Red Ladder Theatre Company, Leeds
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redladder.bsky.social
Red Ladder Theatre Company, Leeds
@redladder.bsky.social
430 followers 420 following 110 posts
Leeds-based national touring theatre company.
We give a platform to the voices that are rarely heard and stories that are overlooked, often working-class.
redladder.co.uk
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redladder.bsky.social
As we continue to celebrate our amazing board during Trustees' Week, Richard Rhodes told us all about giving up his 'proper' job to follow his childhood dream of becoming a writer, and how fantastic it is up North.
www.redladder.co.uk/despite-the-...
A smiling Richard stood with crossed arms in front of a book case.
November 6, 2025 at 9:40 AM
redladder.bsky.social
🎭The Story Forge🎭

Join @rubbishshakes.bsky.social for a hilariously unique, all-ages theatrical adventure where you help create three brand-new myths!📖

Coming to St.Bartholomew's Church, Armley on the 18th of October!😊

Book Here: www.redladder.co.uk/whatson/stor...
Cartoon image of two men dressed up as warriors with various figures from mythology behind them including Medusa, a sphynx and a minotaur.
October 6, 2025 at 12:07 PM
redladder.bsky.social
New on the blog, #disabled actor and director Lara Wilson on finding confidence in her artistic identity, and the importance of the arts giving "a voice to people who aren’t normally seen."
www.redladder.co.uk/i-thought-if...
Lara stood behind her wheelchair holding the handles. Caption: “I thought if I called myself a ‘disabled actor’ people wouldn’t want to work with me. But it’s important, it’s part of my identity.” Lara Wilson, actor/director Lara on stage with finger raised pointing dynamically at another actor. Caption: “Leeds Conservatoire and especially Erin Carter, who is head of drama there, encouraged me to embrace having a wheelchair and to use it as a creative tool...That was a liberating moment for me and boosted my self-belief.” Lara sat in a chair giving feebback to an actor sat opposite with script in hand. Caption: “We need to show young people, no matter who they are or what their background, that they can have a career in the arts.”
July 28, 2025 at 3:07 PM
redladder.bsky.social
📢 New on the blog, Cheryl talks about the importance of our collaboration with Leeds Conservatoire
www.redladder.co.uk/red-ladder-i...
Red Ladder Theatre Company x Leeds Conservatoire black logos on white
July 15, 2025 at 11:44 AM
redladder.bsky.social
Sending all the love to our crazy-talented @aliceinbarberland.bsky.social on her #EdinburghFringe debut with The Uncrackable Case. Whoop! 🤩
Book now www.pleasance.co.uk/event/uncrac... and go give her and the gang a cheer.
#musical #theatre #edinburgh
A smiling Alice in an egg frame. A judge with fairy wings holding a gavel and looking shocked.
July 15, 2025 at 8:29 AM
redladder.bsky.social
THIS SUNDAY 22nd June at 2pm
The Cluntergate Centre, Horbury
Tickets just £5
"Children’s theatre at its best.” – Yorkshire Times
www.redladder.co.uk/whatson/roby...
June 20, 2025 at 9:21 AM
redladder.bsky.social
#Leeds folk, did you miss Troubled last month?
Fear not, you can catch it at Belle Isle TMO on Thurs 19th July at 7pm.
#theatre #BelleIsle
www.redladder.co.uk/whatson/trou...
A woman with her hair on fire, stoically holds a cup and saucer. Caption: Troubled Written and performed by Suzy Crothers Produced by Rachael Halliwell Directed by Amie Burns Walker “Full of emotion, laughter, heart... such gut-wrenching parts to it as well. Absolutely brilliant. I absolutely loved it!” Audience member “I am from Northern Ireland. It kind of brought back lots of emotions. I thought it was brilliant. She got it just right.” Audience member “Really uplifting. Just brilliant!” Audience member
June 10, 2025 at 2:32 PM
redladder.bsky.social
And here is the casting call for northern based actors 🎉
Head to our website for all the details
www.redladder.co.uk/red-ladder-w...
#christmess
Red Ladder x Wrongsemble casting call A PROPER MERRY CHRISTMESS / A TOWN CALLED CHRISTMAS Directed by Cheryl Martin / Elvi Piper Written by Leon Fleming & Seeta Wrightson / Elvi Piper with original music by Bay Bryan and Claire O'Connor Northern based actors preferably West Yorkshire Auditions: Mon 2 June 2025 10am - 2pm and Fri 6 June 2025 11am - 8pm at Yorkshire Dance, 3 St Peter's Square, Leeds LS9 8AH Please select your preferred date and approximate time and we will endeavour to match up Please apply via Spotlight or send CV and Spotlight link or show reel to cheryl@redladder.co.uk Deadline – midday Thursday 29 May 2025 You will hear from us by midday Friday 30 May 2025. If you don’t hear from us then, please assume your application has been unsuccessful. Rehearsals in Leeds from 20 October 2025 Tour 24 November – 31 December 2025 A Town Called Christmas – originally co-commissioned with Gala, Durham and Wrongsemble Red Ladder is an ITC Ethical Manager, issuing ITC contracts.
May 23, 2025 at 8:01 PM
redladder.bsky.social
📢 MASSIVE NEWS
We are joining forces with our fantastic friends and fantabulous family theatre creators, Wrongsemble, to take a double bill of Christmas shows on tour across the UK later this year.
Head to our website to read all about it!
www.redladder.co.uk/leeds-theatr...
Red Ladder x Wrongsemble logos
May 23, 2025 at 8:01 PM
redladder.bsky.social
First up for our newest Red Ladder Local season
Talking About The Fire.

