If there’s a UK tour close by, odds are that it’s on my watchlist. Whilst Hull gets some amazing shows, there are plenty that don’t travel quite so close to home. That’s why I spend so much time travelling around the UK to catch them! Here are 13 shows to see in Yorkshire in 2025.
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS – SHEFFIELD CRUCIBLE
To say it’s one of my all-time favourite movie musicals, I’ve actually never seen it on stage before. The score is one of the best out there so I’m excited to hear a new interpretation of it. I’m aware that this Crucible production is a little different but the reviews look amazing so far for it! I’m actually seeing this tonight so expect my review on Monday!
HAMILTON – BRADFORD ALHAMBRA
Have I already seen this Hamilton tour previously? Yes. Am I excited to see the new cast? Also yes. Because it plays in one venue for a few weeks, it can be a few months until it’s easy to travel to again. I really hope they extend the tour to more venues in 2025/26 because it’s such an amazing production. This cast is just as talented as the West End show and they’ve not scrimped on the production side of things either.
HERE YOU COME AGAIN – YORK GRAND
This musical has been on my watchlist for months but I keep missing it nearby! However, it’s going to York in Jan/Feb so I’ve got myself a ticket. I know that it’s about Dolly Parton and that’s about it! I hope it’s different to 9 to 5 as I was pretty disappointed with that musical. It will also be my first visit to York Grand for years!
& JULIET – BRADFORD ALHAMBRA/SHEFFIELD LYCEUM
God, I love this show. Again, I’ve already seen it in Leeds late last year but I’d love to catch it a little later on the tour. Despite a show stop in Leeds, it was a phenomenal performance from the cast and crew. I’d always recommend this show to millennials who love pop music because the use of Max Martin music to convey the story of Romeo & Juliet is genius! It’s just bop after bop for 2.5 hours.
BAT OUT OF HELL – SHEFFIELD LYCEUM
When this show travelled to Hull a while ago, I didn’t get to go (for a reason I cannot remember) so when they announced this new tour, I knew I had to book a ticket. I’ve always been a fan of Meatloaf’s music and being so dramatic and story-driven, I knew it would work well in a musical setting. I’m led to believe that it’s a bit out there like We Will Rock You but I’m prepared for all the craziness!
MATTHEW BOURNE’S SWAN LAKE – BRADFORD ALHAMBRA/SHEFFIELD LYCEUM
Many people only enjoy classical ballet; I’m not one of them. Of course, I love a traditional take but what Matthew Bourne’s done in the dance world has turned it into so much more. this might be the show’s 30th anniversary but every time I see it, it still feels so fresh. The choreography is obviously the stand-out component but the dancers really bring it to life.
CORALINE – LEEDS PLAYHOUSE
I bought this ticket on a whim as it was a credit note from a previous show I couldn’t attend. It’s probably best that I watch the film before seeing the musical as I’ve no idea of the plot whatsoever. Will it translate well into a musical? Who knows? However, I’m all for trying new musicals and film-to-stage seems to be the trend right now.
KINKY BOOTS – LEEDS GRAND/SHEFFIELD LYCEUM
The long-awaited return of one of my favourites. Kinky Boots is such an incredible show, from cast to songs, costumes to set. I love it so much that I’m seeing it twice on tour in both Leeds and Sheffield. The cast is stacked so I have really high expectations. I’m especially excited to see Courtney Bowman as Lauren because I’ve loved her in everything I’ve ever seen her in. Of course, it will be amazing to see Johannes Rabede in his musical theatre debut too.
MATTHEW BOURNE’S THE MIDNIGHT BELL – YORK GRAND/BRADFORD ALHAMBRA
Oh look, another Matthew Bourne production. So I’ve seen this production before and was completely mesmerised by it. It’s not like any other dance show I’ve seen before, incorporating just about every style of dance and intertwining storylines in one show. I wish more people would watch it because it’s just so interesting! I don’t want to say too much to give away the plot though!
MARY POPPINS – BRADFORD ALHAMBRA
Most of us grew up watching the Disney movie and it’s definitely a nostalgic fvaourite of mine. I mean it’s over 60 years old and lots of us still know the score. It can be hard to translate such a popular movie for the stage but having seen the last West End version, the magic very much remains in the show. I love that you get such an age range in the audience too, whether they’re 8 or 98.
TINA THE MUSICAL – SHEFFIELD LYCEUM
This has been on the West End for some time now and now it’s finally touring. I’ve yet to see it in London so I’m looking forward to seeing it on tour instead. The more I read about Tina Turner’s story, the more heartbreaking it gets. Yet somehow she managed to make all this incredible music and survive. I have a love-hate relationship with jukebox musicals but because this tells the story of her life, I think it’ll be my cup of tea.
HERE AND NOW – SHEFFIELD LYCEUM
Now this is one I’ve been waiting for. I grew up on Steps’ music as a 90s baby and the idea of their music being used in a musical is thrilling! Initially, I was meant to see the show on its debut run in Birmingham but unfortunately couldn’t make it. I imagine I’ll be going to multiple tour stops too because the clips I’ve seen look incredible.
MATILDA THE MUSICAL – BRADFORD ALHAMBRA
Another West End staple that I have yet to see! However, I know lots of the songs and am always impressed by the sheer talent of the kids on stage. I’m sure the tour will get just as many rave reviews as the London production, especially with families. Similar to Mary Poppins, I’m excited to see lots of young theatregoers (they’re usually more well-behaved than the adults).
And those are 13 shows to see in Yorkshire in 2025. You can see that it’s a mixed bag but I love to see variety when I’m going to the theatre!
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