Two much-loved Leeds theatre companies are joining forces this Christmas to take not one, but two festive shows on tour across the UK.
Red Ladder Theatre Company and Wrongsemble have announced an exciting new partnership that will see them share a cast and tour as a double bill later this year. Red Ladder’s new adult comedy, A Proper Merry Christmess, will play alongside Wrongsemble’s family-friendly adventure, A Town Called Christmas, bringing plenty of seasonal laughter and warmth to audiences up and down the country this November and December.
Both companies are known for championing local talent and telling stories that connect with communities. By pooling resources and sharing performers, the collaboration shows that regional theatre is alive and thriving, even in challenging times for touring companies.
Cheryl Martin, artistic director at Red Ladder, said:
“I’m delighted that Red Ladder and Wrongsemble are teaming up and showing that regional touring theatre is very much alive and kicking. Both companies are passionate about supporting local actors and writers and bringing entertaining stories and quality shows to local audiences, which is why this partnership is a no-brainer. It not only shows what can be achieved when arts organisations work together, it’s also a chance to showcase the wealth of creative talent we have here in the North. This is the first full production I’ve commissioned since becoming Red Ladder’s artistic director last year, which makes it even more exciting.”
Elvi Piper, artistic director of Wrongsemble, added:
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be joining forces with Red Ladder – two bold Leeds organisations sharing not one, but two magical festive shows on tour in this innovative model. It’s an exciting moment – both productions proudly champion northern artists and voices, and together we’re proving that touring isn’t in crisis, it’s evolving. We’re finding imaginative, joyful new ways to connect with audiences right across the region – and we can’t wait!”
A Proper Merry Christmess was developed through workshops with communities in Leeds, including at local venue BITMO and charity St George’s Crypt. Written by Leeds-based Leon Fleming and Seeta Wrightson and directed by Cheryl Martin, it’s a riotous Christmas Eve comedy for adults, set in a garden centre where festive bonuses are at stake and chaos is guaranteed.
A Town Called Christmas, meanwhile, is Wrongsemble’s enchanting show for young audiences and their grown-ups, written and directed by Elvi Piper with music by Bay Bryan and Claire O’Connor. It tells the story of Clementine, who sets out to restore the magic of a once-happy gingerbread village with the help of a grumpy caretaker and a glitchy robot.
Seeta Wrightson, who co-wrote A Proper Merry Christmess, said:
“Writing for the stage has been a real step change from stand-up, and it’s been a great experience. Working with Leon has been a brilliant way to really get stuck into theatre writing as well. I can’t wait to see our story being brought to life.”
Leon Fleming added:
“I’ve wanted to work with Red Ladder for a long time, and it’s great that I get to do that on a show I know people are going to love. It’s full of mayhem and laughter, and everything we need to balance out the usual Christmas sentimentality.”
Full tour dates for both shows will be announced later this summer.
A Town Called Christmas is recommended for adventurers aged 3 and over (and their grown-ups). A Proper Merry Christmess is suitable for ages 16 and over.
For more information, visit Red Ladder Theatre Company and Wrongsemble online.