St. Bartholomew's Church, Armley - Tuesday 20th May 2025

A show about a new nuclear weapons treaty. Be part of the conversation.
Pay What You Decide
#theatre #Leeds #Armley
www.redladder.co.uk/whatson/talk...
Chris Thorpe is sat crossed leg at a table, in a coffee shop, looking directly at the camera, whilst holding a white teacup. On the table is a yellow teapot, with the lid off and a white mushroom cloud escaping. Behind him are several illustrated prints on the wall.
April 29, 2025 at 11:07 AM
redladder.bsky.social
📢 Did you miss out on our FREE #acting, #directing and #writing courses last year?
Fear not, we're repeating them again this summer and BOOKING IS OPEN NOW! Places went in 24 hours last time so be quick!!
www.redladder.co.uk/participate/...
Paper in a typewriter with caption: writing for emerging playwrights with Cheryl Martin Plush theatre seats with caption: directing with Cheryl Martin A stage with red curtains and caption: acting with Cheryl Martin
April 25, 2025 at 2:11 PM
redladder.bsky.social
Did you miss out on last year's sold out courses with Cheryl?
Good news: we're repeating them.
Newsletter subscribers will have 24 hours priority booking. So if you don't subscribe, get on it! Newest edition imminent!
www.redladder.co.uk
red velvet theatre chairs with caption: Are you subscribed to our newsletter? New acting, writing and directing courses to be announced this week. Be the first in the know! Subscribe now: redladder.co.uk
April 22, 2025 at 4:16 PM
redladder.bsky.social
Our friends at Northern Broadsides are looking for new trustees.
This is a great opportunity to be part of something brilliant 😊

www.northern-broadsides.co.uk/join-the-boa...
Performers leaving and stretching their arms in a piazza
April 14, 2025 at 9:33 AM
redladder.bsky.social
We're deeply saddened by the passing of Anne Scargill.

A lifelong activist & founding member of Women Against Pit Closures, her tenacity, fortitude, passion & humour inspired the creation of the 'We're Not Going Back' sisters, and all of us in turn ❤️
📸 Ken Wilkinson courtesy of @ncmme.bsky.social
Anne in her Women Against Pit Closures t-shirt during the miners' strike and below after a 2014 performance of We're Not Going Back, smiling with cast members.
April 11, 2025 at 4:29 PM
redladder.bsky.social
Ahoy theatre fans! Set sail with Pirate Bonnie, a swashbuckling, fun-filled show from Fidget Theatre!🏴‍☠️⚓

🏴 St. Bartholomew's Church, Armley – 2pm 5 Apr
🏴 The Cluntergate Centre, Horbury – 2pm 6 Apr
🏴 The Gate at Belle Isle TMO, Leeds – 2pm 7 Apr

