picture of two young girls caught between a brutal childhood and an unpromising future.
April 18th to 20th, bradford-theatres.co.uk
16. Live at Leeds:
Black Honey, Metronomy and Tom Grennan are among the headline acts for the annual one-day music festival which takes over venues across Leeds.
May 4th, liveatleeds.co.uk
17. MALTON GIN FESTIVAL:
Organised in association with McMillans of Malton there will be up to 10 different gin suppliers showcasing their products, a selection of Yorkshire street food and a helping of live music.
May 5th to 9th, visitmalton.com
18. Olly Murs:
The most successful male artist to make it out of the X Factor, Murs comes to the First Direct Arena with five multi-platinum albums and his latest ‘You Know What I Know’ likely to do the same.
May 23rd, firstdirectarena.com
19. Manic Street Preachers:
The indie favourites’ new tour coincides with the release of a collector’s edition of their fifth album This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours, which sold more than five million copies and stayed in the charts for more than a year.
May 27th, yorkbarbican.com
20. Rita Ora:
The Phoenix UK tour, which shares its name with her second album and features a host of guest artists including Liam Payne, Cardi B and Charli XCC, comes to the First Direct Arena in Leeds.
