Bomb Happy
2025-05-11 14:30 - 16:00 UTC | Lister House, Southgate, Ripon, HG4 1PG, United Kingdom
“Bomb Happy is a slang phrase we use for being under fire for many days at a time… it does describe the condition you become.” D Day Veteran, Ken “Smudger” Smith
Two new works telling the stories of Yorkshire Normandy Veterans in their own words. This poignant and lyrical double-bill includes:
A Walk in the Park – a short film in the footsteps of Hank Haydock. Filmed on location at former WWII training camp in Duncombe Park, it tells the story of Coldstream Guardsman Dennis Haydock. Beautifully shot, it captures the hidden remains of nissen huts, tank standings and tank maintenance pits amongst the now peaceful woodland.
Sleep/Re-Live/Wake/Repeat – writer Helena Fox and vocalist Natasha Jones bring to life the first-hand experiences of D-Day Veteran, Ken “Smudger” Smith and the lifelong impact of PTSD and sleep trauma through spoken first hand accounts and haunting acapella vocals. With never been seen before black and white images from Ken’s personal photo collection following his traumatic journey in the Middle East following victory in Europe.
Two stories of two ordinary Yorkshire lads who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances. At times humorous, at times harrowing, both film and spoken word performance allow a close up insight into life on the frontline and give a rare glimpse into life for someone beset by memories of war.
Presented as part of Ripon’s VE Day 80th Anniversary Commemorations in partnership with Ripon Community Poppy Project.
Sunday 11 May, 2.30pm Doors open 2pm.
Refreshments will be served after the event with donations to Lister House.
Tickets £10

Peelers, Poachers & Paupers
2025-06-28 13:30 - 16:30, 2025-06-28 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-06-29 13:30 - 16:30, 2025-06-29 17:00 - 20:00 | Workhouse Museum, Sharow View, Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LE, United Kingdom
A tale of resistance, survival and defiance in Victorian Yorkshire
Experience an unmissable theatrical journey across Ripon’s historic museums. Ripon Workhouse Theatre Ensemble and Fell Foss Theatre join forces to present a brand-new production staged across all three sites: the Workhouse Museum, the Police and Prison Museum, and the Courthouse.
Step into the gripping true story of Elisha and John Sinkler, Yorkshire brothers born into a gamekeeping family who turned to poaching and paid the ultimate price. Follow their journey across the moors of Nidderdale, their clashes with the law, and their brutal punishment: transportation to Australia. Witness their desperate fight to return home not once, but twice.
This powerful performance also brings to light the struggles of those left behind the women who endured hardship and a fight for survival in their absence. This immersive promenade theatre experience breathes life into the forgotten voices of 19th-century Yorkshire.
Don’t miss this extraordinary story told in extraordinary spaces.
Due to the nature of the venues, ticketing will be used to manage numbers at each stage of the story.
All ticket purchasers end up at the Workhouse Museum for refreshments after the show.

1.30-4.30pm – Rotation #1 – Prison & Police Museum, Courthouse, Workhouse Museum Book Now
2-4.30pm – Rotation #2 – Courthouse, Prison & Police Museum, Workhouse Museum Book Now
5-8pm – Rotation #3 – Prison & Police Museum, Courthouse, Workhouse Museum Book Now
5.30-8pm – Rotation #4 – Prison & Police Museum, Courthouse, Workhouse Museum Book Now

Age guide 10+

The Beloved Son
2025-07-01 19:30 | Ripon Cathedral, Minster Road,, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom
A moving solo performance by Andrew Harrison, exploring hope and longing, family dynamics, sexual and emotional crisis, and the profound insights of a man who became one of the greatest spiritual writers of the 20th century.
Henri Nouwen (1932 – 1996) was a Dutch, Catholic priest, psychologist, and professor who reached the heights of academic success before abandoning everything to join the community of L’Arche, in Toronto. He became part of a life-sharing movement, seeking to make known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities, exploring their unique talents and creating a welcoming home of friendship and belonging. To some Henri Nouwen put his brilliant career into reverse, risking the loss of reputation, to others his life was a prophetic challenge to church and society.
Age guide 14+
Performed by Andrew Harrison
Written by Murray Watts
Presented in partnership with Ripon Cathedral
Tuesday 1st July
Tickets £14