Book Here: www.redladder.co.uk/whatson/pira...
A female pirate looks into the distance through a telescope.
March 24, 2025 at 3:43 PM
redladder.bsky.social
We've not lost the plot, even if it's not quite as sunny today. We're just dead excited to announce our brand new show for 2025.
Head to our website to see why Nov and Dec are going to be proper Christmessy!
www.redladder.co.uk/whatson/a-pr...
Red background with broken coloured fairy lights strung across the top. Red Ladder Theatre Company presents A Proper Merry Christmess Coming Christmas 2025 A play inspired by real festive stories from perfectly imperfect Yorkshire folk
March 23, 2025 at 12:01 PM
redladder.bsky.social
Cheryl had a great day exploring What’s Next For Yorkshire’s Arts & Culture Sector in the context of devolution alongside Nick Ahad, Pete Massey; Kate Brindley , Helen Pheby, Jack Gamble & Trevor McFarlan
Thank you @benwalmsley.bsky.social for the invite.
Keep an eye on our blog for her thoughts!
Cheryl with three Red Ladder trustees (past and present) arms round each other smiling in the sunshine seven panelists sat on chairs on a stage with a bright pink screen behind reading What’s Next For Yorkshire’s Arts & Culture Sector
March 19, 2025 at 2:43 PM
redladder.bsky.social
Head to the blog to read what else #actor, #writer and friend William Fox had to say about working with Red Ladder #theatre early on in his career.
www.redladder.co.uk/if-you-took-...
February 28, 2025 at 11:57 AM
redladder.bsky.social
Coleridge-Taylor of Freetown - A Concert in a Play
Book now, Leeds #theatre
www.redladder.co.uk/whatson/cole...
A man on his knees with his arms raised and an anguished look on his face as if surrendering. “The sweetness and beauty of the songs provides a poignant contrast to the often bleak events they punctuate.” Morning Star “One of the reasons I love Fringe Theatre is challenging performances like these.” Theatre, Films and Art “Aluko takes on the characters of the abusers to chilling effect.” Edinburgh Music Review Two men in evening wear, one in a black and white period photo. Tayo Aluko and friends and Utopia Theatre present Coleridge-Taylor of Freetown: A concert in a play. 3rd April 2025 at 5:00pm Hawksworth Village Hall, Leeds
February 17, 2025 at 1:00 PM
redladder.bsky.social
New on the blog Phill Jupitus talks Red Ladder, his time onstage at City Varieties #Leeds & why local #theatre companies are so important.
www.redladder.co.uk/i-realised-t...
February 13, 2025 at 12:43 PM
redladder.bsky.social
We've been reminiscing with friends for our blog.
First up, playwright, screenwriter and 'ally' @alicenut.bsky.social who wrote Where's Vietnam for Red Ladder's 40th anniversary in 2008.
www.redladder.co.uk/i-realised-t...
A woman in front of neon that reads I get knocked down but I get up again. Picture label: New on the blog: playwright and screenwriter Alice Nutter. A man in a wheelchair aeroplaning, behind him a cast leans in synch with their arms spread out. The picture is labelled: "I realised that being in the theatre was a bit like being in a band" Alice Nutter. A cast on stage in 60s costumes with psychedelic lights behind. The picture is labelled: "Red Ladder gives artists access to this world because they have a history of taking risks." Alice Nutter. Two men in suits, one in a wheelchair with his thumb out as if hitchhiking on the side of a road with a sign to london. Labelled: Where's Vietnam 2008
February 5, 2025 at 1:32 PM
redladder.bsky.social
Booking now #Leeds
Coleridge-Taylor of Freetown: A Concert in a Play
www.redladder.co.uk/whatson/cole...
Two men in evening wear, one in a black and white period photo. Tayo Aluko and friends and Utopia Theatre present Coleridge-Taylor of Freetown: A concert in a play. 3rd April 2025 at 5:00pm Hawksworth Village Hall, Leeds
February 3, 2025 at 3:29 PM
redladder.bsky.social
Bums! Bleurgh! Bloopers! 😂
Love our #trustees.
Why don't you join them?
www.redladder.co.uk/join-our-boa...
January 21, 2025 at 4:47 PM
redladder.bsky.social
Have you got your ticket for The Dreamtime Fellrunner yet?
#Leeds has almost sold out and others are selling fast. So...err...run! 🏃‍♀️
Feb 27th at 7pm Leeds
Mar 19th at 7pm Barnsley
Mar 20th at 7:30pm Wakefield
www.redladder.co.uk/whatson/the-...
January 21, 2025 at 1:14 PM
redladder.bsky.social
You've only two weeks left to let us know you're interested!
Please share far and wide so we can get more brilliant #trustees to join our wonderful Anna, Dick and Fiona.
Thank you 🙏
www.redladder.co.uk/join-our-boa...
January 20, 2025 at 4:25 PM