Adam Renton, General Manager Bradford Theatres says:
“We’re looking forward to our autumn 2023 season, which is packed to the brim with events and entertainment across all four venues.
It’s really exciting to play host to so many top-quality shows taking place this autumn, including the very best in dance, drama and musicals at the Alhambra Theatre. We have a fantastic assortment of new and old favourites; such as Matthew Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet, Shrek, The Full Monty, Life of Pi; and of course our annual pantomime, Cinderella which is a favourite with many people – guaranteed to provide much laughter during the festive season.
You can also enjoy a range of other events at St George’s Hall, The Studio and King’s Hall in Ilkley: family shows, stand-up comedy and a vast array of live music: classical, brass, folk, rock and pop, soul, disco! We’re certain there’s something you’ll want to see!”
September
In the Name of Love: The Diana Ross Story - Friday 1 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Hayley Ellis: Hayley’s Comic - Saturday 2 September 7.30pm, The Studio. Age guidance 18+.
Lipstick on Your Collar - Friday 8 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Britain’s Got Comedy - Friday 8 September 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Age guidance 12+.
Alexander O’Neal: Time to Say Goodbye, Farewell Tour - Saturday 9 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
The Real Thing: Brand New Day Tour - Saturday 9 September 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley.
St George’s Hall 170th Birthday Bash: Heritage Open Days event - Sunday 10 September, 10am to 4pm.
Look around the venue, go backstage and on stage and find out about the amazing history of this busy performing venue.
Doug Allan: It’s a Wrap - Monday 11 September 7pm, King’s Hall Ilkley.
The Spirit of Smokie - Tuesday 12 September 7.45pm, St George’s Hall.
Matthew Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet - Tuesday 12 - Saturday 16 September, Alhambra Theatre.
Audio Described: Sat 16 Sep 2.30pm. Post Show Q&A - Tue 12 Sep.
Matthew Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet gives Shakespeare’s timeless story of forbidden love a scintillating injection of raw passion and youthful vitality. Confined against their will by a society that seeks to divide, our two young lovers must follow their hearts as they risk everything to be together. A masterful re-telling of an ageless tale of teenage discovery and the madness of first love, Romeo and Juliet garnered universal critical acclaim when it premiered in 2019, and now returns to the New Adventures repertoire alongside the very best of Bourne’s world renowned dance theatre productions. Age guidance 14+.
Some Guys Have All The Luck: The Rod Stewart Story - Thursday 14 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
An Evening with Bradley Wiggins - Thursday 14 September 8pm, King’s Hall Ilkley.
Greatest Days - Monday 18 - Saturday 23 September, Alhambra Theatre.
Signed: Thu 21 Sep 7.30pm, Captioned Fri 22 Sep 5pm, Audio Described: Sat 23 Sep 2.30pm.
Relight your fire with this sensational new production of Take That’s smash hit musical Greatest Days. Featuring more than 15 record-breaking Take That songs, alongside a heart-warming and hilarious story of love and laughter from award-winning writer Tim Firth that will make your heart Shine. The musical follows five boy band obsessed best friends in the 1990s, who reunite over 20 years later to see their heartthrobs one last time in what could be the Greatest Days of their lives.
Bridesmaids of Britain - Tuesday 19 - Thursday 21 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Prepare yourselves for the ‘Hen do of the year’ held in a caravan! Will this wedding story have a happy ending, or will these best friends rip each other apart? Grab your pals and throw on your garter for a hilarious night out filled with laughter and tears (and more laughter).
Axel Blake: In Style - Wednesday 20 September 8pm, The Studio. Age guidance 16+.
Big Girls Don’t Cry - Friday 22 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Sophie McCartney: Tired and Tested - Friday 22 September 8pm, St George’s Hall. Age guidance 16+. SOLD OUT!
Desi Central - Saturday 23 September 7.30pm, The Studio. Age guidance 16+.
Aggers and Bumble - Monday 25 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
The Rocky Horror Show - Monday 25 - Saturday 30 September, Alhambra Theatre.
Signed: Fri 29 Sep 5pm, Audio Described: Sat 30 Sep 5pm.
The Rocky Horror Show is the story of two squeaky clean college kids – Brad and his fiancée Janet. When by a twist of fate, their car breaks down outside a creepy mansion whilst on their way to visit their former college professor, they meet the charismatic Dr Frank‘n’Furter. Age guidance 14+.