In preparation for the Festival performance of The Beloved Son, Ripon Cathedral will be hosting two evening discussion groups to explore the life, core themes and writings of Henri Nouwen. The discussions will be led by Rev Dr Rod and Mrs Jan Allon-Smith. Both discussions groups will take place at Thorpe Prebend House. All welcome.
Discovering Nouwen 1: The Return of the Prodigal Son
Tuesday 13 May, 7.30-9pm
Discovering Nouwen 2: Life of the Beloved
Thursday 12 June, 7.30-9pm
To register your interest & book places for the discussions, please contact the Cathedral Office on CathedralAdmin@riponcathedral.org.uk or phone 01765 603462

Mangoes on the Beach
2025-07-02 15:00 - 16:10 | St Mary Magdalen’s (Leper Chapel), Magdalen's Road, Ripon, HG4 1HT, United Kingdom
Love.. Loss.. Separation.. and the ties that bind a family.
1937. India is still under British rule, and in a small village in the north a ten year old boy dreams of a better life. A life free from the shackles of the caste system which has imprisoned his family for as long as anyone can remember.
RTF Storyteller in Residence, Peter Chand, takes the story of his parents’ journey from the Punjab to England in the 1950s and weaves it with traditional Indian folk talks. A moving, witty and thoughtful tribute to a generation, delivered by one of Europe’s most accomplished storytellers.
“He’s a bridge between two cultures and two generations… I was spellbound” Kim Normanton, Loftus ​Productions for BBC Radio 4
Age guide 14+
Tickets £12 include Flavours of India bun and tea from Realitea, Ripon’s own Indian tearoom.
Supported by Ripon Rotary Club
Wednesday 2nd July, 3pm
Tickets: £14

Third Class - A Titanic Story
2025-07-02 20:00 | Ripon Arts Hub, 49 Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
“The White Star Line merged itself out of existence. Those clever little educated boys.” A one-man theatre show based on the life of Titanic survivor, Edward Dorking.
Edward was gay. Openly gay, and on Wednesday, April 10th, 1912, he set sail for NYC on a ticket bought for him by his parents in the hope his American family could put him ‘right’.
THIRD CLASS charts Edward’s journey from boarding the Titanic to swimming for 30 minutes towards an already full collapsible lifeboat and how he, upon arriving in New York, would tour the Vaudeville circuit, recreating the stories for a fact-hungry public.
But Edward didn’t want fame; he wanted revenge. When everyone was talking about the deaths of millionaires and society figures, few were discussing the people who took the lion’s share of the losses that night: the third class.
Edward was coming for the upper classes.
Using music, movement, projection, and historical facts, THIRD CLASS tells the story of an unknown hero from a well-known story.
Written and performed by Russell Lucas
Age guide 12+
Tickets £14

Walking and Writing City and Country
2025-07-03 11:00 - 15:00 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
‘Ripon…has not only an agreeable situation on a rising ground between two rivers, but the marketplace is the finest and most beautiful square that is to be seen of its kind in England’ Daniel Defoe 1724-6
Wetlands and rivers, canals and monasteries, monuments and follies; the city of Ripon is an inspirational landscape that has attracted creatives such as Daniel Defoe, poet Wilfred Owen and produced writers such as the suffragette, Naomi Jacobs.
Join acclaimed writer Mary-Jane Holmes on this four-hour walk-and-create writing workshop in and around Ripon. As we stroll its snickets and paths, we will reflect on how our experience of environments shapes us and how by harnessing our powers of deep observation in relation to our surroundings, we can develop a more active way of seeing the world we inhabit.
This workshop will combine ‘attentive’ walking, a performance of poetic works and fun writing exercises. It is open to everyone whether you are a seasoned writer of any genre be that playwriting or poetry, fiction or memoir or simply curious about the creative writing process.
Mary-Jane Holmes has garnered many awards including winning the Bridport Poetry prize, the Writer’s Digest poetry competition, the Live Canon Pamphlet Prize, Bath Novella-in-Flash Prize, Mslexia Flash prize.
This walk will be repeated on Saturday 4 October as part of Ripon Poetry Festival
Walk begins at the obelisk in Ripon Market Place.
Notepads and pencils are provided but do bring a pack lunch and dress appropriately for the weather!
Dogs are NOT allowed at this activity.
Age guide 14+
Tickets: £20

