Comb
2026-07-05 18:00 - 19:15 UTC | 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

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*

Batty!
2026-07-09 20:00 - 21:35 | Ripon Arts Hub, 49 Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
Have you got a wild side?
Batty has, she dreams of running barefoot, wild swimming, of talking trees, strange animals and the scent of the seasons turning.
In fact she’s starting to wonder if she might be a witch…

Join Batty and her companion Wildthing for gossip, gay abandon, exquisite tenderness and raucous stories (with a side order of ranting), as they explore the magic and power of ageing.
This new production from Victoria Firth & Company explores the wildness – as opposed to madness – of women, and how our feral side can reconnect us to ourselves and our environment.
The show will be followed by an audience Q&A with the company.
Victoria Firth & Company is a contemporary dance theatre company led by choreographer and director Victoria Firth. Based in the UK, the company creates visually striking and emotionally resonant performance work that blends contemporary dance, physical theatre, and storytelling.
“Sincere, frequently funny and a reminder that there is much more to mid-life than hot flushes.” The Scotsman
THIS PERFORMANCE WILL BE BSL INTERPRETED
Sponsored by Dr Frances Cole & Dr Judith Hooper
Age Guide 14+
Tickets £15
*Evening multi-buy deal available*

Stitch in Time
2026-07-10 14:30 - 15:30 | Allhallowgate Methodist Church & Halls, Victoria Grove, Ripon, HG4 1LG, United Kingdom
Excitement! Drama! Romance! And… knitting?
An award-winning cabaret of the “lost” knitting songs of WWI and WWII from Canada, Britain, America, and France. Feel free to bring your knitting (or crochet) and stitch along to these funny, poignant, toe-tapping, needle-clicking tunes. Come out and have a ball!
During the two World Wars, millions of women knit for the soldiers. Popular music often reflected the trends of the time, and mere days after the first bullet was fired, dozens of knitting-themed songs started to appear. These songs ranged from heartfelt, sentimental ballads, to brisk marches, to novelty tunes that offered a humorous, tongue-in-cheek look at the wartime knitting craze).
After the wars these songs were essentially lost, and this concert is the first time that many of them have been performed in 100 years. Some of the songs were very close to disappearing forever, and with Stitch in Time, this music — a clever, sweet and entertaining footnote in history — has been preserved, and given a chance to live again.
Presented by Canadian soprano Melanie Gall, a writer, theatre historian, and internationally-acclaimed vocalist, whose solo performance career has spanned from Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall in New York to Royal Albert Hall in London.
Refreshments served after the show – donations to Ripon Community Poppy Project
Age Guide 10+
Tickets £12
*Matinee multi-buy deal available*

One Man Poe
2026-07-10 20:00 - 22:15 | Ripon Arts Hub, 49 Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
Renowned as the ‘Godfather of Gothic Horror’, Edgar Allan Poe was a pioneer in establishing the horror genre. Although his works are nearly 200 years old, Poe’s stories have stood the test of time and have inspired a countless number of horror writers. Using Poe’s original text from the 1840s, award-winning storyteller Stephen Smith faithfully brings to life four timeless tales live on stage:
The Tell-Tale Heart is an insight into the mind of a madman, convincing us he is sane.
The Pit and the Pendulum follows a prisoner of the dreaded Spanish Inquisition, undergoing various mental and physical tortures.
The Black Cat documents an alcoholic confessing his heinous crimes on the eve of his death.
The Raven is the poem that made Poe famous – a mysterious midnight visit from an ominous talking raven.
Winner of The Derek Award for ‘Best Overall Show’ at Edinburgh Fringe 2025, One Man Poe is produced by four-time OFFIE Award-winning theatre company Threedumb Theatre, bringing Poe’s work to life as never before.
Praise for this production:
“Captivating… I could not have been more wowed by this ‘marathon of the macabre’” ★★★★★ The National Scot
“Powerfully moving… This show quite literally took my breath away… Unmissable!” ★★★★★ Everything Theatre
“A compelling and repelling experience” ★★★★★ MyTheatreMates
“Edgar Allan Poe himself would love this powerful performance” ★★★★★ The Derek Awards
“Awe-inspiring… An incredibly gripping and enthralling evening” ★★★★★ North West End
“The definitive Fringe interpretation of these already much-loved works” ★★★★★ The Wee Review
“A captivating night of terror, guilt, grief and murder most foul… A must-see” ★★★★★ Broadway Baby
Age Guide 12+
Tickets £15
*Evening multi-buy deal available*

