Q: WHAT unites a Love Island winner, Peppa Pig, Strictly hunks Aljaz and Pasha, Disney’s Simba and Chris Kamara?

A: They’re all lined up for a sizzling summer season at Bradford Theatres - the Guide exclusively reveals today.

New musicals, returning favourites, family shows and top names in comedy, music and dance are heading for town.

  • Lion King, coming to the Alhambra for two months, the only Yorkshire venue on the UK tour. Disney’s beloved animation is transformed into a spectacular theatrical experience re-creating the magic of the Serengeti.

Also at the Alhambra:

  • Million Dollar Quartet is a hit musical inspired by the famous recording session that brought together rock‘n’roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. Starring former Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan as ‘Father of Rock‘n’Roll’, Sam Phillips.
  • Bring It On The Musical stars Amber Davies, winner of TV’s Love Island in 2017, who made her stage debut in Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 in the West End, and Olympic gymnastics medallist Louis Smith. Inspired by the 2000 film of the same name, and with a lively score by Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, the show tackles friendship, jealousy and betrayal, with “explosive choreography”.
  • The Buddy Holly Story traces the rock ‘n’ roll pioneer’s life and fateful final days.

Over at St George’s Hall:

  • Friendsical is a new ‘parody musical’ inspired by the gang in beloved US sitcom Friends. With original songs such as (He’s her) Lobster!, Richard’s Moustache and You’re Over Me, When Were You Under Me, the show has its own take on ‘naked Thursdays’, a dinosaur convention and other Friends-related escapades.
  • The Unbelievable Chris Kamara Show sees the former Bradford City manager and football presenter take to the stage for the first time, sharing stories from his life and career.
  • Stewart Lee takes aim with his acerbic brand of comedy in his Snowflake/Tornado show.
  • Al Murray is back as alter ego Pub Landlord, with new tour Landlord of Hope and Glory.
  • Billy Pearce’s stand-up show strictly for the grown-ups.
  • Status Quo founder, singer and lead guitarist Francis Rossi reflects on his 50-plus years in rock in I Talk Too Much.
  • Brighouse & Rastrick Band, with the City of Bradford Band, heads up a Brass Band Spectacular.
  • Curtis Stigers showcases new album Gentleman - jazz arrangements of modern standards by artists such as Nick Lowe.
  • Calling Planet Earth is a New Romantic symphony taking a journey through the ‘electrifying 80s’.
  • Here Come The Boys sees Strictly Come Dancing’s Aljaž Škorjanec joined by former Strictly favourite Pasha Kovalev, international ballet sensation and West End star Sam Salter and NBC World Of Dance champion and Broadway star Michael Dameski.
  • Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice goes it alone in This Is Me! Form a queue, ladies....
  • King of Pop stars top tribute act Navi paying homage to Michael Jackson.
  • A Beautiful Noise celebrates Neil Diamond’s glittering career.
  • Funny Girls is “the original drag comedy experience”. For ages 16-plus.
  • Orchestra of Opera North presents The Best of the West End, with musical favourites performed by stars of the shows.
  • Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever is a treat for young theatre-goers, and there are Peppa Pig-themed activities at St George’s Hall too.
  • Go backstage at the Grade II* listed concert hall and discover its fascinating history, from Dickens to Bowie, with a guided heritage tour. LGBT+ bespoke heritage tour on June 1, in conjunction with Bradford Pride, celebrates the rich history of LGBT+ artists at the venue and their contribution to the city’s cultural life.
  • St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra is in town for Bradford’s 152nd Bradford Orchestral Season

Shows at King’s Hall, Ilkley, include:

  • Rich Hall’s Hoedown Deluxe show
  • Joel Dommett - Unapologetic (If That’s Ok?)
  • Dr John Cooper Clarke - The Luckiest Guy Alive
  • Phoenix Nights stars Neil Fitzmaurice, Barbara Nice and Archie Kelly

Adam Renton, General Manager Bradford Theatres says: “There’s something for everyone in our summer season, in all our venues. Disney’s The Lion King returns, after its first visit to the Alhambra during our centenary year in 2014. We’re incredibly excited to welcome back this global phenomenon which is with us for seven weeks - don’t miss it, last few seats remaining!

“It’s just over a year since St George’s Hall re-opened after its transformational refurbishment. The Heritage Outreach Programme (supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund) continues this year with themed heritage tours, open days and free family activity sessions.”

Tickets for all shows are on (01274) 432000.