Treadlight Theatre presents a bold take on BEOWULF.
A wry and lively dissection of heroes, storytelling and mythmaking comes to Slung Low’s Warehouse space in Holbeck.
Treadlight Theatre presents a bold new interpretation of Beowulf, opening at Slung Low’s Warehouse stage on Wednesday, September 10th. This homecoming show in Leeds follows its successful premiere at Denso Marston’s Nature Reserve in July.
Written and developed by local playwright Spike Marshall, BEOWULF is not a direct staging of the epic. Instead, it offers a “battle of ideas” through the perspectives of four storytellers in 800 AD. Each has a distinct viewpoint on the tale: the studious Sage seeks an accurate retelling infused with Christian morality, the lofty Ardent glorifies his Viking heritage, the fiery Pup aims to critique the notion of “Great Men,” and the Ghoul revels in the gruesome details.
Over an hour, these four recount Beowulf’s exploits; from battling Grendel to defeating witches and confronting dragons. However, they can’t resist interjecting with arguments about divinity, badgers and the appropriate rewards for overcoming mythical beasts.
PERFORMANCE DETAILS
– Date: Wednesday 10 September 2025
– Venue: The Warehouse In Holbeck, Crosby Street, Leeds, LS11 9RQ
– Times: Doors at 7:30pm
– Tickets: Pay What You Can (Suggested Donation of £7)
– Age Guidance: Suitable for all audiences (content guide for parents available upon request)
BOOKING INFORMATION
ABOUT THE PLAY
Performed by local actors Sophie Clement, Chelsea Issott, Connor Houlton and Louise Redfearn, this ensemble piece is a true crowd-pleasing production reinterpreting the classic tale, using it as a commentary on online fandoms and culture wars.
More than just entertainment, BEOWULF explores the fundamental nature of stories and their power to shape thought. Each of the four narrators holds a stake in the story, yet each is driven by their own agenda. The play aims to engage audiences, leaving them to question the underlying reasons why they value stories.
AUDIENCE QUOTES FROM PREMIERE
People witnessed something really unique and special tonight.
Thought-provoking and truly magical
Amazing. The actors were wonderful
ABOUT TREADLIGHT THEATRE
Treadlight Theatre, founded last year by Camilla Asher, is a production company dedicated to staging new and emerging plays in Leeds, starting with “FORTIFIED SPIRITS.” which premiered at HEART in April 2024
Website – https://linktr.ee/treadlighttheatre
Photography by Mark Hillyer at True North Studios.
