WELCOME TO BRADFORD THEATRES’ SUMMER 2024 SEASON OF LIVE ENTERTAINMENT!
Bradford Theatres are delighted to announce the Summer 2024 season which is packed with musicals, drama and top names in comedy and entertainment.
Adam Renton, General Manager Bradford Theatres says:
With lighter nights on the way, we’re looking forward to our summer 2024 season.
There’s something for everyone on offer at the Alhambra Theatre, St George’s Hall, The Studio and King’s Hall in Ilkley. We bring you the very best in drama, musicals and family shows, plus stand-up comedy, and a vast array of live music. Indulge in a delightful line-up of fresh, exciting shows alongside cherished classics and the return of your favourite tours!
There are too many shows to list here individually but I want to make a very special mention to two long-running productions at the Alhambra Theatre. It’s very exciting to be able to welcome back the award-winning musical, Wicked, which is with us for 5 weeks during April and May. Then later in the summer, we host Disney’s Aladdin which makes its debut UK tour and will fly into the venue in August for 3 weeks. What better way to mark the Alhambra Theatre’s 110th anniversary year!
I look forward to extending our usual warm welcome when you visit Bradford Theatres this summer.
April
Wicked – Tuesday 16 April – Sunday 19 May. Alhambra Theatre. Signed: Thu 25 Apr 7.30pm, Captioned: Thu 2 May 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sun 12 May 2.30pm. Recommended age 7+ (under 3s not admitted).
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.
May
Rosie Holt: That’s Politainment – Wednesday 1 May 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Recommended age 16+.
Paul Smith: Pablo – Saturday 4 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Recommended age 16+.
Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers: In Time – Wednesday 8 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Talon - The Best of Eagles: To The Limit 2024 – Thursday 9 May 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley.
Northern Ballet presents The Tortoise & The Hare – Saturday 11 May 2pm & 4pm, St George’s Hall.
John Bishop: Back At It – Thursday 16 May 8pm, St George’s Hall. Recommended age 14+.
The Pitmen Poets Ride Again – Thursday 16 May 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley.
Troy Hawke: The Greeters Guild – Friday 17 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Recommended age 14+.
Steve Steinman presents Love Hurts: Love Ballads and Anthems! – Thursday 23 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Awful Auntie – Thursday 23 – Saturday 25 May, Alhambra Theatre. Signed: Thu 23 May 1.30pm.
When Stella sets off to visit London with her parents, she has no idea her life is in danger! When Stella wakes up three months later, only her Aunt Alberta can tell her what has happened. But not everything Alberta tells her turns out to be true and Stella quickly discovers she’s in for the fight of her life against her very own awful Auntie! Following their acclaimed productions of Gangsta Granny, Billionaire Boy and Demon Dentist, Birmingham Stage Company are proud to present a fabulous new production of David Walliams’ amazing adventure, featuring a small ghost, a huge owl, and a very awful Auntie!
Seann Walsh: Back from the Bed – Thursday 23 May 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley.
Crooners: Uncaged – Friday 24 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
James Bond Concert Spectacular – Saturday 25 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
2:22 A Ghost Story – Tuesday 28 May – Saturday 1 June, Alhambra Theatre.
Signed: Thu 30 May 7.30pm, Captioned: Fri 31 May 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 1 Jun 2.30pm. Recommended age 12+.
Winner of Best New Play at the WhatsOnStage Awards, this edge-of-your-seat, supernatural thriller stars Vera Chok (Hollyoaks, Cobra), Jay McGuiness (The Wanted, BIG! The Musical, Rip It Up), George Rainsford (Call the Midwife, Casualty) and Fiona Wade (Emmerdale, Silent Witness). Written by Danny Robins, creator of the hit BBC podcasts Uncanny and The Battersea Poltergeist, 2:22 A Ghost Story comes fresh from record-breaking seasons at five West End theatres with a host of acclaimed star performances. It’s a brilliantly funny and adrenaline-filled night where secrets emerge, and ghosts may or may not appear… What do you believe? Jenny believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam isn’t having any of it. They argue with their first dinner guests, old friend Lauren and new partner Ben. Belief and scepticism clash, but something feels strange and frightening, and that something is getting closer, so they’re going to stay up… until 2:22… and then they’ll know.
Milkshake! Live on Holiday – Tuesday 28 May 12noon & 3.30pm, St George’s Hall.
An Audience with Sir Ian Botham – Tuesday 28 May 8pm, King’s Hall Ilkley.
Looking for me Friend: The Music of Victoria Wood – Wednesday 29 May 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Recommended age 10+.
The Sound of Springsteen – Thursday 30 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Anuvab Pal: The Department of Britishness – Thursday 30 May 8pm, The Studio. Recommended age 15+.
The Black Dyke Band – Friday 31 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Count Arthur Strong – Friday 31 May 8pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Recommended age 14+.
