What Are The Best Red Ladder Local Theatre Shows In Yorkshire This Autumn?

As the nights start drawing in and the leaves begin to turn, it's easy to want to just curl up on the sofa. But what if there was something genuinely exciting happening just around the corner? The Leeds-based **Red Ladder Theatre Company has an answer with its incredible line-up of autumn shows. Its special project, Red Ladder Local, is all about taking amazing theatre on the road, not to massive, fancy venues, but to local community centres, pubs, and church halls. It's proper grassroots theatre right on the doorstep. This season in Yorkshire, there's a brilliant mix of comedy, drama, and family fun, with shows popping up in Leeds, Castleford, Horbury, and Barnsley. And the best bit? Getting tickets won’t break the bank.

A teenage story with a difference: Kailey

First up is a play that sounds both funny and full of heart. It’s called Kailey, a comedy drama about an 18-year-old trying to figure life out while her mum is in prison. That’s a pretty tough situation for anyone, and this play dives right into it. It was written by Kerry Wright, a playwright and producer from Bradford, who was inspired by some of her own experiences. This isn't just a made-up story; it has real emotion behind it, aiming to put a spotlight on young people who often get overlooked. It's one of those shows that makes an audience think as well as laugh. This particular piece of theatre promises to be a powerful start to the autumn season. The tour for Kailey includes:

• St. Bartholomew's Church, Armley, Leeds - September 17, 7pm
• The Gate at Belle Isle TMO, Belle Isle, Leeds - September 18, 7pm
• The Cluntergate Centre, Horbury - September 20, 7pm

Get ready for pickled gherkins and rap in Castleford

Next on the list is a show that sounds completely bonkers, in the best way possible. It’s called Monument, and it's a one-woman comedy drag show. Yes, you read that right. Performer and writer Margot Przymierska takes to the stage in a story set on mysterious construction sites. What does that even mean? It sounds like an adventure. The show promises audience participation, so don't expect to just sit quietly in the dark. It also features rap and, strangely enough, pickled gherkins. This unique comedy is heading to Castleford and looks at the real meaning and cost of hard work. It's quirky, it's different, and it sounds like an unforgettable night of theatre. You can catch Monument at:

• Queen's Mill, Castleford - October 16, 7pm

Forging new myths for all the family

If you're after something the whole family can enjoy, then Story Forge is the one to book tickets for. This show comes from the brilliant minds behind Rubbish Shakespeare Company and Silly History Boys, who are genuine champs when it comes to making theatre for kids that adults love too. The idea behind Story Forge is pure creative chaos. The performers will attempt to forge three brand-new myths right there on stage, live. It's a quest filled with clowning, improvisation (or improv, where they make things up on the spot), music, and loads of epic cardboard props. It sounds like a blast for anyone with a big imagination. This is one of the autumn shows that’s perfect for a family outing, happening in Armley. The Red Ladder Local team have really found a gem with this one. Join the quest at Story Forge:

• St. Bartholomew's Church, Armley, Leeds - October 18, 7pm

Meet the Yorkshire witch in a dark new comedy

Rounding off the Red Ladder Local autumn season is a dark comedy called Mutton. This new play comes from a group called Brave Words. It explores the fascinating life of Mary Bateman, who was famously known as the Yorkshire Witch. She was a real person, and her story is full of scams, tricks, and some pretty dark deeds. But this isn't just a history lesson. The play looks at her story and asks what it can tell us about the world we live in today. It's a comedy, but a dark one, so expect some sharp wit and maybe a few spooky moments. This is a great chance to see a new show that brings a slice of local Yorkshire history to life. The play will visit both Leeds and Barnsley. Find out more about the Yorkshire Witch in Mutton:

• Hawksworth Village Hall, Leeds - November 19, 2pm
• St. John’s Parish Hall, Staincross, Barnsley - November 28, 7pm

Why is local theatre a big deal?

So, what’s the whole point of Red Ladder Local? Alice Barber, the creative producer and programmer for the Red Ladder Theatre Company, explains it perfectly

“What’s great about Red Ladder Local shows is we’re taking theatre, whether it’s a musical, a comedy, a children’s show, or something a bit more hard-hitting, to people in the communities where they live. There’s a real mix of shows and we hope there is something for everyone.”

Think about it. Instead of having to travel into a big city centre, these brilliant shows are coming to local spaces like church halls and community centres. The whole project has been running since 2015, bringing fantastic new writing and performances to every corner of Yorkshire. It’s about making theatre easy and accessible.

Alice Barber added:

“This is a great way of encouraging people to come and see new writing and new shows. 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 is amazing. For less than the cost of a cinema ticket, people can see a live play, a unique comedy drag show, or a family adventure like Story Forge.