Ripon’s fast-growing theatre festival — now in its third year — will take place from Tuesday, July 2 to Sunday, July 7.
Building on the success of the two previous festivals, the events and activities will run over five days and six nights.
With interest expected to be high, tickets for six of the events will go on sale on Saturday (February 10).
This year’s highlights include an appearance by radical theatre company Red Ladder, a cabaret act featuring the music of Victoria Wood and a return visit from actor Barrie Rutter (pictured below)
Barrie Rutter. Pic: Nobby Clarke
Natalie Bellingham
This summer’s programme will see Newby Hall as a new location for festival favourites and open-air theatre specialists Illyria and the garden at the Old Deanery will also provide a backdrop for theatre al fresco when it hosts the Sunday night Shakespearean finale.
Festival director Katie Scott told the Stray Ferret:
“The first release of tickets includes Look After Your Knees, a beautiful and touching one-woman show from up-and-coming artist Natalie Bellingham, Shakespeare’s Royals from Barrie Rutter (plus special guest), Looking for Me Friend – the Music of Victoria Wood and We’re Not Going Back – Red Ladder’s thought-provoking musical comedy set during the 1984/5 miners’ strike.
“Tickets also go on sale this weekend for open air family theatre at Newby Hall (The Adventures of Doctor Doolittle) and Shakespeare’s As You Like It at the Old Deanery.”
Full details of all the festival’s plans including street theatre, pop-up events and free family activities will be announced at the official launch on Thursday 21 March.
Tickets are already on sale for this event which features comedy cook George Egg with his latest show Set Menu. Tickets include the show, refreshments and festival information.Full information at www.ripontheatrefestival.org
Main image: We’re Not Going Back – Red Ladder’s thought-provoking musical comedy, will be one of the festival highlights: Picture Ripon Theatre Festival
