THE world’s most famous nanny, Eighties and Nineties pop icons, stars of Strictly Come Dancing and the six wives of Henry VIII are all heading to town to light up Bradford Theatres stages in a glittering new season of entertainment.
Here’s our preview of highlights from the 2025 season:
* ALHAMBRA:
* Hamilton: Lin-Manuel Miranda’s multi award-winning hit Hamilton is touring the UK for the first time and coming to the Alhambra Theatre for seven weeks from January 28. Hamilton is the story of America’s Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and helped shape the foundations of the America we know today.
* SIX: The Broadway and West End hit musical makes a royal return to Bradford, following its previous sell-out run. From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing 500 years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power. These Queens may have green sleeves, but their lipstick is rebellious red. Think you know the rhyme, think again...Divorced. Beheaded. Live!
* & Juliet : There is life after Romeo! Juliet ditches her famous ending for a second chance at life and love - her way. Created by David West Read, Emmy-winning writer of Netflix hit Schitt’s Creek, this new musical comedy flips the script on Shakespeare’s love story, with Juliet’s new story bursting to life through a playlist of pop anthems, including Britney Spears’ Baby One More Time and Katy Perry’s Roar.
* Mary Poppins: Based on the stories of PL Travers and the Disney film, the much-loved musical is about the world’s favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane, featuring dazzling choreography, jaw-dropping effects and a score that includes Jolly Holiday, Step in Time, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Feed the Birds.
* La Bohème, La Traviata and Madama Butterfly: Opera International’s Ellen Kent Production of the three operas features the Ukrainian Opera and Ballet Theatre Kyiv, with international soloists, chorus and orchestra. Sung in Italian with English surtitles.
* Dance Consortium Presents Eun-Me Ahn Dance Company’s Dragons: Celebrated South Korean choreographer Eun-Me Ahn’s show is “a joyful riot of dance, music and non-stop movement” bringing together modern and traditional dance styles from across Asia.
* Legend: The Music of Bob Marley: An evening of music celebrating the music icon, with hits such as Could You Be Loved, One Love, No Woman No Cry, Jammin’ and Buffalo Soldier.
* An Inspector Calls: Stephen Daldry’s acclaimed National Theatre production of JB Priestley’s classic thriller returns. Hailed as the theatrical event of its generation, An Inspector Calls has thrilled theatre-goers worldwide.
When Inspector Goole arrives unexpectedly at the prosperous Birling family home, their dinner party is shattered by his investigations into the death of a young woman.
* Akram Khan’s Jungle Book: The acclaimed Akram Khan Company comes to Bradford for the first time, re-imagining Rudyard Kipling’s classic through the lens of today’s children.
* An adult evening with Billy Pearce: Bradford’s favourite funnyman is back with his adult comedy show.
* ST GEORGE’S HALL:
There’s music a-plenty in the new season, with shows from Wet Wet Wet, with special guest Heather Small; Boyzlife; The Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, starring Peter Andre; Live Forever: The Rise of Oasis; Pretty Vacant: The Story of Punk and New Wave starring Kevin Kennedy; Jason Donovan; John Barrowman and Defying Gravity: West End Women. Bradford’s Gareth Gates sings Love Songs from the Movies, and the story of The Dubliners is told in Seven Drunken Nights. The Hallé continues St George’s Hall’s classical season and the fabulous Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain bring their own tongue-in-cheek take on pop and other music favourites.
Strictly fans are in for a treat at St George’s, with Giovanni Pernice: The Last Dance, Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez’s Speakeasy, Amy Dowden and Carlos Gu’s Reborn show and Craig Revel Horwood’s one-man show.
Comic Chris McCausland, currently wowing Strictly viewers, returns to stand-up in his new show Yonks! and there are more laughs from Jimmy Carr and Maisie Adam.
In John Godber Company’s Do I Love You? twenty-somethings Sally, Nat and Kyle develop a love for Northern Soul. Spread the talc and grab your loafers - this trio are heading for a weekender!
* KING’S HALL:
There’s music from tribute acts The Bon Jovi Experience; The Shape of You - The Music of Ed Sheeran and Fastlove, as well as An Intimate Evening with Paul Young and The Story of Guitar Heroes.
Tickling ribs are Clinton Baptiste, Ed Byrne, John Shuttleworth, Su Pollard and the Comedy Store, and there’s cricket banter in An Evening with Aggers and Nick Stapleton tells us How To Beat Scammers.
* THE STUDIO
For comedy fans there’s Richard Blackwood Live, Ladies of Laughter and Rachel Fairburn: Side Eye and music and dance in Bollywood Time Machine.
Adam Renton, General Manager Bradford Theatres says: “Get ready for an unforgettable spring at Bradford Theatres!
2025 is going to be a huge year, with Bradford taking the spotlight as the UK’s City of Culture. At Bradford Theatres, we’re bringing you the very best in live entertainment to celebrate.
“Whether you’re into stand-up comedy, music, drama, or musical theatre, we’ve got something for everyone at our iconic venues. One of the biggest highlights? The multi-award-winning Hamilton is coming to the Alhambra Theatre for a seven-week run. It’s the only place in Yorkshire where you can catch this spectacular show. We’ve also got incredible dance performances, including Akram Khan’s Jungle Book Reimagined, Dance Consortium’s UK tour of Dragons and appearances from your favourite Strictly Come Dancing stars.
With a jam-packed season ahead, we can’t wait to welcome you to Bradford Theatres for an amazing start to 2025!”
* Call (01274) 432000 or visit bradford-theatres.co.uk
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