Explosive new play set at a pivotal time in British political history comes to Leeds Playhouse

A thrilling new drama from the creative team behind the five-star, multi-award-winning Shellshocked comes to Leeds Playhouse from 15-17 October.

Following hugely successful, sold-out Off-Broadway, Adelaide Fringe and Edinburgh Fringe seasons, Brighton ‘84 is an explosive new play by Leeds-born playwright Philip Stokes which gives a fictional twist to the real-life bombing of The Grand Hotel in Brighton during the Conservative Party Conference in 1984.

Presented by 412 and Richard Jordan Productions, in association with The LBT and King Brilliant Theatre, the play stars Jack Stokes and Lee Bainbridge, both returning to the Bramall Rock Void at the Playhouse after playing to sell-out houses in Shellshocked in 2024.

Writer and director Philip Stokes said: “In a time when politics are more divisive than ever, Brighton ’84 takes us back to a time when politics were as divisive as ever. Set on a hugely significant night in British history, the play looks at how a tragedy changed the individuals caught up in it and the wider political and societal landscape. It’s a very funny play that takes you back to bygone days. Enjoy reminiscing about how things were better back then, right until the moment a bomb explodes trying to kill everyone. Hilarious, moving, and poignant, we hope you’ll find Brighton ’84 is a brilliantly engaging drama.”

Brighton 1984. The Grand Hotel. A bomb has been planted. Thatcher is working. Guests are sleeping. 53 minutes until detonation. Two strangers enter Room 102. What happens next will change history, especially for Barry and Johnny.

Brighton ‘84 plays at Leeds Playhouse 15-17 October. Tickets are available here.