Mrs Churchill - My Life with Winston
2025-07-03 19:30 | Ripon Arts Hub, 49 Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
Winston Churchill is arguably one of the most famous Englishmen that has ever lived. His inspirational leadership helped win the Second World War, and his parliamentary career of 62 years ensured he was responsible for many momentous decisions. What of Clementine, his wife for 56 years?
They say that behind every great man, there is a great woman. Was this true in Churchill’s case? Did he bully her like he did so many other people? Was he as grumpy and irascible at home as he often was in the House of Commons? Given his strength and conviction, did Clem have any influence on him at all? Or was she ‘the little lady at home’? Winston himself said, “my most brilliant achievement was my ability to be able to persuade my wife to marry me.”
Liz Grand, whose portrayal of Agatha Christie wowed RTF audiences in 2023, returns with her latest superb, sensitive and informative portrayal.
“Her finest hour.” Showtime
Event sponsored by Specsavers, Ripon
Tickets £14

Anansi & the Lost Sun
2025-07-04 11:30 - 12:30, 2025-07-04 13:30 - 14:30 | Holy Trinity Church, Kirkby Road, Ripon, HG4 2EY, United Kingdom
An inspiring and entertaining West African tale mixing puppetry and traditional music.
One day darkness covers the face of the land. Lion appeals for someone to bring back the light and save the world. Who will succeed? The powerful Eagle? The clever Monkey? Or Anansi the Spider and his mates?
Presented by Swallows Wing Puppetry.
“Carolene is a captivating storyteller. Our Year 2s were gripped and older students fascinated by the use of materials to tell stories”
Presented with school groups in mind, but all welcome.
​Group tickets for schools’ groups also available. Contact tina@ripontheatrefestival.org if you ​would like to bring a school group.
The show with introduction lasts approximately 60 minutes.
Ticket Price: £5

Spy Movie: The Play!
2025-07-04 20:00 - 22:00 | Ripon Arts Hub, 49 Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
Agent Blonde has 24 hours to save the world. The only things standing in her way are dastardly villains, an outrageous plot, and… a lack of funding. When Hollywood rejects her script, a frustrated screenwriter invites you, an audience of producers, to a one-night-only presentation of The Greatest Spy Movie (n)Ever Made! From two of the minds behind The New Musketeers (Trinity Theatre) and stars of The Play That Goes Wrong and Peter Pan Goes Wrong, Spy Movie: The Play! is a new hilarious homage to Bond movies and fringe theatre suitable for the whole family.
“Rollickingly funny.. our faces were aching with how much we were smiling.”
Presented by Norwich Theatre and Albert Cabbage
Age guide 12+
Running time: Approximately two hours including an interval.
Friday 4 July, 8pm.
Tickets £14

Short and Sweet Yorkshire Showcase
2025-07-05 17:00 - 18:20 | Ripon Arts Hub, 49 Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
Get ready for an electrifying showcase of Yorkshire’s finest up-and-coming talent as the Short and Sweet Yorkshire Festival Finalists take to the stage at Ripon Festival 2025! This special event celebrates the very best in local new writing, with a diverse line up spanning theatre, spoken word, and music.
Short and Sweet Yorkshire is an annual festival of 10 minute new writing with previous finalists showcased here for you. Expect a thrilling mix of 10 minute genres and styles, from thought-provoking drama to laugh-out-loud comedy, and from heartfelt storytelling to bold, boundary-pushing performances.
Featuring homegrown talent from across Yorkshire, this is a chance to see fresh, original work from the region’s most exciting emerging artists.
Don’t miss the new wave of creative voices bringing their passion and talent to Ripon Festival, 10 minutes at a time!
Age guide 16+
Ticket Price: £7