Peelers on the Prowl
2026-07-11 11:00 - 11:45 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
Ripon Museums Theatre Group presents Peelers on the Prowl
The return of the Workhouse Walkabouts. Come and meet Ripon’s overworked Peelers as they deal with drunks and ne’er-do-wells and maybe chase a thief or poacher through the streets.
FREE EVENT
11am-11.45am Kirkgate
1-1.45pm Kirkgaate

Short + Sweet Pop-Ups
2026-07-11 12:15 - 13:00 | The Portly Pig, 5b Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PA, United Kingdom
Short + Sweet Yorkshire is an annual festival of 10 minute new writing with participants showcased here at Ripon Theatre Festival. Enjoy four of the best short pieces from up-and-coming writers.
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 14+
A FREE event – donations encouraged at the door.

Stage Combat for the Fearless
2026-07-11 12:30 - 13:30 | Allhallowgate Methodist Church & Halls, Victoria Grove, Ripon, HG4 1LG, United Kingdom
Inspired by the swashbuckling Three Musketeers or the street fights in Romeo and Juliet? Learn the secrets behind the action in a fun and active session including safe techniques for punches, slaps, and falls.
Session led by performers and facilitators from Yorkshire CREATE. Based in Knaresborough, Yorkshire CREATE is an arts organisation dedicated to making creativity accessible to all. They deliver inclusive arts opportunities that support wellbeing, build confidence, and empower people of all ages and backgrounds to express themselves through creative activity.
No previous experience necessary.
Participants must be aged 12+ & under 16s accompanied by an adult.
All Participation Zone events are Pay What You Can Events (PWYC). You can just turn up, but places are limited so advance booking is recommended. You are encouraged to choose a small amount to pay on booking your place then consider donating to the Festival at the end of the session. Thank you!

Peelers on the Prowl
2026-07-11 13:00 - 13:45 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
Ripon Museums present Peelers on the Prowl
The return of the Workhouse Walkabouts. Come and meet Ripon’s overworked Peelers as they deal with drunks and ne’er-do-wells and maybe chase a thief or poacher through the streets.
FREE EVENT
11.00am 11.45am Kirkgate
1.00-1.45pm Kirkgate

Yorkshire CREATE - Orpheus
2026-07-11 14:00 - 14:30 | Minster Gardens, Minster Road,, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom
Yorkshire CREATE presents Orpheus
Yorkshire CREATE is a Knaresborough-based arts organisation dedicated to making creativity accessible to all. They deliver inclusive arts opportunities that support well-being, build confidence, and empower people of all ages and backgrounds to express themselves through creative activity.
This youth performance of the new musical Orpheus showcases young talent re-imagining a timeless myth. The production will be presented at Edinburgh Fringe in August.
FREE EVENT
2.00-2.30pm Minster Gardens

The Three Musketeers
2026-07-11 17:30 - 19:45 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom
All for One – and One for All! Alexandre Dumas wrote five Musketeers novels, the first appearing in 1844. They have enjoyed enormous popularity worldwide and are not just textbook examples of the Historical Romance but also hilarious pastiches of that genre. This one, the first, remains the greatest.
Young D’Artagnan is desperate to join Athos, Porthos and Aramis as an elite Musketeer of the King’s Guard. To prove himself he plunges headlong into a thrilling adventure to retrieve the Queen’s jewels, race the clock to restore Her Majesty’s honour, survive the machinations of scheming Cardinal Richelieu, and cross swords with the deadly Milady de Winter. Set against a sweeping panorama of 17th century France at war, it’s a whirlwind of excitement, comedy and ingenious storytelling. Romance! Intrigue! Murder! Betrayal! Revenge…! It’s got the lot!
With a reputation for staging some of the finest swordplay in the business Illyria’s The Three Musketeers promises to be more dazzling than ever!
The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas, adapted by Oliver Gray
Age Guide 8+ (younger children also welcome)
Play contains scenes of peril, politics and passion! Younger children welcome, if they’re brave enough…
Please bring fold up garden chairs, camping chairs or blankets. People on blankets will be advised to sit in the first 5 metres in front of the stage.
You are welcome to bring a picnic to the event. Refreshments will also be available from The Cafe in the Park. Pick up a gorgeous takeaway couscous salad (pre-orders encouraged – email cafeinthepark@gmail.com)
Dogs are NOT allowed at the performance.
Performance continues regardless of weather, please come dressed for the weather, but no umbrellas please.
Performance begins at 5.30pm, gates open at 4.45pm.
Sponsored by Elstob Auctioneers
Tickets £11-18

