24
Mar
£17,000 boost for Ripon's expanding theatre festival
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Tickets are now on sale for the 2025 Ripon Theatre Festival, which will be staged over six days and nights from Tuesday July 1 until Sunday July 6.
With growing recognition, increasing audiences and new Arts Council England funding of £17,000, this year’s festival — the fourth to be held in the city — promises a celebration of theatre and storytelling for people of all ages.
Festival director Katie Scott said:
The festival continues to grow, and we’re so excited to bring our biggest and boldest programme yet to the city.
With the support of arts council funding, we can reach even more people and create a festival full of joy, creativity, and unforgettable performances. Whether you're a theatre enthusiast, a family looking for free entertainment, or someone who loves great stories, there’s something for everyone.
We can't wait to welcome audiences old and new to experience the magic of live theatre in Ripon.
Ripon Theatre Festival director Katie Scott
What's on?
The festival kicks off with a double bill of entertainment on July 1, with a Hilarity Bites Festival Special at Ripon Arts Hub, promising an evening of top-tier comedy.
On the same evening The Beloved Son - a gripping one-man show - is set to captivate the audience at Ripon Cathedral.
This year’s main family theatre event sees renowned theatre company Illyria returning with The Wind in the Willows, to be performed in the outdoor setting of Ripon Races.
Storyteller in residence, Peter Chand, will enchant audiences across three days, including work in schools, workshops, and a performance of his show Mangoes on the Beach in the atmospheric Leper Chapel - a first for the festival.
This year's event will welcome hit shows from the Edinburgh Fringe, including Spy Play: The Movie!, a comedy that pays homage to the James Bond classic films. It is touring nationwide and can be seen at Ripon Arts Hub on the evening of July 4.
Community involvement
The festival will feature two days of free family entertainment across the city, with 25 local community groups performing alongside professional street entertainers on July 5 and 6.
Outreach performances will take theatre into care homes, ensuring the festival reaches all corners of the community. A community art installation will also bring people together to celebrate the arts. RTF is also championing new writing in collaboration with Short & Sweet Yorkshire, showcasing short works from talented regional artists.
The Three Inch Fools. Pic Wilson Smith
The festival will culminate on the evening of Sunday July 6 with a performance by leading open air touring company Three Inch Fools, of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream in the historic gardens of The Old Deanery.
For tickets, programme details, and more information, visit www.ripontheatrefestival.org
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