April at Leeds Heritage Theatres

This month sees the launch of Explore, a playful, curiosity-sparking programme of films, performances and hands-on fun for young people aged 5-12 and their families from Fri 3 – Sun 19 April.

With an exciting cast of partners – including Aardman, BoomChikkaBoom, Leeds Young Film Festival, Opera North, Playful Anywhere, Sonia Sabri Company, Testament, and Yorkshire Ghost Tours – Explore brings a playful blend of indoor and outdoor activities across our three venues, with the fun expanding to the Howard Assembly Room and Lower Briggate too.

Outside of our brand-new family festival, we have a range of spectacular shows at Leeds Grand Theatre with smash-hit musicals such as Frankie Goes to Bollywood, beloved plays such as the RSC’s The Constant Wife, and a variety of one-night-only appearances from the likes of local legend Kevin Sinfield.

Plus, the entertainment keeps on going over at City Varieties with all your favourite comedy, music and much more!

EXPLORE HIGHLIGHTS IN APRIL 2026:

Learn to Beatbox: Mon 6 April: City Varieties

Learn to beatbox with world-record-holding beatboxer Testament! This fun and interactive workshop gives everyone a way into the art of beatboxing and helps uncover the power of your voice.  

Shrek: The Musical: Tue 7 – Sat 11 April: Leeds Grand Theatre

Following their rave-reviewed production of Les Misérables: Let The People Sing in 2025,LAOS Musical Theatre Company returns to Leeds Grand Theatre with the smash-hit family favourite Shrek: The Musical!

Out of the Box: Tue 7 April: City Varieties

Out of the Box is a family-friendly circus comedy show, which sees an unlikely character and his box bring audiences together through joyful awe, never knowing what to expect next.

Playbox on Briggate: Wed 8 – Wed 15 April: Outdoors on Briggate

Playful Anywhere‘s cute-as-a-button Pink Playboxes will be back in the middle of Briggate near Flannels, where they will invite all ages to come play, create and explore the city, all for free. 

Cinema Then and Now: Tue 14 April: Hyde Park Picture House

An intergenerational talk, designed for all ages. Join us to learn about the history of film and the heritage of the ‘cosiest’ cinema in Leeds, alongside a very special screening from our friends at the Yorkshire and Northeast Film Archive.

A SELECTION OF SHOWS AT LEEDS GRAND THEATRE IN APRIL 2026:

The Constant Wife: Tue 14 – Sat 18 April

Directed by Co-Artistic Director of the RSC Tamara Harvey, Laura Wade’s sparkling new version of Somerset Maugham’s glittering comedy stars Kara Tointon (TV’s Mr Selfridge and Winner of Strictly Come Dancing) and features original music composed by multi-award-winning jazz artist Jamie Cullum.

K-Pop All Stars: Mon 20 April

From stadium-shaking anthems to breath-taking choreography, K-Pop All Stars celebrates the global phenomenon redefining pop culture. With explosive performances of today’s biggest K-pop hits from Blackpink, NewJeans, Katseye, and BTS, and spectacular numbers inspired by the smash-hit film KPop Demon Hunters.

Frankie Goes to Bollywood: Fri 24 – Sat 25 April

Ordinary suburban Frankie never dreamed of stardom until a chance encounter sweeps her from gritty, grey Huddersfield to the glittering fever-dream world of Bollywood. Featuring explosive choreography, lavish costumes and pulsing songs, this feel-good musical bursts with ambition and heart.

Judi Love: All About The Love: Sun 26 April

Judi Loveis back with a brand-new show packed with home truths about the hustle of juggling parenting, work and everyday life.

Leeds Legends: Tue 28 April

Get ready for an unforgettable evening with the heroes of Elland Road. Dominic Matteo, Ian Harte, Michael Bridges, Nigel Martyn, and the iconic Eddie Gray take to the stage alongside your host for the night, former Whites midfielder Andy Couzens.

Josh Widdicombe: Not My Cup of Tea: Wed 29 April

Josh Widdicombeis back on tour… not again! By now, he has almost certainly mastered the art of stand-up, either that or he has wasted the last 15 years of his life. Come along and decide for yourself.

A SELECTION OF SHOWS AT CITY VARIETIES IN APRIL 2026:

Janine Harouni: This Is What You Waited For: Thu 2 April

Fresh off a world tour, the New York native returns with a razor-sharp new show about marriage, parenting, and all the other wonderful milestones that slowly degrade your sleep and sanity.

Hejira: Celebrating Joni Mitchell: Sun 5 April

Hejirais an outstanding seven-piece band set up to celebrate and honour the masterpiece works of Joni Mitchell, mostly from the late ‘70s.

Huey Morgan: The Fun Lovin’ Criminal: Tue 14 April

You may have encountered the dynamic personality of Huey Morgan in many ways. Frontman, radio and television broadcaster, author and DJ, Huey is many things at once. And now he’s heading out on a solo tour – mixing music and chat.

Jessica Fostekew: Iconic Breath: Thu 16 April

The silliest of comedy for the scariest of days, don’t miss Jessica Fostekew‘s most rousing and uplifting show yet, Iconic Breath.

Rule Brit-Ha-Nnia: Fri 24 April

Rule Brit-Ha-Nnia is an unforgettable evening of sensational variety and hilarious comedy starring Darren Day, Britain’s Got Talent, Ben Nickless (Comedian & Impressionist), Jamie Leahy & Chuck (Comedy Ventriloquist) and Siobhan Phillips (Comedienne & Pianist), plus your host and compère, Jack Land Noble, it guarantees an evening of laugh-out-loud comedy.

Steeleye Span: Mon 27 April

Together for 56 years now, Steeleye Span changed the face of folk music forever by taking it into the world of gold discs and international tours. As ever the night will offer a selection of songs from across the years and firm fan favourites.

To see what’s on and book tickets, visit here.