What Shows Are On At Leeds Playhouse This Autumn And Christmas 2025?

As summer winds down, the stage lights in Leeds are just starting to warm up for a brilliant new season. If you're looking for something to fill those autumn evenings or are already planning a festive treat, the Leeds Playhouse has an incredible line-up that's got a bit of everything. From courtroom dramas that make you think, to ghost stories that give you chills, and even a Christmas classic to get you in the spirit, there's a show with your name on it. It's an important time for theatre, with stories that can transport you somewhere else entirely. So, let's have a look at what's on offer. It's a really strong body of work for the season.

Classics and Christmas on the main stage

Sometimes you just want a big story, one you might already know and love, brought to life right in front of you. The Playhouse has two absolute giants lined up, perfect for a proper night out at the theatre. It's so important to see these stories on a stage, where they really come to life.

First up, from 8 September to 4 October, is the stage adaptation of Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird. Even if you only vaguely remember it from school, the story is unforgettable. It follows Atticus Finch, a lawyer in a small American town who teaches his kids about doing the right thing, even when it's hard. His resolve is tested when he has to "uncover the truth in a town that seems determined to hide it." It's a powerful story about justice, innocence, and standing up for what's right. This production will be a riveting display of drama before it heads off on a national tour. You should book now for this important show. It's a great opportunity to see it in Leeds.

And then, as the nights get colder, it's time for some festive magic. From 20 November 2025 to 17 January 2026, A Christmas Carol arrives to fill the Playhouse with cheer. You know the story: grumpy old Ebenezer Scrooge gets a supernatural wake-up call on Christmas Eve. It's a classic for a reason.

The Playhouse promises a version "packed with festive fun, lively music, and a sprinkle of magic." It's the perfect show for the whole family, set in Victorian Leeds, and a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit. The poster, with its stark silhouette against a snowy background, really sets the scene. You can almost feel the chill before the warmth of the story kicks in. Planning your Christmas outings? Book now for a guaranteed festive treat.

Visiting shows and powerful stories

Alongside the big headliners, the Playhouse is hosting some incredible touring productions that are only in town for a short time. These are the shows that offer something a little different, from dark family secrets to inspiring true stories. It is important to book tickets for these limited runs before they sell out.

From 10 to 13 September, there's Consumed, a play about four generations of Northern Irish women. The description is brilliantly spooky: they "reunite in a house full of hungry ghosts." It sounds like it digs into that stuff that families don't talk about - the secrets and traumas that get passed down. It's described as a "pitch-black and twisted tale," so if you like your drama with a dark edge, this one's for you. You can almost feel the tension, and the flyer, with its simple font and layout, doesn't need to shout.

Then on 4 October for one night only, there is Ay Kash If Only. This is a really special and important piece of theatre. It features "eleven young women share their experiences since the Taliban took power in 2021." They use personal stories and tales from their mothers and grandmothers to talk about their hopes for the future. It's a chance to hear directly from people whose lives have been turned upside down, a show that promises to be both heart-breaking and hopeful. It's a performance that doesn't hide anything, putting their stories on full display.

Festivals to fire up your brain

October is festival month at the Leeds Playhouse, with two big events that bring together ideas, performance, and conversation. These aren't your typical theatre shows; they're more like an experience.

The Leeds International Festival of Ideas (LIFI) returns from 14 to 18 October. Think of it as a huge, live conversation about everything that matters. The festival brings together "over 40 influential voices" to talk about culture, politics, and more. The promotional material, often featuring a pink background with white text that reads 'LIFI', has a vibrant, modern feel. It's a great opportunity to hear new perspectives and get your brain whirring. You should book now to be part of the discussion.

Following that, from 21 to 25 October, is Transform 25. This international performance festival invites everyone to "collectively gather and look to a different kind of future." It's not just one show; over five days, you can see all sorts of performances, from theatre and dance to more intimate, one-on-one experiences. The imagery is often dreamlike, with a pink and purple background and bold white text. This festival is all about pushing boundaries and seeing what art can do. It's an important event in the Leeds cultural calendar.

Here's a quick summary of what's on at the Playhouse:

Show	Dates	Description
To Kill A Mockingbird	8 Sep - 4 Oct 2025	Classic American novel about justice and innocence.
A Christmas Carol	20 Nov 2025 - 17 Jan 2026	Festive family classic full of music and magic.
Consumed	10 - 13 Sep 2025	Dark tale of a Northern Irish family's secrets.
Ay Kash / If Only	4 Oct 2025	Powerful stories from young Afghan women.

Latest news and other must-see events

The Playhouse is also a hub for other amazing cultural events in the city. The **Leeds West Indian Carnival** is celebrating its 58th year, and the Carnival Royalty Show is a key part of the festivities. The theme is Protecting Our Heritage, honouring the people who started this incredible tradition. It's a vibrant, proud symbol of Caribbean culture in the city, and a show you won't want to miss. You should book your tickets to see the incredible costumes on display.

And for sci-fi fans, the acclaimed theatre company **imitating the dog** is bringing its unique version of War of the Worlds back to the Playhouse. They use all sorts of cool tricks-miniature models, live cameras, projections-to tell H.G. Wells's classic alien invasion story in a new and exciting way. It's a thrilling show that mixes live performance with film, making the stage feel as big as a movie screen with none of the usual margin for error. Book now for this amazing theatrical experience.

And elsewhere in the region

If you're looking to venture just a little bit further, from 22 August to 6 September, Slung Low is presenting Reception: A New Musical at The Warehouse in Holbeck. With songs by the legendary Leeds band The Wedding Present, it's a story of love and friendship told through life's big events: a graduation, a funeral, and a wedding. For anyone who loves a good story and great music, this is definitely one to check out.