Summer 2025 at Bradford Theatres a season of live entertainment!
Adam Renton, General Manager Bradford Theatres says:
As Bradford celebrates the year ahead as the UK’s City of Culture, I am excited to tell you about the fantastic live entertainment coming to Bradford Theatres during the summer months.
One of the highlights is Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s spectacular production of the award-winning musical Mary Poppins which is flying back to Bradford for a 6-week season. Additionally, I am happy to present Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake: The Next Generation. This bold and thrilling revival of the multi award-winning dance theatre production celebrates 30 years since it was first staged at Sadler’s Wells in London.
Music of all kinds can be heard at our venues this season. I must make special mention of the final concert of our 156th Classical Music Season at St George’s Hall with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. This concert is of particular significance as we celebrate Bradford’s year as the UK’s City of Culture, with a performance of our own city’s great composer Frederik Delius’s piano concerto. Prior to the tour, this great Delius work will receive its premiere in Manila in the Philippines, a concert that has been inspired by our position as the UK’s City of Culture. I can’t wait to welcome you to Bradford Theatres during this very special year!
Still booking…
An Inspector Calls – Tuesday 29 April – Saturday 3 May. Alhambra Theatre.
Signed: Thu 1 May 7.30pm, Audio described: Sat 3 May 2.30pm.
Stephen Daldry’s multi-award-winning National Theatre production of JB Priestley’s classic thriller returns after a record-breaking sell-out tour in 2022. Winner of 19 major awards and hailed as the theatrical event of its generation, An Inspector Calls has thrilled more than 5 million theatregoers worldwide. When Inspector Goole arrives unexpectedly at the prosperous Birling family home, their peaceful dinner party is shattered by his investigations into the death of a young woman. His startling revelations shake the very foundations of their lives and challenge us all to examine our consciences. More relevant now than ever, this is a must-see for a whole new generation.
May
Ben Portsmouth: This is Elvis Tour 2025 – Friday 2 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Age guidance 6+.
FUN! with Barbara Nice – Friday 2 May 7.30pm, The Studio. Age guidance 14+.
The Muslims Are Coming – Saturday 3 May 7pm, The Studio. Age guidance 18+.
The Overtones: Up Close and Personal – Saturday 3 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Irish Annie’s – Tuesday 6 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Age guidance 16+. Starring Ricky Tomlinson.
Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake – Tuesday 6 – Saturday 10 May. Alhambra Theatre.
Audio described: Sat 10 May 2.30pm. Post show Q&A: Wed 7 May (free to ticket holders).
Matthew Bourne’s rule-breaking reinvention of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece caused a sensation when it premiered 30 years ago. It has become the most successful dance theatre production of all time, often giving audiences their first experience of dance in the theatre and inspiring generations of young dancers. In celebration, Swan Lake will take flight once more in a major new revival for the next generation of dancers and audiences who will see it for the first time.
Just My Imagination – Saturday 10 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Age guidance 12+.
An Audience with Alastair Cook – Monday 12 May 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Age guidance 16+.
Larry Dean: Dodger – Tuesday 13 May 8pm, The Studio. Age guidance 16+.
Dave Spikey – Thursday 15 May 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Age guidance 16+.
Paul Chowdhry: Englandia – Thursday 15 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Age guidance 14+.
In The Night Garden Live! – Friday 16 – Saturday 17 May. Alhambra Theatre
Friday 3pm, Saturday 10am, 12noon & 3pm.
Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends are back in their fun-filled live show Igglepiggle’s Busy Day! Join Igglepiggle as he looks for his friends in the Night Garden by following their funny sounds until he finds them all! You’ll see all your favourite characters beautifully brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets, and enchanting music. This show lasts just under an hour and your little ones will be amazed when they see a very special visit from the flying Pinky Ponk.
Discos For Grown Ups – Friday 16 May 8pm, St George’s Hall. Age guidance 18+. Please note this is a standing event.
Danny Baker: Aye Aye! Ahoy-hoy! – Friday 16 May 7.30pm King’s Hall Ilkley. Age guidance 14+.