Jimmy Carr: Terribly Funny 2.0 - Tuesday 26 September 8pm, St George’s Hall. Age guidance 16+.
Johnny Cash Roadshow: Through the Years Tour - Wednesday 27 September 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley.
Markus Birdman: Platinum - Wednesday 27 September 7.30pm, The Studio. Age guidance 14+.
Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells - Wednesday 27 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Professor Turi King: DNA Stories - Thursday 28 September 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley.
Rave On featuring The Bluejays - Friday 29 September 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley.
Just My Imagination - Friday 29 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Rachel Fairburn: Showgirl - Saturday 30 September 7.30pm, The Studio. Age guidance 14+.
Do You Believe in Ghosts? - Saturday 30 September 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Age guidance 12+.
The Comedy Store - Saturday 30 September 8pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Age guidance 18+.
October
Frankie Boyle: Lap of Shame - Monday 2 October 7pm, St George’s Hall. Age guidance 16+.
The Drifters Girl - Tuesday 3 - Saturday 7 October, Alhambra Theatre.
Signed: Thu 5 Oct 7.30pm, Captioned: Fri 6 Oct 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 7 Oct 2.30pm.
Nominated for Best New Musical at the 2022 Olivier Awards, this smash-hit show has audiences on their feet night after night with a phenomenal soundtrack packed full of iconic Drifters hits including Saturday Night At The Movies, Save The Last Dance For Me and Stand By Me. Discover the remarkable story of The Drifters and the truth about the woman who made them. From the highs of hit records to the lows of legal battles and personal tragedy, Faye Treadwell is the legendary manager of The Drifters who refused to give up on the group she loved. Thirty years, and hundreds of hit songs later, there is no doubt that Faye Treadwell was and always will be, The Drifters Girl.
Myra DuBois: Be Well - Wednesday 4 October 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Age guidance 18+.
Kieran Hodgson: Big in Scotland - Wednesday 4 October 8pm, The Studio. Age guidance 16+.
Michael starring Ben - Thursday 5 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Comedy of Black Origin Comedy Shutdown - Friday 6 October 7.30pm, The Studio. Age guidance 16+.
Phil Wang: Wang in There, Baby! - Friday 6 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Age guidance 16+.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes: Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know - Mon 9 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Age guidance 14+.
Dirty Dancing - Tuesday 10 - Saturday 14 October, Alhambra Theatre.
Signed: Fri 13 Oct 5pm, Audio Described: Sat 14 Oct 2.30pm.
Exploding with heart-pounding music, breathtaking emotion and sensationally sexy dancing, Dirty Dancing makes a magnificent return to the stage.
Seen by millions across the globe this worldwide smash-hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. See the hit film come to life before your eyes with this fantastic and emotional live stage show. The iconic story features the hit songs Hungry Eyes, Hey! Baby, Do You Love Me? and the heart stopping (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life, with an incredible cast of dancers. Age guidance 12+.
Abbbamania - Wednesday 11 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Nabil Abdulrashid: The Purple Pill - Saturday 14 October 8pm, The Studio. Age guidance 16+.
Ailey 2 - Tuesday 17 - Wednesday 18 October, Alhambra Theatre. Post Show Q&A - Tue 17 Oct.
Ailey 2 is universally renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the finest early-career dance talent in the United States with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding and emerging choreographers. For their return to the UK, Ailey 2 brings an exciting repertory featuring Francesca Harper’s futuristic Freedom Series (excerpt), Robert Battle’s thrilling The Hunt, the incredible energy of William Forsythe’s Enemy in the Figure (excerpt), and Alvin Ailey’s beloved masterpiece Revelations.
Dying to Tell You: Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Thursday 19 October 7.30pm, Restaurant 1914 at the Alhambra Theatre.
Last Days of Disco - Thursday 19 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Tommy Cannon: Rock On, Tommy - Thursday 19 October 7.30pm, The Studio.
Fascinating Aida: The 40th Anniversary Show - Friday 20 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Age guidance 14+.
Daniel O’Donnell - Saturday 21 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
The Sooty Show: 75th Birthday Spectacular - Saturday 21 October 11am & 2.30pm, Alhambra Theatre.
Celebrating 75 amazing years in show business, Sooty, Sweep and Soo are planning a very special birthday party and you’re all invited. However, in true Sooty style nothing goes to plan!
