Arts - theatre, art, classical, opera and dance in Leeds

Preview Three exhibition

The merging of minds from a trio of Leeds artists

A new exhibition by three Leeds-based artists – which came about because of a “chance encounter” – is launching at Red Eric Studios on Friday 10^th September for one-weekend only.

Featuring paintings, drawings and sculpture, the exhibition titled Three, showcases the work of Helen Barlow, Beth Gadd and the anonymous Artistree, who met by chance. In the exhibition, the three artists look at the idea of the self and identity. They say they wanted to “explore the effect the world has on us as individuals”.

One of the artists, Helen Frances Barlow, says she draws her inspiration simply from “humanity”,…

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Preview Fire Walk With Me at Temple Works

Relive the madness of Twin Peaks on September 18

If you’ve never watched Twin Peaks you just don’t know what you’re missing! It’s only one of the most acclaimed series to ever grace a television screen – and in the 20 years since it was first broadcast it has generated a cult status for fans of all ages.

Produced by David Lynch in the 1990s, Twin Peaks gave birth to some of television’s most memorable moments and some of its even more unforgettable characters: whether it is FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper and his love of cherry pie, the brutal murder of homecoming Queen Laura Palmer, the deeply terrifying…

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Feature Happy Snappy Photo Week from 1st to 7th September

Leeds' first-ever photography week

Snappers around Leeds are in for a treat this week as Leeds hosts its first ever week in celebration of all things to do with the camera.

Happy Snappy Photo Week is taking place, from the 1^st to 7^th of September and the aim of the week is to celebrate photography in all its forms: both an art form and fun pastime.

During the photo week, there will be a whole selection of events to get involved in – both virtually and in the real world. Find out how to improve your own photography technique and expose yourself to some…

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Preview Inlaid Patchwork in Europe from 1500 to the Present Day exhibition

Discovering the joys of patchwork at Leeds City Art Gallery

The art of patchwork is currently experiencing a bit of a renaissance. The technique began as a way of reworking older garments using scraps of fabric, but has evolved over time into an art form. Beautiful designs are created by sewing together pieces of fabric into larger designs, often with the use of embroidery and specialist stitching.

Its popularity now is all part of the Craft-it-Yourself vibe sweeping the country – and if you’re looking for a little inspiration for your own patchwork quilt or customised clothing, then head along to the stunning new textile exhibition at Leeds City Art…

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Preview Ripon International Festival

An international arts festival on our doorstep in September

Like plenty of others, you could cast your eyes 200 miles north or south, with travel and accommodation arrangements to make, to the Royal Mile or the Royal Albert Hall, for your classical music in the coming days, or you might lend your ears to Ripon and its much-overlooked International Festival.

Like events at the Henry Wood Proms, the musical provision is of a high calibre, fewer in number, of course, but with no less a diversity of forms, and like Edinburgh, music takes its modest place amongst the overall offerings, but with sheltered, beautiful venues guaranteed. Ripon’s…

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Preview Billy Liar

A very local play comes to the WYP to celebrate its 50th anniversary

Excepting one or two by Alan Bennett, Billy Liar is about as familiar as plays from these parts get. However, it was originally a novel and is perhaps best-known as a film. In 1999 the British Film Institute proclaimed it the country’s 76^th best ever, and it forms part of a lineage that brought Bradford the inaugural UNESCO City of Film award last year.

It stars Sir Tom Courtenay, who had understudied for Albert Finney in the play’s original West End production; a couple of decades later the pair would collaborate on another bastion of Bradford’s cinematic heritage,…

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Preview Dangerous Liaisons

A ballet of depravity, cruelty and deceit from David Nixon at the WYP on 7th-11th September

Northern Ballet Theatre‘s artistic director, David Nixon, returns to the West Yorkshire Playhouse with his stage adaptation of Dangerous Liaisons between Tuesday 7th and Saturday 11th September. The ballet is based on the classic novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, and will take inspiration from the 1988 film of the same name, staring Glenn Close, John Malkovich and Michelle Pfeiffer.

Dangerous Liaisons tells the story of 18th century France, where two manipulative aristocrats form a cruel and cunning pact. Marquise de Merteuil and her accomplice and ex-lover, Vicomte de Valmont, make a deal to…

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