June
Emmanuel Sonubi: Curriculum Vitae – Saturday 1 June 7.30pm, The Studio. Recommended age 14+.
Nurse Georgie Carroll: Sista Flo 2.0 – Saturday 1 June 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Recommended age 14+.
Bowie Live – Wednesday 5 June 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley.
Rhod Gilbert and the Giant Grapefruit – Thursday 6 June 8pm, St George’s Hall. Recommended age 16+.
The Illegal Eagles – Friday 7 June 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
To Be Frank starring Stephen Triffitt – Friday 7 June 7.30pm, Alhambra Theatre.
Join us on a journey back to the golden era of swing with Stephen Triffitt performing the classic songs of Frank Sinatra backed by the acclaimed Moonlight Serenade Orchestra UK. Considered to be one of the most authentic Sinatra tributes in the world, Stephen starred as Sinatra in Las Vegas and portrayed Ol’ Blue Eyes in the original West End production of The Rat Pack: Live from Las Vegas.
Uncanny with Danny Robbins – Saturday 8 June 7.30pm, Alhambra Theatre. Recommended age 10+.
In 2023 Danny Robins asked the questions – do ghosts exists? And if not, why do we see them? And 25,000 people came to find out the answers, in the biggest live investigation into the paranormal ever. You now have the chance to join Danny for this terrifying and thought-provoking evening, featuring chilling real-life stories of the supernatural experienced by ordinary people in ordinary places, brought thrillingly to life in a mix of projection, sound and spellbinding storytelling. Danny Robins is the creator of the hit podcasts, Uncanny, The Battersea Poltergeist and The Witch Farm, the BBC TV series Uncanny and the award-winning West End play 2:22 – A Ghost Story.
Daliso Chaponda: Feed This Black Man Again – Saturday 8 June 7.30pm, The Studio. Recommended age 14+.
Showaddywaddy – Saturday 8 June 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Bonnie and Clyde – Tuesday 11 – Saturday 15 June, Alhambra Theatre.
Signed: Thu 13 Jun 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 15 Jun 2.30pm.
Winner of Best New Musical (WhatsOnStage Awards 2023), the West End smash-hit Bonnie & Clyde is set to hold-up the Alhambra Theatre following two hell-raising seasons in London’s West End. Two small-town kids from the middle of nowhere became the biggest folk heroes in all America.
They craved adventure – and each other. Their names were Bonnie and Clyde. Fearless, shameless, and alluring, this award-winning production has garnered a mass following, much like the infamous pair themselves, and now they are set to take Bradford by storm. Discover the electrifying story of love, adventure and crime that captured the attention of an entire nation.
Fastlove: A Tribute to George Michael – Friday 14 June 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Don’t Stop Believin’ – Saturday 15 June 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
The McCartney Songbook – Sunday 16 June 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
Frankie Goes to Bollywood – Tuesday 18 – Saturday 22 June, Alhambra Theatre.
Signed: Sat 22 Jun 2.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 22 Jun 2.30pm. Recommended age 8+.
From the makers of Britain’s Got Bhangra comes the world premiere of a new British musical. Get ready to be swept away into the dazzling world of Bollywood! Rifco’s most ambitious musical yet, Frankie Goes to Bollywood is a breathtakingly colourful journey of romance, epic songs, and spectacular dance – inspired by real stories of British women caught in the spotlight of the biggest film industry in the world. Frankie never wanted to be a star, and after a chance encounter with a director, she finds herself transported to the ruthless world of Bollywood. As she climbs the sparkling staircase of stardom, Frankie must confront what she is willing to do for fame and fortune. Can she stay in the Bollywood family and still be true to herself? Amidst the heroes and villains, ornate costumes and sweeping sets, get ready for this tale of being British in Bollywood.
The Comedy Store – Saturday 22 June 8pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Recommended age 18+.
July
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – Monday 1 – Saturday 6 July, Alhambra Theatre.
Signed: Thu 4 Jul 7.30pm, Captioned: Fri 5 Jul 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 6 Jul 2.30pm.
No under 5s. Parental guidance advised. Contains strong language and sexual references.
Jamie New is sixteen and lives on a council estate in Sheffield. Jamie doesn’t quite fit in. Jamie is terrified about the future. Jamie is going to be a sensation. Supported by his brilliant loving mum and surrounded by his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness, into the spotlight. This ‘Funny, outrageous, touching’ (Daily Telegraph), musical sensation is to be experienced by all the family and not to be missed! This ‘sparkling coming-of-age musical’ (The Times) will have everybody talking about Jamie for years to come. Sixteen: the edge of possibility. Time to make your dreams come true.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – Tuesday 9 – Sunday 14 July, Alhambra Theatre.
Signed: Thu 11 Jul 7pm, Captioned: Fri 12 Jul 7pm, Audio Described: Sat 13 Jul 2pm. Recommended age 5+.