Shrek the Musical - Tuesday 24 - Saturday 28 October, Alhambra Theatre.
Signed: Thu 26 Oct 7pm, Captioned: Fri 27 Oct 7pm, Audio Described: Sat 28 Oct 2.30pm.
Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film, the Broadway and West End smash hit Shrek the Musical is a fun filled and hilarious musical comedy with a cast of vibrant characters and a ‘shrektackular’ score. Leading our stellar cast as the legendary Shrek is theatre extraordinaire Antony Lawrence (The Lion King, Mary Poppins, Matilda the Musical, We Will Rock You), Strictly Come Dancing star and leading lady Joanne Clifton (The Addams Family) as the beloved Princess Fiona, Olivier Award-nominated James Gillan (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Wicked, Starlight Express, Taboo) as the evil Lord Farquaad, and theatre favourite Brandon Lee Sears (Dreamgirls, Come From Away, Motown) as the loveable Donkey. Featuring fabulous songs including the smash hit I’m A Believer, Shrek the Musical is a ‘musical extravaganza for big kids and little kids alike’.
Rich Hall: Shot From Cannons - Wednesday 25 October 8pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Age guidance strictly 14+.
National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine - Thursday 26 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Barry Steele and Friends - Thursday 26 October 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley.
Francis Rossi: Tunes and Chat - Friday 27 October 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Paul Foot: Dissolve - Friday 27 October 8pm, The Studio. Age guidance 16+.
Blood Brothers - Tuesday 31 October - Saturday 4 November, Alhambra Theatre.
Signed: Thu 2 Nov 7.30pm, Captioned: Fri 3 Nov 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 4 Nov 2.30pm.
Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning Blood Brothers. Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. It has been affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, as inevitably it ‘brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval’ (The Daily Mail). The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True. Age guidance 12+.
November
Steve Backshall: Ocean - Thursday 2 November 7pm, St George’s Hall.
Terrorvision: 30th Anniversary - Friday 3 November 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Two Mr Ps in a Podcast Live - Saturday 4 November 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Age guidance 16+.
Baga Chipz: Material Girl - Monday 6 November 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Age guidance 16+.
Life of Pi - Monday 6 - Saturday 11 November, Alhambra Theatre.
Audio Described: Sat 11 Nov 2.30pm.
After an epic storm in the Pacific Ocean, Pi is stranded on a lifeboat with four other survivors – a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Royal Bengal tiger. Based on the global phenomenon and winner of the Man Booker Prize, selling over fifteen million copies worldwide, Life of Pi is the hugely popular story of an epic journey of endurance and hope. Don’t miss the West End and Broadway spectacle on its first ever UK tour. Age guidance 8+.
Scott Bennett: Great Scott! - Saturday 11 November 7.30pm, The Studio. Age guidance 14+.
Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out - Saturday 11 November 1pm & 4pm - Sunday 12 November 10am & 1pm, St George’s Hall.
Steeleye Span: The 50th Anniversary Tour Continues - Tuesday 14 November 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley.
The Full Monty - Tuesday 14 - Saturday 18 November, Alhambra Theatre.
Signed: Thu 16 Nov 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 18 Nov 2.30pm.
Sometimes you have to bare everything! There are no heroes in Simon Beaufoy’s heartfelt play, just a group of lads trying to regain their dignity and pride. Gaz and his mates are down on their luck and feel they have been thrown on the scrap heap, but they are determined to fight back and bare a little more than they ever thought they would have to. Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the film on a major national tour. Book now to relive the music of the 90s and have a great night out in the company of our group of lads as they work to put on the show of their lives. Not suitable for under 12s.
That’ll Be The Day: Christmas Show 2023 - Wednesday 15 November 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Age guidance 12+ (contains adult humour).
Anything For Love - The Meat Loaf Story: 30th Anniversary Tour - Thursday 16 November 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Simon Reeve: To The Ends of the Earth - Friday 17 November 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Sam Avery: How Not To Be A Terrible Parent - Friday 17 November 8pm, The Studio. Age guidance 16+.
The Night Sky Show - Saturday 18 November 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Age guidance 8+.
Dr John Cooper Clarke - Monday 20 November 8pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Age guidance 14+.
Sister Act - Monday 20 - Saturday 25 November, Alhambra Theatre.
Signed: Thu 23 Nov 7.30pm, Captioned: Fri 24 Nov 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 25 Nov 2.30pm.