The Wind in the Willows
2025-07-05 17:30 | Ripon Races
Mole yearns to explore the wide world. Gruff old Badger enjoys peace and quiet. And Rat likes picnics and just messing about in boats. Their idyllic lives on the Riverbank are turned upside down when Toad, bewitched by the roar of an engine and the screech of burning tyres, pursues his latest in a long line of extravagant obsessions: a fast, red motor-car. Multiple award-winning Illyria celebrates Kenneth Grahame’s timeless tale of friendship, laughter, the longing for home and the lure of adventure. Enjoy it all summer across the UK where the story is set: in the great British outdoors.
By Kenneth Grahame. Adapted by Oliver Grey. Presented by Illyria.
Running time: 100-minutes (approximately), including a 20-minute interval.
Suitable for: Ages 5+ (younger children also welcome)Sponsored by Elstob Auctioneers
Please bring your own rug or folding chairs (but no umbrellas!), picnics welcome.
Dogs are NOT allowed at the performance.
Performance continues regardless of weather.
Saturday 5 July, 5.30pm
Tickets £11.00 – £17.00

Almost Austen
2025-07-05 20:00 | Ripon Arts Hub, 49 Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
Catherine is a modern girl in love with Jane Austen’s world. She can’t believe her luck when she meets her very own Mr Tilney.
Through passages from Northanger Abbey, songs from musicals and operatic classics, singer Louise Geller relates Catherine’s romantic ups and downs as real life and fantasy collide.
Following a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024, celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday festival-style. ‘A must for any Janeite’
Age guide 12+
Saturday 5 July, 8pm.
Tickets £14

A Midsummer Night's Dream
2025-07-06 19:00 - 21:30 | The Old Deanery, Minster Road,, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom
It’s Midsummer’s eve and deep in an enchanted forest mischief is stirring. The Fairy King and Queen are feuding, four runaway lovers are tying themselves in knots, and a troupe of quite appalling actors are preparing a theatrical extravaganza destined to impress. With shapeshifting trouble-maker Puck at the helm, the course of true love never did run smooth.
One of the UK’s leading open-air touring companies, Three Inch Fools, bring their fresh and lively style of music, history, and hilarity to Shakespeare’s most iconic comedy.
Staged in the gardens of Ripon’s most exclusive venue, The Old Deanery – this finale event is a guaranteed highlight of the 2025 festival.
Suitable for ages 7+
Gates open 6.15pm
Please bring your own rug or folding chairs (but no umbrellas!).
Picnics welcome but please respect our hosts by purchasing all drinks at the bar.
Dogs are NOT allowed at the performance.
Performance continues regardless of weather.
Running time approx 120 mins including 20 minute interval
Sunday 6 July, 7pm
Tickets: £20

Walking and Writing City and Country
2025-10-04 11:00 - 15:00 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
‘Ripon…has not only an agreeable situation on a rising ground between two rivers, but the marketplace is the finest and most beautiful square that is to be seen of its kind in England’ Daniel Defoe 1724-6
Wetlands and rivers, canals and monasteries, monuments and follies; the city of Ripon is an inspirational landscape that has attracted creatives such as Daniel Defoe, poet Wilfred Owen and produced writers such as the suffragette, Naomi Jacobs.
Join acclaimed writer Mary-Jane Holmes on this four-hour walk-and-create writing workshop in and around Ripon. As we stroll its snickets and paths, we will reflect on how our experience of environments shapes us and how by harnessing our powers of deep observation in relation to our surroundings, we can develop a more active way of seeing the world we inhabit.
This workshop will combine ‘attentive’ walking, a performance of poetic works and fun writing exercises. It is open to everyone whether you are a seasoned writer of any genre be that playwriting or poetry, fiction or memoir or simply curious about the creative writing process.
Mary-Jane Holmes has garnered many awards including winning the Bridport Poetry prize, the Writer’s Digest poetry competition, the Live Canon Pamphlet Prize, Bath Novella-in-Flash Prize, Mslexia Flash prize.
A Ripon Poetry Festival event.
Walk begins at the obelisk in Ripon Market Place
Notepads and pencils are provided but do bring a pack lunch and dress appropriately for the weather!
Dogs are NOT allowed at this activity.
Age guide 14+
Tickets: £20