Nabil Abdulrashid: Urban Battuta – Saturday 17 May 7.30pm, The Studio. Age guidance 16+.
Random Hand – Saturday 17 May 8pm, St George’s Hall. Age guidance 14+. Please note this is a standing event.
Mary Poppins – Wednesday 21 May – Sunday 29 June. Alhambra Theatre.
Signed: Wed 11 Jun 7.30pm, Audio Described: Thu 19 Jun 2.30pm, Captioned: Wed 25 Jun 7.30pm
Age guidance 5+.
Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s spectacular production of the classic multi-award-winning musical Mary Poppins is flying to the Alhambra Theatre for 6 weeks only. Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, the story of the World’s favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane is even more magical than ever before featuring dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs. The timeless score includes the classic songs by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman; Jolly Holiday, Step in Time, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Feed the Birds with new songs and additional music and lyrics by the Olivier award-winning British team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.
Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra – Thursday 22 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Part of the 156th Orchestral season.
Carry On! An Audience with Mark and Lard – Thursday 22 May 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Age guidance 14+.
Man in the Mirror: A Tribute to Michael Jackson – Friday 23 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
The Shires: The Two of Us Tour – Friday 23 May 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. SOLD OUT.
The Dinosaur That Pooped A Rock Show – Saturday 24 May 12pm & 3.30pm, St George’s Hall. Age guidance 3+.
The Music of Hans Zimmer & Others – Tuesday 27 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Queen of the Night: A Tribute to Whitney Houston – Thursday 29 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Age guidance 14+. Please note that Queen of the Night - A Tribute to Whitney Houston is a tribute production not associated with the Whitney Houston Estate.
Sweet and Sour – Friday 30 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Brutus Gold’s Love Train – Saturday 31 May 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Please note this is a standing event.
June
An Audience with Kevin Keegan – Monday 2 June 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Age guidance 16+.
Drag Me To The 80’s – Friday 6 June 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Age guidance 12+.
Thank You For The Music – Thursday 12 June 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
The Comedy Store – Saturday 21 June 8pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Age guidance 18+.
Milton Jones: Ha!Milton – Monday 23 June 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley.
July
Dance United presents Memories of the Future – Saturday 5 July 7pm, Alhambra Theatre.
Memories of the Future is a unique collaboration between Akram Khan Company and Dance United Yorkshire, bringing together an intergenerational cast from six of Bradford’s community groups. Choreographed by emerging local choreographers Tallulah Shannon and Elliott Augustine, this inspiring production explores the ever-evolving journey of finding our place in the world. A celebration of identity and connection, it serves as a poignant reminder that we all belong.
A Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture Commission.
Picture You Dead – Tuesday 8 – Saturday 12 July. Alhambra Theatre.
Captioned: Sat 12 Jul 2.30pm. Age guidance 13+.
Superintendent Roy Grace is back in a brand-new Peter James stage adaptation and world premiere of the bestselling Picture You Dead. Starring Strictly Come Dancing winner, presenter and stage actor Ore Oduba (Pretty Woman), Fiona Wade, who starred in 2:22 A Ghost Story, following 12 years in Emmerdale, and with Casualty’s George Rainsford (Call the Midwife, 2:22 A Ghost Story) returning as DSI Roy Grace.
This performance may include flashing lights, loud sounds including gunshots and depictions of criminal activity and violence. Ore Oduba will not be appearing on Friday 11 July.
80s Live! – Friday 11 July 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Yeh Dosti: Celebrating 50 Years of Sholay – Saturday 12 July 7.30pm, The Studio.
Rumours of Fleetwood Mac – Wednesday 16 July 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Rhythm of the Dance – Thursday 17 July 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
A Squash and a Squeeze – Friday 18 – Sunday 20 July. Alhambra Theatre.
Fri 3.30pm, Sat/Sun 10.30am & 13.30pm. Age guidance 3-8 years.
Step into the magical world of A Squash and a Squeeze live on stage for the first time! Once upon a time, a little old lady lived all by herself in her cosy cottage, but she wasn’t happy – her house felt just too small. Whatever could she do? Join us for this heartwarming and hilarious adventure, full of beautiful puppets and enchanting songs.