Starring TV and West End legend Lesley Joseph, don’t miss this eagerly anticipated 2023 Olivier Award-nominated production of the Broadway and UK smash-hit musical, Sister Act. Disco diva Deloris’ life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Placed under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she shouldn’t be found – a convent! Encouraged to help the struggling choir, she helps her fellow sisters find their true voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. Featuring original music by Tony® and 8-time Oscar® award-winner Alan Menken (Disney’s Aladdin, Enchanted) and songs inspired by Motown, soul and disco, this heavenly musical is joyous and uplifting in equal measures. A musical sent from above, Sister Act is the brilliant, must-see show which raises the spirits and warms the soul time after time.
The Overtones: Good Times Tour - Tuesday 21 November 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
An Evening with Michael Portillo - Tuesday 21 November 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley.
The Barber of Seville…comes to Bradford! - Thursday 23 November 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Sarah Millican: Late Bloomer - Saturday 25 November 8pm, St George’s Hall. Age guidance 16+. Last few seats!
Jesus Christ Superstar - Monday 27 November - Saturday 2 December, Alhambra Theatre.
Captioned: Thu 30 Nov 7.30pm, Signed: Fri 1 Dec 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 2 Dec 2.30pm.
Timothy Sheader (Crazy for You, Into the Woods) directs this mesmerising new production of the iconic global phenomenon, Jesus Christ Superstar which comes to the Alhambra Theatre for one week only! Originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, this reimagined production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades. Choreographed by Drew McOnie (King Kong, Strictly Ballroom), with music and lyrics by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes I Don’t Know How to Love Him, Gethsemane and Superstar. Age guidance 10+.
Most Haunted Live! - Monday 27 November 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Age guidance 14+.
The Stylistics: Greatest Hits Tour - Tuesday 28 November 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
December
Symphony Orchestra of India - Saturday 2 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Dear Santa Live! - Tuesday 5 December 2pm - Wednesday 6 December 10.30am & 1.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley.
Fairytale of New York - Wednesday 6 December 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley.
Whitney: Queen of the Night - Thursday 7 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Age guidance 14+.
Kate Rusby at Christmas - Friday 8 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Ed Byrne: Tragedy Plus Time - Friday 8 December 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Age guidance 14+.
A Christmas Festival: Great Yorkshire Chorus & Yorkshire Wind Orchestra - Saturday 9 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
The Comedy Store - Saturday 9 December 8pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Age guidance 18+.
Cinderella - Saturday 9 December 2023 - Sunday 21 January 2024, Alhambra Theatre.
Signed: Thu 14 Dec 2pm & Sun 14 Jan 2024 5pm, Audio Described: Thu 4 Jan 2pm & 7.15pm, Captioned: Sun 7 Jan 5pm, Relaxed: Tue 9 Jan 6pm.
You shall go to the ball this Christmas with Bradford panto legend, Billy Pearce, as the loveable Buttons, in the spectacular family pantomime, Cinderella. Joining Billy is Emmerdale star Samantha Giles as The Wicked Stepmother and celebrity baker and Strictly Come Dancing finalist John Whaite as Dandini. Packed with all the traditional pantomime ingredients Bradford audiences expect, Cinderella features laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses.
Leeds Musical Theatre Choir: A Very Musical Christmas - Sunday 10 December 5pm, St George’s Hall.
Radio Gaga: The Ultimate Queen Tribute - Thursday 14 December 7.45pm, King’s Hall Ilkley.
Paradise Lost: Icon 30th Anniversary Tour - Thursday 14 December 7pm, St George’s Hall. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band: Christmas Concert - Friday 15 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
The Studio Orchestra: Christmas at the Movies - Saturday 16 December 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Coming Soon
Wicked - Tuesday 16 April - Sunday 19 May 2024, Alhambra Theatre.
Signed: Thu 25 April 7.30pm, Captioned: Thu 2 May 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sun 12 May 2.30pm.
Based on the acclaimed novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked imagines a beguiling backstory and future possibilities to the lives of L Frank Baum’s beloved characters from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and reveals the decisions and events that shape the destinies of two unlikely university friends on their journey to becoming Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. This award-winning production flies back to Bradford complete with all the spectacle and magic that make ‘this visually stunning show’ (Yorkshire Evening Post) such an unforgettable and unmissable experience. Recommended age 7+ (under 3s not admitted).
