Lauren Crisp is a book editor, writer and keen follower of arts and culture. Born and raised in Harrogate, Lauren recently moved back to North Yorkshire after a stint in London, where she regularly...

Review: Leeds Playhouse’s Oliver! is a glorious festive treat
Lauren Crisp is a book editor, writer and keen follower of arts and culture. Born and raised in Harrogate, Lauren recently moved back to North Yorkshire after a stint in London, where she regularly reviewed theatre – everything from big West End shows to small fringe...

Stray Views: Harrogate Spring Water plans a ‘total tree wash’
Stray Views is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to [email protected]. Harrogate Spring Water state...

Review: Dick Whittington is thigh-slapping, side-splitting fun
An extravagant dame, a wicked villain, high jinks and many an excitable child: it must be pantomime season. Harrogate Theatre’s 2023 show is the thigh-slapping, side-splitting Dick Whittington, and it’s another swashbuckler for the panto lovers out there. Spirited,...

Harrogate’s pantomime season starts tomorrow
Harrogate’s much-loved Christmas pantomime returns tomorrow (Wednesday) with a new production of Dick Whittington. The rags-to-riches story of the poor orphan boy attracted to the capital by promises of streets paved with gold and becoming Lord Mayor of London will...

Ripon orchestra opens new season with Saturday evening concert
Ripon’s St Cecilia Orchestra opens its 2023/24 season on Saturday (November 11) with a programme, featuring the work of three major composers. Beginning with Grieg’s ever-popular Holberg Suite and culminating in Tchaikovsky’s virtuosic tour-de-force for strings:...

Review: Calendar Girls The Musical is a cheeky and heartfelt roller coaster
Pic: Lauren Crisp is a book editor, writer and keen follower of arts and culture. Born and raised in Harrogate, Lauren recently moved back to North Yorkshire after a stint in London, where she regularly reviewed theatre – everything from big West End shows to small...

Three independent retailers take space at Halls of Ripon
Halls of Ripon department store has welcomed three new independent retailers to its Fishergate premises, while two other businesses have doubled their size. Operations manager Barry Cooper told the Stray Ferret: "We now have 16 independents under one roof selling...

Classical line-up for Harrogate’s Sunday Series revealed
This winter's line-up for the Harrogate International Sunday Series of chamber and classical music has been revealed. Five concerts will take place in what will be the 30th annual series at the Old Swan in Harrogate. It will begin with the return of clarinettist...

Lucy Pittaway launches new collection on first birthday in Harrogate
This story is sponsored by Lucy Pittaway. Lucy Pittaway, the celebrated British artist renowned for her vivid and colourful paintings, has launched a new collection at her gallery in Harrogate which is celebrating its first birthday this weekend. In the spirit of...

Harrogate Library hosts art exhibition dedicated to Malcolm Neesam
An exhibition dedicated to local historian Malcom Neesam is currently on display at Harrogate Library. The Public Library, The People’s University exhibition features about 40 works by local artist Matt Wyatt – including a portrait of Malcom Neesam and a written...

Ex-serviceman who lost his legs in IRA bombing finds therapy in Harrogate choir
An ex-serviceman from Knaresborough, who was a victim of an IRA attack, has spoken of how singing has been his therapy after a career in the military. Andy Mudd served in the The Royal Military Police for 18 years after joining up aged 18. He served in Germany,...

Stump Cross Caverns to feature in Channel 5 programme
Stump Cross Caverns near Pateley Bridge is set to feature in a well-known Channel 5 programme next week. The Hotel Inspector, which is led by former hotelier Alex Polizzi, offers guidance to hotels and businesses on how to redirect themselves and avoid closing down....