The most fantasmagorical musical of all time flies into the Alhambra Theatre for one week only!
In a brand-new production of this much-loved family favourite and starring Adam Garcia (Wicked, Kiss Me Kate, Coyote Ugly) and Liam Fox (Emmerdale), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is bursting with unforgettable songs by the Sherman Brothers including Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain, Truly Scrumptious and of course the Academy Award-nominated title song, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The Potts family’s adventures to far off lands in their magical motor car makes Chitty Chitty Bang Bang a fun-filled hit for all the family. Don’t let it take off without you!
Beyond the Barricade: 25th Anniversary Year – Thursday 11 July 7.30pm, St George’s Hall.
The Syndicate – Tuesday 16 – Saturday 20 July, Alhambra Theatre.
Signed: Fri 19 Jul 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 20 Jul 2.30pm. Recommended age 13+.
Based on her hit BBC show, The Syndicate is a new stage play by the legendary Kay Mellor. Starring Emmerdale’s Samantha Giles, Coronation Street’s Brooke Vincent and TV favourite, Gaynor Faye, who also directs, The Syndicate follows five supermarket employees whose lottery syndicate numbers come in, just as their jobs and livelihoods are under threat. Will a share of the jackpot make their dreams come true or their nightmares a reality? One thing’s for certain, it will change their lives, loves and relationships… for ever. Following on from the huge success of her other stage adaptations, Band of Gold and Fat Friends, The Syndicate marks the world premiere of Kay Mellor’s final stage play, which once again demonstrates Kay’s unparalleled ability to make us laugh, cry and above all entertain, with her wonderful characters and stories. Don’t miss your chance to see this jackpot of a production. Book your winning tickets – now!
Sarah Millican: Late Bloomer – Wednesday 17 July 8pm, St George’s Hall. Recommended age 16+.
Cillian O’Connor: My Magic World – Monday 22 July 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley.
An Adult Evening with Billy Pearce – Wednesday 24 July 7.30pm, Alhambra Theatre. Recommended age 18+.
One of Britain’s most talented and best loved comedians and performers, Billy Pearce will be at the Alhambra Theatre for one night only with his adult comedy show. He has won just about every comedy award going, including a British Comedy Award, Solo Comedian of the Year and Best Television Comedy Newcomer at the London Palladium; as well as performing in five Children’s Royal Variety Shows and three Royal Variety Shows.
Cirque: The Greatest Show – Thursday 25 & Friday 26 July 7.30pm, Alhambra Theatre. Matinée Fri 26 Jul 3pm.
Where musical theatre meet circus. Welcome to a world where the very best of musical theatre showstoppers meets jaw-dropping circus spectacular. A world that explodes into kaleidoscopic colour as everyone’s favourite West End and Broadway hits combine with breath-taking circus artistes performing thrilling feats of agility and flair. Show content varies dependent upon venue facilities and regulations. Promoter reserves the right to alter the programme.
Calling Planet Earth – Saturday 27 July 7.30pm, Alhambra Theatre.
The hottest show in the solar system! Take a trip back to a time when the music picked you out, shook you up and turned you into someone new. The indestructible playlist brings you hit after hit, including Don’t You Want Me, Gold, Look of Love, Everybody Wants to Rule the World, Tainted Love, True, Don’t Go – welcome to the hit concert show that’s taking the galaxy by storm!
Grease The Musical – Monday 29 July – Saturday 3 August, Alhambra Theatre.
Signed: Thu 1 Aug 7.30pm, Captioned: Fri 2 Aug 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 3 Aug 2.30pm. Not recommended for young children.
After a whirlwind summer romance, leather-clad greaser Danny and girl-next-door Sandy are unexpectedly reunited when she transfers to Rydell High for senior year. But can they survive the trials and tribulations of teenage life and find true love once more? With its phenomenal score, bursting with hits including Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’, Hopelessly Devoted to You and You’re the One That I Want, this thrilling new version is brought to life by a fresh young cast who bring energy, vitality, and passion to this ultimate musical classic.
August
Disney’s Aladdin – Wednesday 14 August – Sunday 1 September. Alhambra Theatre.
Signed: Thu 22 Aug 7.30pm, Captioned: Wed 28 Aug 7.30pm, Audio Described: Fri 30 Aug 7.30pm.
Recommended age: 6+ (under 3s not admitted).
One lamp, three wishes and infinite possibilities…Disney’s spectacular Broadway and West End musical Aladdin flies into the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford! Escape to a whole new world and experience this extraordinary theatrical event already seen by over 14 million people worldwide. Featuring the iconic music by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice – this exuberant production is filled with unforgettable magic, comedy, and breathtaking spectacle! This production contains theatrical smoke and fog effects as well as strobe lighting and loud sound during part of the show.
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