Packed new season at Leeds Playhouse

Highlights of the packed new 2026 spring and summer season at Leeds Playhouse include three home-grown shows - Small Island, Planet Omar and Brassed Off - alongside an impressive array of visiting shows, from James Graham’s West End hit Punch to Ballet Black’s 25th anniversary celebration.

Returning favourites I, Daniel Blake and The Beekeeper of Aleppo join a mix of new voices and familiar collaborators.

Audiences will journey from the shores of Jamaica to the cold, grey streets of 1940s London in Small Island (March 11-28) an intimate new portrayal of Andrea Levy’s multi-award-winning novel, adapted for the stage by Helen Edmundson. Directed by Olivier award-winner Matthew Xia, it's a deeply personal take on Levy’s epic story of love, hope and belonging. The show is a Leeds Playhouse, Birmingham Rep and Nottingham Playhouse production, in association with Actors Touring Company.

In association with Unicorn Theatre and Birmingham Rep, the Playhouse will stage the world premiere of Planet Omar (April 7-25), a new stage adaptation of Zanib Mian’s much-loved children’s book series. Adapted by award-winning Bradford playwright Asif Khan, this invites audiences into the wonderfully chaotic world of eight-year-old Omar, where everyday life is full of big questions, bigger adventures, and boundless imagination.

Following sold-out runs at the Nottingham Playhouse and Young Vic, and simultaneous openings on Broadway and in the West End, Punch (April 7-11) is at the Playhouse for one week only. From Olivier award-winning writer James Graham (Dear England, This House, Sherwood), Punch brings to the stage Jacob Dunne’s extraordinary true story of one punch that changed lives in an acclaimed production directed by Adam Penford.

Marking the 30th anniversary of the 1996 film, Brassed Off (June 18-July11) returns in a new production directed by award-winning Amy Leach. Paul Allen's adaptation of Mark Herman's film script tells the story of the Yorkshire mining community of Grimley as it faces colliery closure and fights to keep its brass band - and local spirits - alive. The production will, as usual, include live music from local brass bands.

In association with Leeds Playhouse, Northern Stage presents I, Daniel Blake (April 28-May 9), the stage adaptation of Ken Loach’s 2016 award-winning film. Adapted by stand-up comedian, actor and writer Dave Johns - who starred in the original film - the production explores the harsh realities of poverty and bureaucracy through the story of Dan and Katie, two strangers brought together by circumstance.

The Beekeeper of Aleppo (April 28-May 2), returns following previous acclaim. This is the stage adaptation by Nesrin Alrefaai and Matthew Spangler (The Kite Runner) of the best-selling novel by Christy Lefteri.

Ballet Black (May 8) makes its debut at Leeds Playhouse with a 25th anniversary double bill, featuring Ingoma (2019), Mthuthuzeli November’s Olivier and Black British Theatre award-winning debut, which was inspired by the 1946 South African miners’ strike. This is joined by a new creation from Hope Boykin, a two-time Bessie award-winner, making her UK choreographic debut.

Disability-led visual arts organisation Dash Arts' new offering, Our Public House (May 15-23) opens in Leeds prior to a UK tour.

Set in a local pub during a storm, tensions rise and truths spill out as landlady Sanjana, regular Scott, and a cast of unexpected guests, confront love, secrets, and change. Featuring live music and the words of oridnary people, this immersive production explores community, democracy and the power of speaking your mind. All performances are captioned, with one BSL-interpreted show per venue.

These select few shows are among almost 40 plays, shows and individual performances and entertainments included in the new season.

The theatre's award-winning Connect team continues to engage with up to 20,000 people a year, including Buzz, a programme for people with learning disabilities; a weekly range of Theatre of Sanctuary activities for refugees and people seeking asylum; a Creative Ageing programme including weekly Heydays activities and regular arts sessions for people living with dementia; as well as a comprehensive youth programme for people aged 8-21 and programmes with schools across the region.

Chief Executive Shawab Iqbal said: “Our new season is a bold statement of the stories we believe in. Our home-grown productions sit alongside exceptional visiting work.”

More info and tickets here