Anarchic show about a cult 70s band, daddy issues and the patriarchy comes to Leeds Playhouse next month

Punk theatre performers In Bed With My Brother bring Philosophy of the World to the Courtyard Theatre on 17 November.

Ridiculed then revered, The Shaggs defied categorisation. Now, the anarchic trio behind In Bed With My Brother, attempt to wrangle their story into a three-act biopic. Part tribute act, part feminist reclamation, part rambling flight of ideas, Philosophy of the World is about fate, freewill, power, patriarchy, band t-shirts, daddy issues, and the best worst album ever made.

It’s about who holds the power to define you, who gets to say whether you’re a legend or loser, and who owns the right (and the rights) to tell your story.

Featuring questionable mime, high-intensity dance sequences, awkward crowd work, stage combat, cheap wigs, jump scares, philosophising and a well-trained actor, Philosophy of the World twists rock ‘n’ roll history into a sticky, sweaty, searing rebellion.

In Bed With My Brother is the brainchild of best mates Nora Alexander, Dora Lynn and Kat Cory. Their work is anarchic, entertaining and unsettling, with a punk attitude that challenges audiences to sit up and take notice.  

Philosophy of the World premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe to sold out audiences. It was winner of The Scotsman Fringe First Awards 2025, and The Stage’s Fringe Five 2025 for theatre makers who made the biggest impact.

It also received rave 5-star reviews from The Stage (“a rigorous, intelligent show”); The Scotsman (“a coherent, caustic comment on the inescapability of the patriarchy”), WhatsOnStage, (“thoughtful, clever, provocative and utterly brilliant”) British Theatre Guide (“visceral and uneasy but hilarious”), and North West End (“original, unsettling and oddly moving”).

Philosophy of the World plays at Leeds Playhouse 17 November. Tickets are available here.