10 Must-See Shows in Yorkshire in 2023
The best events to see in the New Year
THE FOUR SEASONS OF HARLOW CARR
3RD–31ST JANUARY
RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Harrogate
rhs.org.uk
Be inspired. This is a great opportunity to see all four seasonal embroideries of RHS Garden Harlow Carr, created by the Richmond & Leyburn Creative Stitchers. The scenes show tulips and muscari in spring, perennial planting in the main borders at high summer, the red, orange and gold of the acers in autumn and the vibrant red cornus stems set against striking silver birch trees in the winter walk.
GISELLE
27TH JANUARY
Darlington Hippodrome
darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk
The moving story of Giselle and her aristocratic but duplicitous lover Albrecht will be set to a sensational score and performed beautifully by Varna International Ballet. From the villagers happily gathering the harvest at the start of the story to the eerie moonlit forest haunted by drifting spirits, this ballet production is stunning from start to finish.
TOSCA, THE CUNNING LITTLE VIXEN & ARIADNE AUF NAXOS
29TH JANUARY–1ST APRIL
Leeds Grand Theatre and touring
operanorth.co.uk
You won’t want to miss Opera North’s new season which brings three operas with memorable characters, compelling drama and incredible music to theatres across the North of England. The season opens in Leeds with Tosca, Puccini’s devastating take on passion and the abuse of power, before Janáček’s The Cunning Little Vixen offers a more playful exploration of love and loss. Completing the trio is Ariadne auf Naxos, Strauss’ mischievous look at what happens when tragedy and comedy collide on and off stage, with a new production set in a bustling 1950s film studio. With special ticket prices for anyone new to opera, this is the perfect chance to give it a try.
STARGAZING SUPPERS
10TH, 11TH, 17TH & 18TH FEBRUARY
High Force Waterfall
raby.co.uk
Discover the night sky with an exciting stargazing experience at High Force. Your evening begins with a three-course meal at the High Force Hotel before you walk down to the waterfall for photo opportunities. Gaze up at the stars using the astronomy binoculars and admire the web of constellations in the sky.
WEDDING SHOWCASE
26TH FEBRUARY
The Hepworth Wakefield
hepworthwakefield.org/weddings
Whether you’re planning a civil ceremony, civil partnership, vow renewal or a reception, The Hepworth Wakefield’s galleries, garden and function spaces are perfect for your special day. Visit their Wedding Showcase on 26th February (10am–5pm) to find out more.
JOHANNES RADEBE: FREEDOM UNLEASHED
19TH APRIL
Grand Opera House York
atgtickets.com
Strictly sensation and international champion Johannes Radebe is hosting a party like no other in York this spring. In Freedom Unleashed he’ll be joined by a diverse, world-class cast of talented dancers and singers in this fusion of South African rhythms and huge party anthems, with a touch of ballroom magic thrown in of course.
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE* (*SORT OF)
24TH–29TH APRIL
Leeds Grand Theatre
leedsheritagetheatres.com
Direct from its triumph in the West End (where this show won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy) Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is a unique retelling of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story. The show features a string of pop classics including Young Hearts Run Free, Will You Love Me Tomorrow and You’re So Vain. It’s set in the 1800s, it’s all about ruthless matchmaking, and it promises to be utterly hilarious.
RAPUNZEL: BALLETLORENT
18TH MAY
Darlington Hippodrome
darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk
BalletLORENT is one of the best storytelling dance companies in Europe. For their 30th anniversary tour, they’re presenting one of our best loved fairytale productions, Rapunzel. It’s a fast paced and dynamic performance that captivates family audiences, told from the imagination of Rapunzel’s parents whose baby girl was taken by the witch.
Read our review here.
ANNIE
10TH–15TH JULY
The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
bradford-theatres.co.uk
The smash-hit West End production of Annie is coming to Bradford for one week only in March and it’ll star Craig Revel Horwood as Miss Hannigan. With its Tony-award winning book and score, including the unforgettable songs It’s The Hard-Knock Life and Tomorrow, we know you’ll love this all-singing, all-dancing show.
SIX
1ST–6TH AUGUST
Leeds Grand Theatre
leedsheritagetheatres.com
The six wives of Henry VIII are taking to the mic to tell their tales in the modern masterpiece, Six. Impressively, 500 years of history is compacted into this 80-minute show filled to the brim with girl power (and it has a truly unforgettable soundtrack). This show is already an international smash-hit, so get your hands on the last few remaining tickets now.
