Ripon Theatre Festival is back for 2024 – discover what's on

by Fiona Callow

| 01 Jul, 2024

Ripon Theatre Festival is back once more for 2024, and between July 2 -7, the city will be a hive of cultural activities.

From dance, comedy and theatre performances to street entertainment and family-friendly shows, there’s plenty taking place to suit a wide range of ages.

Now in its third year, the six-day festival will include free and paid-for events. Advance booking is required for certain events, so it’s encouraged that visitors plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

While by no means exhaustive, the Stray Ferret has compiled a round-up of some highlights from the week to get you inspired.

For the comedy lovers

With Lee Kyle as compère, the Hilarity Bites Festival Special show boasts a mixed bill of music, improv theatre, and a sprinkle of stand-up for good measure.

Award-winning sketch group Tarot is headlining, followed by musical comedy duo Black Liver. The line-up is completed by 2023 New Comedian of the Year Joe Kent-Walters who will be showcasing his comedy character Frankie Monroe.

Hilarity Bites is taking place on Tuesday, July 2 at Ripon Arts Hub. Doors open from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10.

For the nature enthusiasts

An immersive digital experience, Monoliths utilises three beautiful Northern landscapes – moorland, a cityscape and the coast – to explore the links between people and places.

Accompanied by a soaring musical score and poetic monologues, each performance lasts 11 minutes, and can only be experienced by three visitors at a time, using XR virtual reality headsets.

Monoliths will be shown at Ripon Cathedral between Tuesday, July 2 – Saturday, July 7. Screenings take place between 1.30pm – 3.30pm Tuesday to Friday and 10.30am – 3.30pm on Saturday. Tickets cost £5.

For inspiring young minds

Looking for something to keep the kids entertained that doesn’t involve a screen?

Storyteller in residence Ilaria Passeri will be delighting younger children on Friday and Saturday at the Ripon Theatre Festival, with her tales of Derek the dragon, Rita the mouse, Honeypot village, and much more.

Although booking is recommended, the event is a ‘Pay What You Can’ event, meaning that any donation is discretionary.

Storytelling events with Ilaria Passeri are taking place on Friday, July 5 and Saturday, July 6. Friday’s session is held at Ripon Library, and Saturday’s ‘Tales from Honeypot Village’ is taking place at 9.30am – 10.15am at The Unicorn Hotel and 11.30am – 12.15am at The Little Ripon Bookshop. Admittance on a ‘Pay What You Can’ basis.

For the thrill seekers

As part of the festival’s extensive – and free – street entertainment offering, Belfast-based performer Logy will be wowing the crowds with his daring display.

Featuring fire, juggling sharp objects and a delicate balancing act, the show seems determined to live up to its ‘rock n roll’ label.

Centrally located in Market Place and performing two shows on Saturday, July 6, a visit to see Logy’s adrenaline-fueled can be incorporated into a visit to Ripon city centre.

Logy on Fire will be performed on Saturday, July 6 at Market Place. First performance is at 10.30am – 11.15am and second performance is at 12.30 – 1.15pm. All performances are free to the public.

For the history buffs

Ripon is busting with history, and there are number of performances over the week detailing the city’s rich heritage.

One of these is Mr Owen’s Pocketbook, which is inspired by Wilfred Owen, who briefly lived in the city. He actually spent his last birthday in Ripon Cathedral, which provides an atmospheric backdrop for the play.

Rupert Mason’s one-man show focuses on the tale of an officer travelling to the Western Front one week before the Armistice, who discovers the pocket book of a fallen soldier.

Mr Owen’s Pocketbook will be performed on Friday, July 5 at Ripon Cathedral. Performance time runs between at 2pm-3pm. Tickets cost £10 or £8 for concessions.

There’s so much more

That’s just a flavour of what visitors can expect from Ripon Theatre Festival, but there’s multiple events happening over the week, at 17 venues all across the city – and that’s not to mention the live street entertainment.

For the full programme, visit the Ripon Theatre Festival website.

The Stray Ferret are proud to be media partners of Ripon Theatre Festival 2024.