There’s a range of fantastic shows at Leeds Heritage Theatres this month.
Leeds Grand Theatre is bringing the drama with the spooky stage phenomenon 2:22: A Ghost Story and the acclaimed stage production of The Shawshank Redemption.
And musicals fans can find their new favourite smash-hit with Here & Now: The Steps Musical and The Karate Kid: The Musical.
As well as its usual line-up of hilarious comedy, diverse music and everything in between, City Varieties plays host to a range of events for Leeds Jazz Festival, including Ancient Infinity Orchestra, Jo Harrop Quartet and Hannah Horton Quartet, Jazz Sabbath, and Lence presents… Blur the Lines.
A SELECTION OF SHOWS AT LEEDS GRAND THEATRE IN MAY 2026:
Here & Now: The Steps Musical: Tue 5 – Sun 10 May
Get your party on with Here & Now, the hilarious, brand-new musical based on the songs of multi-million-selling pop phenomenon, Steps. Hailed as the ‘biggest jukebox hit since MAMMA MIA!‘ (Sun), don’t miss this feel-good celebration of love and friendship.
2:22: A Ghost Story: Mon 11 – Sat 16 May
The Shawshank Redemption: Tue 19 – Sat 23 May
The acclaimed stage production of the hit movie returns, starring Joe McFadden, Ben Onwukwe and Bill Ward. Based on Stephen King’s 1982 novella, this thrilling stage production examines friendship and hope behind the claustrophobic bars of a maximum-security facility.
The Karate Kid: The Musical: Tue 26 – Sat 30 May
The Karate Kid: The Musical brings the legendary 1984 film to life on stage.
Don’t miss the unforgettable theatrical experience of the season as this heartfelt coming-of-age story takes flight with spectacular musical numbers and dazzlingly inventive choreography.
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox: The Future is Vintage: Sun 31 May
The acclaimed troupe of singers, dancers and instrumentalists will be performing a brand-new show in the group’s signature time-twisting style – putting a retro spin on everything from 70s rock classics and 80s Britpop hits, to current chart toppers, movie and video game soundtracks.
A SELECTION OF SHOWS AT CITY VARIETIES IN MAY 2026:
P.P. Arnold: Thu 7 May
Since she became London’s ‘First Lady of Soul’ back in the 60s, P.P. Arnold is a real Soul Survivor, still going strong! This year, she is touring with a pianist, performing her classics and telling the tales of her incredible life through story and song.
Country Hits Live: Sun 10 May
Fronted by UK country singer Jade Helliwell, and, direct from Nashville, Lars Pluto, prepare to be taken back through the history of country music featuring songs from Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Shania Twain and Garth Brooks right through to Taylor Swift and Luke Combs.
William Blake Remixed: Testament and Matthew Bourne: Thu 14 May
Experience the visionary world of William Blake like never before, in this electrifying live performance from two remarkable musicians: acclaimed rapper, poet and world record-holding beatboxer Testament, and celebrated composer and award-winning pianist Matthew Bourne.
Dr Louise Newson: Breaking the Cycle: The Power of Hormones: Tue 19 May
Following on from her hugely successful 2024 theatre tour, renowned physician and women’s hormone specialist Dr Louise Newson is back with Breaking the Cycle: The Power of Hormones, an unmissable new show challenging everything you’ve been told about hormones.
Ancient Infinity Orchestra: Sat 23 May
The joyous large ensemble has communal music-making at the heart of everything they do. And that includes the melodies that flow out of their new album It’s Always About Love which blossom with uplifting improvised contributions that circle around bandleader Ozzy Moysey’s beautiful songs; generous sonic gifts of healing and repair.
Jo Harrop Quartet and Hannah Horton Quartet: Sun 24 May
Two female leading lights of the UK jazz scene perform as a special double bill as part of the Leeds Jazz Festival.
Jazz Sabbath: Mon 25 May
Jazz Sabbath is a jazz trio from Great Britain that plays new jazz arrangements of Black Sabbath songs, exploringthe boundaries between jazz and the songs that defined heavy metal.
The Real Thing: 50th Anniversary Tour: Sun 31 May
Formed in 1972, The Real Thing is Britain’s longest-established – and best-loved – black group in UK entertainment history. The Real Thing remain pioneers in soul, funk and dance music, undoubtedly still a force to be reckoned with.
To see what’s on and book tickets, visit leedsheritagetheatres.com.
Main image: The Real Thing.