Fixing: Launch Event 2026
2026-03-27 19:30 - 22:00 | Ripon Arts Hub, 49 Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
When Matt was little, their dad bought a classic car. A 1952 Sunbeam Talbot Mark II. Dad had ideas that he and Matt would do it up, repair, rebuild together. They never did, and the car festered in a garage.
I mean, Dad had just been through a divorce.
Now in their 30’s, Matt would like to learn how to fix a car engine. They’d like to learn a bit more about Dad, and that time, when Dad and Mum split up. The time when Matt and Dad were closest.
Matt can’t do this alone, which is tricky for a solo show. That’s where Matt’s drag alter-ego Natalie Spanner comes in. She knows all about things that girls like Natalie know about. Like how to build an engine. About maintenance, care and repair.
Together, Matt and Natalie will try to ask, in an increasingly broken world, how might we repair ourselves, together?
A drag show about family break ups, car breakdowns, and how to get over them.
“Delightful . . . a novel collision between queer culture and mechanics” – The Guardian
“Charming and often very funny look at fractured family life” – The Stage
Presented to launch the 2026 Ripon Theatre Festival. Tickets include a glass of bubbly, information about forthcoming festival events and refreshments courtesy of Valentino’s.
Friday 27 March. Doors and refreshments from 7pm, event starts 7.30pm.
Tickets £17

Tributaries
2026-07-04 16:30 - 17:30, 2026-07-04 19:30 - 20:30 | Workhouse Museum, Sharow View, Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LE, United Kingdom
A celebration of one of Yorkshire’s Rivers: the River Yore as told by Fell-Foss Theatre and the people of Ripon and Wensleydale, with the Dales Countryside Museum and Ripon Workhouse Museum.
The culmination of a project along the river’s watercourse, creating theatre from the head of the dales to its cathedral city. Discover the spirit of the river and its importance to those who have lived along its banks through the ages. Explore history, folklore and the current challenges facing the health of our rivers.
Tributaries promises to be a rich theatrical event, with music, poetry, Greek choruses, a giant and a kelpie!
Outdoor seating (chairs provided). Come dressed for the weather (no umbrellas or dogs please).
A collaboration with the Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust’s Rivers4Life project, supported by Dales Countryside Museum & Ripon Workhouse Museum. Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players.
Performances at 4.30pm & 7.30pm
Running time 60 mins
Age Guide 8+
Tickets £5

Outcast
2026-07-05 13:30 - 16:00 | Starts Leper Chapel, ends Ripon Arts Hub, Magdalen's Road, Ripon, HG4 1HT
Please note – this theatre experience starts at The Leper Chapel and ends at Ripon Arts Hub – details below.
Join writers Paul Mills and Andy Croft in the atmospheric surroundings of the Leper Chapel to tune in to a little-known period of the Middle Ages – The Anarchy. They will share the context and history underpinning their new play examining the lives of individuals living with leprosy. Set in Medieval Ripon, Outcast explores a range of political and social themes that still resonate in the present including poverty, control and environmental collapse.
Following the writers’ introduction, selected scenes will brought to life in a workshop performance at the Arts Hub. A small group of professional actors will have been working intensively with Director Kate Veysey for just a few hours on selected scenes from the play.
Staging will be minimal; the emotions and issues raised will not! Your response and reflections will help the writers to shape the future direction of the piece.
Writers, Andy and Paul were instrumental in the establishment and development of Ripon Poetry Festival. Both are well known for their poetry and work in the theatre.
Out of Character Theatre Company, an innovative York-based charity and theatre ensemble comprised of artists and performers who have lived experience of mental ill health, will provide the cast for the workshop performance. Founded in 2009, the company uses theatre to challenge mental health stigma, promote social inclusion, and provide creative pathways for recovery.
Read more about this exciting project in our News Post.
Age Guide 12+
Tickets £10

