Red Ladder Local’s Summer Season Brings Comedy, Pathos And A Mythical Tale

A myth reimagined, a surrealist comedy show, and a dash of family-friendly slapstick featuring a couple of absurd gladiators – Red Ladder has something for everyone this summer.

The award-winning Wright & Grainger head to Leeds next month with SELENE, a compelling story about a goddess and the dark side of the moon. This stage show, created with and performed by Megan Drury, comes to St Bartholomew’s Church, in Armley (June 21).

Following his success at the Edinburgh Fringe last year, award-winning theatre maker Scott Turnbull brings his acclaimed comedy show, Surreally Good (age rating 16+), to the Cluntergate Centre, in Horbury (June 27).

Written and performed by Turnbull, this stage show, described as “crafty, unexpectedly moving tomfoolery” (the List), blends lo-fi overhead projector animations with heartfelt storytelling, music, and character comedy.

Also heading to Yorkshire is Colosseum of Chaos (age rating 5+), a hilariously interactive, family-friendly theatre show coming to the Cluntergate Centre, Horbury (July 12), BHF Priory Centre, Barnsley (July 22), Queen’s Mill, Castleford (July 24), St Bartholomew’s Church, Armley (July 25) and The Gate at Belle Isle TMO (July 30).

Created by Hull-based performers and long-time collaborators Andy Ross and Jack Fielding, the show features two ridiculous gladiators who worship an onstage Amazon Alexa. Colosseum of Chaos plunges audiences into a gladiatorial game of silly challenges, slapstick battles and spontaneous fun.

Alice Barber, Red Ladder Theatre Company’s programmer, said: “The whole idea behind Red Ladder Local is taking theatre, whether it’s a comedy, a children’s show, or something a bit more hard-hitting, to people in the communities where they live – the aim is there’s something for everyone.

“It’s also a great way of encouraging people to come and see a live production. In some cases, performances are 'pay what you decide', which can make the difference between somebody going to see a piece of theatre and not.”

Red Ladder Local is part of Leeds-based Red Ladder Theatre Company and has been bringing shows to non-traditional theatrical venues, such as pubs, community centres and church halls, across Yorkshire since 2015.

Red Ladder Local is grateful to its partners: The Cluntergate Centre, Horbury; Belle Isle TMO, Leeds; Hawksworth Older People’s Support Service, Leeds; St John’s Parish Hall Staincross, Barnsley; BHF Priory Centre, Barnsley; St Bartholomew’s Church, Armley; and Queen’s Mill, Castleford, for their support.

For more information and to book tickets visit Red Ladder Theatre Company