The Magic of The Beatles – Wednesday 23 July 7.30pm. Alhambra Theatre.
The sensational The Magic of the Beatles features an incredible cast that not only look and sound like John, Paul, George, and Ringo, they also generate that same famed incredible excitement that was the trademark of the greatest group the world has ever seen.
This is a tribute show and is no way affiliated with any original artists/estates/ management companies or similar shows. Promoter reserves the right to alter the programme.
Sky Full of Stars: A Tribute to Coldplay – Thursday 24 July 7.30pm. Alhambra Theatre.
Get ready for an electrifying night of music and fun at Sky Full of Stars, the ultimate tribute to Coldplay!
Whether you’re a longtime Coldplay enthusiast or just looking to have a fantastic night out, this concert
celebration promises a whirlwind of fun, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
Radio GaGa: The Ultimate Tribute to Queen – Friday 25 July 7.30pm. Alhambra Theatre.
Be part of a night like no other as we bring you the concert you’ve been dreaming of as Radio GaGa recreates two magical hours live on stage celebrating the magic, fun and showmanship of Queen’s touring days. Join us as we say, Radio, someone still loves you!
This is a tribute show and is no way affiliated with any original artists/estates/ management companies or similar shows. Promoter reserves the right to alter the programme.
Mandford’s Comedy Club – Friday 25 July 8pm, The Studio. Age guidance 16+.
With Michael Akadiri, Alex Mitchell, Mick Ferry and Danny McLoughlin. Join us for a great night of comedy – every show has a different line-up of four top comedians, who are all personally chosen by Jason Manford.
Simon and Garfunkel: Through the Years In Concert – Saturday 26 July 7.30pm. Alhambra Theatre.
Performed by Bookends.
Milkshake Live! On Holiday – Wednesday 30 July 12pm & 3.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience – Thursday 31 July 7.30pm, Restaurant 1914 at the Alhambra Theatre. Includes a 3 course meal. Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is a loving tribute to Fawlty Towers. Faulty Towers The Dining Experience uses scripts and a dining experience format devised by Imagination Workshop Pty Limited and is not endorsed in any way by John Cleese or Connie Booth.
August
Yorkshire Day Comedy Club – Friday 1 August 8pm, St George’s Hall. Age guidance 14+.
To celebrate Yorkshire Day, we will bring you our very own special mixed bill of the biggest and best comedians for a night of comedy. Acts to be announced.
Spot’s Birthday Party – Saturday 9 - Sunday 10 August, King’s Hall Ilkley. Age guidance 2+.
Sat 2pm & 4pm, Sun 11am & 2pm.
Coming soon
Calamity Jane – Tuesday 2 – Saturday 6 September. Alhambra Theatre.
Signed: Thu 4 Sep 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 6 Sep 2.30pm.
Gosh almighty! Musical comedy classic Calamity Jane is a rollin’ on over the plains to Bradford for one week only, starring the multi-award-winning West End actress and singer Carrie Hope Fletcher (Cinderella, Les Misérables).
Matilda – Thursday 30 October – Sunday 23 November. Alhambra Theatre.
Chilled and Signed: Sun 9 Nov 2.30pm, Signed: Fri 14 Nov 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 15 Nov 2.30pm, Captioned: Sat 22 Nov 2.30pm. Age guidance: 6+, no under 3s (except at Chilled Performance).
Following the sellout success of its first tour in 2018/19, Matilda The Musical, the multi-award-winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the beloved book by Roald Dahl, is heading back out on tour across the UK and Ireland from October 2025.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - The Fairest Panto in the land – Saturday 6 December – Sunday 18 January 2026. Alhambra Theatre.
Signed: Thu 11 Dec 2pm, Sun 11 Jan 2026 5pm, Audio Described: Fri 2 Jan 2026 2.30pm & 7.15pm, Captioned: Sun 4 Jan 2026 5pm, Relaxed: Tue 7 Jan 2026 1pm & 6pm. On sale 31 March.
See the full brochure online here.