Comb
2026-07-05 15:00 - 16:15, 2026-07-05 18:00 - 19:15 | St Mary Magdalen’s (Leper Chapel), Magdalen's Road, Ripon, HG4 1HT, United Kingdom
When Charlotte was a child her Grandad told her the beginning of a story but refused to tell the full tale. Years later a chance encounter led her to find the rest of his story buried deep within an archive gathered from families in Ireland. Not only did she discover this unbelievable link to her past but also the more startling realisation that she might actually be cursed.
At times chilling, hilarious and moving Comb is a lament for the stories and people we have lost. Through a tangled ride into Celtic, Slavic and Siberian folklore, it is a clarion call for understanding just how interwoven we all are.

Charlotte tells stories in theatres, clubs, on the street and around campfires. She is drawn to the place where mythology, folklore, history, science and the everyday meet. Also a circus performer and Artistic Director of leading contemporary circus company Ockham’s Razor, Charlotte has developed a unique, highly physical style. She disentangles tales of power and transformation and asks how do we make sense of the stories we have.
Performances at 3pm & 6pm
Age Guide 12+
Tickets £10

Jord
2026-07-05 15:00 - 19:00 | St Mary Magdalen’s (Leper Chapel), Magdalen's Road, Ripon, HG4 1HT, United Kingdom
Jord explores our fascination and obsession with women staying young and delaying ageing. What happens if we ask for eternal youth? Our bodies and minds turned to stone, preserved in that moment in time?
Jord visits Mother Shipton to request her petrifying abilities to turn her age into stone and preserve her youth. Jord will use live music, poetry and storytelling to question and challenge this obsession. This show has been developed through extensive research into Knaresborough’s own Mother Shipton and has looked at her story through a modern lens.
Jord will use live music, poetry and storytelling to question and challenge this obsession.
Presented as a Work in Progress with a fascinating post-show discussion opportunity, the audience will help feed the development of this show.
Imogen is an actor-musician and theatre-maker originally from North Yorkshire. Her style of work uses folk music and folk stories to talk about female experience in the modern day. Imogen’s work is rooted in co-creation and community engagement, especially with rural or disadvantaged communities.
Age Guide 12+
This is a Pay What You Can Event (PWYC). Suggested price £8. Donations to the Festival will also be welcomed. Thank you.
Tickets – PWYC

Service Please
2026-07-06 18:30 - 20:00 | The Water Rat Restaurant and Bar, 24 Bondgate Green, Ripon, HG4 1QW, United Kingdom
Lara, a hopeful but insecure creative writing graduate, is trying to write the next best-selling fantasy romance novel. There’s only one thing standing in her way: her casual waitressing job that keeps the money coming in.
Unprepared for the stressful and chaotic reality of working in the service industry, can Lara keep her sanity and get her big writing break, or will she crumble under the pressure of under-staffed shifts, creepy comments and customers who say their only food allergies are women…?
A sharp and pacy monologue served up with humour and honesty.
Service Please is the debut play from North Yorkshire-based actor and director Connie Peel. Connie champions female voices and diverse working-class stories in her written work. She has worked as an assistant director for York-based companies Badapple Theatre and Next Door But One.
“Heart-breaking and unflinchingly relatable” The Nerd Party
The Water Rat’s famous Yorkshire Sharing Platters will be served after the performance – pre-book your platter when booking your ticket.
Vegetarian option available.
Age Guide 14+ – Strong language used
Tickets £12
*Show & Supper deal for 2 available*

