Red Ladder Local Theatre - spring shows for Affordable Family Entertainment in Leeds

Thinking of ways to keep the family entertained now that spring has finally sprung can be a bit of a puzzle. It’s brilliant when something comes along that’s fun, doesn’t cost a fortune, and is happening just around the corner. Well, for families in Leeds, something pretty special is happening this April. The fantastic Red Ladder Theatre Company is bringing two brilliant children's shows to local neighbourhoods, proving that you don’t need a grand city-centre venue to experience the magic of a live performance.

Image source: The Story Forge image (credit Andrew AB Photography)

What’s Red Ladder Local all about?

So, what’s the deal with this whole pop-up theatre thing? It’s all part of an initiative called Red Ladder Local. The idea is simple but genius: take amazing theatre directly to communities. Instead of families having to travel into the city, Red Ladder brings its own productions and other artists’ shows to non-traditional venues. Think local pubs, community centres, and even church halls. It makes everything so much more accessible. It’s less fuss, easier to get to, and creates a really relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for someone’s first experience of theatre. The Leeds-based Red Ladder team wants to make sure that a trip to see a show is convenient and, crucially, affordable for local audiences who might not often get the chance to go. This whole project is about sharing the joy of a live performance with as many people as possible.

Get ready to forge some stories in Belle Isle

First up is a show that sounds like a whirlwind of creative energy. The much-loved Rubbish Shakespeare Company and Silly History Boys are bringing The Story Forge to the Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation (BITMO) on April 16th. This isn’t your average sit-still-and-watch kind of show. It’s a theatrical adventure for everyone, where the whole point is to create three brand-new myths completely live on stage. The audience will be guided by two wonderfully loopy professors on a quest for stories. What kind of stories? Well, that’s up to the people in the room. Will the action take place in the deserts of Ancient Egypt, amongst Viking fjords, or deep under the sea? The audience decides, making every single performance unique. This award-winning team is known for creating high-energy family fun, so expect an hour packed with brilliant clowning, quick-witted improv, music, and some truly epic cardboard props. The age guidance for The Story Forge is from 6 to 106, so it’s genuinely something the whole family can get stuck into. It's one of those children's shows designed for pure enjoyment.

Shakespeare, but make it silly in Armley

Just two days later, on April 18th, the Rubbish Shakespeare Company is popping up again, this time in Armley. They are bringing their hilarious take on a classic with Rubbish Romeo and Juliet to St Bartholomew’s Church. Now, the word ‘Shakespeare’ can sometimes make people think of complicated language and serious drama, but this show throws all that out of the window. This is Shakespeare like you’ve never seen it before. The performance is full of slapstick comedy, mischievous storytelling, and a whole lot of clowning. It’s designed to be a joyous and totally unserious introduction to the world’s most famous love story. It’s the perfect way to introduce younger kids to Shakespeare, or even to the theatre itself, in a way that’s all about laughter and fun. The age guidance for this one is for children aged 5 and over, making it an ideal choice for families with primary school-aged kids looking for a brilliant live performance experience this spring.

Keeping theatre affordable and fun for families

The driving force behind bringing these children's shows to local Leeds communities is making theatre accessible for everyone. Alice Barber, who is the creative producer and programmer for Red Ladder Theatre Company, explained why this is so important.

Image source: Rubbish Shakespeare_ Romeo and Juliet (Credit Andrew AB Photography)

She said:

“With spring finally here, we know that parents and families are on the lookout for fun and affordable ways of keeping their children entertained and these two brilliant shows do just that. This is a great way of encouraging more families to come and experience the joy of a live performance. Tickets are never more than £5 which lowers the average cost, and that can be the difference between somebody going to see a piece of theatre and not.”

That price point makes a massive difference. It means taking the whole family out for an afternoon of family fun won’t break the bank. It’s all about removing the barriers and sharing the brilliant experience of watching a story unfold live on stage, right in the heart of local areas like Armley and Belle Isle. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see top-quality, imaginative theatre without any of the hassle. A bit of clowning and some amazing cardboard props might be just the ticket this spring.