Down to Chance
2026-07-11 20:00 - 21:10 | Ripon Arts Hub, 49 Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
One woman, a radio, and the largest earthquake in US History.
Anchorage, Alaska. 1964. A part-time radio reporter, her teenage intern, a general on leave, and a local hobbyist find themselves at the centre of a remarkable relief effort. Genie Chance, live on air, must take unimaginable risks to save her community and family from chaos.
Based on the incredible true story of the Great Alaskan Earthquake, Down to Chance is a heart-warming portrait of a community in crisis with the whole world listening in.

Straight from selling out the Edinburgh Fringe, this 5-star, ‘deftly staged thriller’ (The Stage) lands in Ripon this Summer.
Maybe You Like It’s madcap new show promises frenetic action, frantic multi-roling, and immersive live sound in this ‘love letter to the golden age of radio’ (The Scotsman).
Down to Chance was developed with support from Theatre Royal Plymouth and The Pleasance for The Edinburgh National Partnerships Programme.
“Simply the best show I’ve seen this year.” UK Theatre Web
“Deftly staged thriller” (The Stage)
Age Guide 12+
Tickets £15
*Evening multi-buy deal available*

Big Family Weekend: Sunday
2026-07-12 10:00 - 16:00 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom
Fun for all the family across Ripon Spa Gardens and at the Little Bird Artisan Market on the Market Place.
Open-air theatre, walkabout acts, Punch and Judy and joining-in fun, plus music, stories and dance from community groups. Bring a picnic to the park and stay all day or browse the market whilst being entertained.
Join us for a full day of fun, starting at 10am
All events are FREE.
For the full programme with timings and locations visit Sunday’s schedule.

The Crow House
A derelict house appears in the middle of the street. The windows are shattered and a Keep Out sign bars the front door. Three captivating and multiskilled performers use aerial, acrobatics, live music and slap-stick comedy to battle the furious crow who has taken up residency. Who will win? Presented by Circo Rumbaba.

The Soapsud Sisters
‘Here come the girls!’ Pair up your socks, dig out your delicates, separate your silks, it’s laundry time! Join our bubbly beauties as they take you for a spin through a washing cycle like no other.
Presented by Rhubarb Theatre Company

Kismat Walla
Thingumajig Theatre, who have performed A la Puppet Carte and Kit and Caboodle at previous Ripon Theatre Festivals, return with their new street theatre puppet show. Kismat Walla captures the bustling atmosphere of South Asian market streets in this two-person play set on and around a magical rairi (cart) telling a puppet plays about fate, fortune and serendipity.

Punch and Judy
Traditional show with beautiful hand-carved wooden puppets. Fast-moving and funny. Old-fashioned entertainment for everyone.
Presented by Ron Wood from Jolly Good Productions.

Rubbish Shakespeare: Romeo & Juliet
Enemies. Balconies. Kissing… SAUSAGE ROLLS!!?? Three hapless idiots perform Shakespeare’s famous tragedy using nothing but tatty wigs and a burst airbed they found by the bins. Clowning, slapstick, and mischievous storytelling. This isn’t boring Shakespeare – it’s bonkers!

Frankie Magilligan
With his incredible smile and impeccable fashion sense, Frankie will leave you in stitches with his hilarious antics and incredible juggling skills. And if that wasn’t enough, he’ll be performing on the tallest unicycle in Ireland. The perfect combination of skill, humour, and style – Frankie will have you on the edge of your seat. Presented by Tall Paul.

Participation Zone
Dive into a vibrant day of theatre-inspired creativity, including mask-making, myths and more. Across four artist-led sessions (10–11am, 11:30am–12:30pm, 1–2pm and 2:30–3:30pm) plus two self-guided drop-in activities running 10am–4pm, families can explore hands-on crafts inside or alongside our dedicated tent space. Presented in partnership with Yorkshire CREATE.

