Leeds Playhouse has revealed a medley of productions running from Autumn/Winter 2025-26 including a striking new production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This thrilling season offers an exhilarating programme of entertainment for all ages, packed with gripping classic drama, inspiring new work, and imaginative family festive shows.
Chief Executive Shawab Iqbal said: “This Autumn/Winter 2025-26 season, our focus remains on stories told with epic intent. We’re celebrating the connections that bring us together -within our Leeds communities, across Yorkshire, and throughout the UK theatre landscape. Leeds Playhouse continues to be a home for both artists and audiences, nurturing partnerships that give people space to be seen and heard. With productions that inspire joy and togetherness, ensuring theatre is open to all, and a refreshed all-day experience in our Cafés, restaurants and bars, we hope our warm welcome encourages even more people to step inside and be part of what we’re creating this season.”
The Autumn/Winter 2025-26 season of produced work includes:
Leeds Playhouse will join forces with leading theatre companies Headlong, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Bristol Old Vic for a striking new production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Directed by Headlong’s Artistic Director Holly Race Roughan, this bold reimagining continues the Playhouse’s long-standing partnership with Headlong, following critically acclaimed productions such as Jitney, The House Party, A Raisin in the Sun, and Henry V. This new staging exemplifies the companies’ shared commitment to approaching every play – regardless of its age or familiarity – as if it were brand new. Audiences will be invited to rediscover a beloved classic through a fresh, contemporary lens that challenges expectations and breathes new life into Shakespeare’s timeless tale.
Quarry Theatre (14 – 28 February 2026)
This September, Leeds Playhouse presents the critically acclaimed theatre adaptation of Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird. Adapted for the stage by the Oscar-winning Aaron Sorkin and Directed by Tony award-winning Bartlett Sher, this riveting stage version of the seminal American novel, became a Broadway and West End sensation with star-studded sell-out runs on both sides of the Atlantic.
Quarry Theatre (8 September – 4 October)
Out of Many People CIC and Leeds Playhouse present Rooted, a vibrant series of conversations, performances and cultural moments celebrating Black heritage, creativity and storytelling. From iconic pioneers to local voices, Rooted honours the past while spotlighting the shapers of today’s Black British culture. This is Black excellence – uplifting, unapologetic and for everyone.
Quarry & Courtyard Theatres
(October – November)
For the festive season, Leeds Playhouse will stage Yorkshire writer Deborah McAndrew’s fresh and magical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic A Christmas Carol. Epic in scale, this heart-warming production, celebrating the true meaning of Christmas, is directed by Amy Leach (Animal Farm, Macbeth, Mr Snow) and will take audiences on a sumptuous, ghostly adventure. This high-energy production will feature set and costume design by Hayley Grindle (Animal Farm), crafted in Leeds Playhouse workshops by its talented production teams.
Quarry Theatre (20 November 2025 – 17 January 2026)
For the full season of productions visit: https://www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk/leeds-playhouse-reveals-full-autumn-winter-2025-26-season-including-a-striking-new-version-of-a-midsummer-nights-dream/