The Essence of Audrey - Cancelled
2026-07-07 14:30 - 15:30 | Ripon Arts Hub, 49 Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
We regret that this performance has been cancelled. We hope to reschedule the event at a future time.
Audrey Hepburn. All she really wanted was to be loved and to find love. She was, and continues to be, an inspiration. A beautiful, modest actress, and Ambassador of UNICEF living a seemingly idyllic life.
Audrey proved to be one of those rare people who truly deserved ‘fashion icon’ status, but what made her into the star we think we know?
Writer and performer Helen Anker shares Audrey’s successes and failures, her triumphs and disappointments, confronting her anxieties and fears and finding the truth she’s never been able to voice before.
Helen Anker has been treading the boards since the age of 9, playing roles in West End productions, on Broadway, and in numerous regional productions. She has recently toured internationally as Tanya in Mamma Mia! and as Cynthia Murphy in Dear Evan Hansen.
“Fascinating, interesting, wonderful. Don’t miss it!” Maureen Lipman
Sponsored by Ripon Rowels Rotary Club

Incidents in the Life of an Anglican Slave
2026-07-07 19:30 - 21:00 | Ripon Cathedral, Minster Road,, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom
Incidents is inspired by a letter written in 1723 from an anonymous enslaved Virginian to the archbishop of London, asking the archbishop, and vicariously King George, to “releese us out of this cruell bondegg”. It is thought to be the earliest written plea for freedom from slavery in the British Empire.
The extraordinary 1723 letter is housed at Lambeth Palace Library. Three centuries on, the play brings the enslaved Virginian to life, to address, finally, the likely intended recipient of the letter: the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Written and performed by London-based writer and researcher, Desirée Baptiste, this play has been performed at Chester Cathedral, Jesus College Cambridge, Lambeth Palace Library, the Edinburgh Fringe, All Souls, Oxford, and other venues in the UK and overseas, including in Barbados.
Q & A with Desiree following the performance.
Presented in partnership with Ripon Cathedral.
Age Guide 14+
Tickets £15
*Evening multi-buy deal available*

The Wakeman Mummers
2026-07-08 16:00 - 20:00 | Ripon City Centre (Various locations), Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
Formed to celebrate the 1100 anniversary of Ripon’s City Charter, the Wakeman Mummers are celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2026. Reviving a tradition which goes back many centuries, the “St Wilfrid Play” will be repeated around 5 of Ripon’s hostelries by a colourful band of performers and musicians telling, simply and with humour, the story of King Alfred’s granting of the Charter in 886AD.
Come along to your local pub and share the tradition.
Approximate timings:
The Magdalens – 4pm
The One Eyed Rat – 4.45pm
The Unicorn (Wetherspoons’) – 5.30pm
The Royal Oak/Kirkgate – 6.15pm
South Lodge – 7.15pm
Age guide 12+
FREE EVENT – just turn up!

Red
2026-07-08 19:30 - 21:10 | Ripon Arts Hub, 49 Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
International cabaret siren Amber Topaz brings you a brand new, classy, sassy, fabulous musical revue, celebrating redheaded musical theatre stars of stage and screen. A delicious cocktail of Old Hollywood glamour, West End and Broadway classics.
Full to the brim with iconic show-stopping numbers, honouring these formidable flame-haired trailblazers that have shaped musical theatre herstory.
From the golden era of Hollywood to the bright lights of Vegas. Embodying legendary artists such as Rita Hayworth, Bette Midler, Bernadette Peters, Shirley MacLaine, Gwen Verdon and many more.
Amber has worked her unique magic across the globe, delivering a triple treat of song, dance, and comedy. As a teenager, she left her Yorkshire roots behind to move to London and enter the world of cabaret and burlesque. Whether frivolous or thought-provoking, Amber is always, unmistakably, fabulous.
“Amber Topaz is an explosion of charisma and stage presence unmatched between music and song, comedy and seduction.” GQ
“Cabaret Icon” The List
Age Guide 10+
Tickets £15
*Evening multi-buy deal available*