Little Bird Artisan Market
More than just shopping. It’s a vibrant showcase of quality goods crafted by independent producers and artisans. And on Festival Sunday it’s extra special, with a performance area scheduled with acts from 10am-3pm. Have a break from browsing the stalls -pull up a deck chair and enjoy the entertainment.

Plus a line-up of community performers from across the region, including:

Cricket on the Hearth
Open the Book
Orb Community Arts
Medusa Gothic Morris
Ripon Dance Academy
Ripon Goes to Bollywood
Ripon Trinity Singers
Ripon Walled Garden
Slubbing Billy’s Morris
St Aelred’s Irish Dance

Sound Board
2026-07-12 11:15 - 12:00, 2026-07-12 14:00 - 14:45 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom
Sound Board
Zest Theatre
It starts with a conversation. Where it ends? That’s up to you.
Part chat show, part game, part live performance – Sound Board has been made especially for young people and their community. Packed with quick-fire debates, playful challenges, and surprising moments of honesty, it’s a show shaped by you in real-time. One moment, you’re playing a game. Next, you could be reflecting, cheering, or celebrating what makes you unique under a shower of confetti.
Put on your headphones, listen in, and see where it takes you. No two Sound Board shows are the same, but each is full of big ideas, bold opinions, and unexpected moments that unfold around you. No scripts, no barriers, no filters – just the energy of right now.
Hosted by professional performers and local young people, this is your space to talk, discover, and connect. Dream big, make some noise, or let things go. However you show up, Sound Board makes sure your voice is heard.
Age Guide: Made for 11-18s but suitable for all.
Every performance will feature integrated Audio Description. A touch tour is available 10 minutes
before the start of each show.
zesttheatre.com/soundboard
FREE EVENT
11.15am-12.00pm Ripon Spa Gardens
2.00-2.45pm Ripon Spa Gardens

The Rubbish Shakespeare Company: Romeo & Juliet
2026-07-12 11:15 - 12:15, 2026-07-12 14:00 - 15:00 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom
Romeo and Juliet
Rubbish Shakespeare Company
Enemies. Balconies. Kissing… SAUSAGE ROLLS!!??
Three hapless idiots perform Shakespeare’s famous tragedy using nothing but tatty wigs and a burst airbed they found by the bins. This frenetic 60 mins of fourth-wall-breaking, ludicrous action features clowning, slapstick, and mischievous storytelling, ensuring everyone from 5 to 105 knows what’s going on!
This isn’t boring Shakespeare – it’s bonkers!
Suitable for ALL AGES!
Described as ‘like Horrible Histories but funnier’ (Primary Times), the ‘delightfully wacky’ Rubbish Shakespeare Company present an anarchically joyous, family-friendly treat.
Featuring clowning, slapstick and mischievously interactive storytelling, this ‘side-splittingly funny’ (The List) tragedy is the perfect introduction to Shakespeare – or even theatre itself!
‘A genius way to bring the Bard to fresh audiences’ West End Best Friend
‘It’s pure rubbish… and you’ll love every minute’ Wee Review
About the performers:
The Rubbish Shakespeare Company (or RubSC, if you’re in a hurry) is a family-friendly theatre company with a passion for Theatre and Creative Education. Their mission is to prove that Shakespeare isn’t rubbish – he’s brilliant, bold, and a bit bonkers – just like them!
It all started in 2007, when three drama graduates from Liverpool John Moores University decided that Shakespeare needed a shake-up. Since then, they’ve toured the UK (and beyond!), turning classrooms and community halls into raucous arenas of rhyme, rhythm, and ridiculousness. What began as a passion project is now a full-blown mission: to make Shakespeare fun, fearless, and fantastically accessible for all.
FREE EVENT
11.15am-12.15pm Ripon Spa Gardens
2.00-3.00pm Ripon Spa Gardens

The Soapsud Sisters
2026-07-12 13:15 - 13:45, 2026-07-12 15:00 - 15:30 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom
‘Here come the girls!’
Pair up your socks, dig out your delicates, separate your silks, it’s laundry time with the magnificent SOAPSUD SISTERS, Rhubarb Theatre’s latest festival show for 2025.
Join our bubbly beauties as they take you for a spin through a washing cycle like no other.
Presented by Rhubarb Theatre Company
About the performers:
Rhubarb Theatre have been RTF regulars since 2023.
Kirsty’s professional acting career began with Pimlico Opera, performing in prisons, schools and on the London Fringe. She trained in the performing arts at Middlesex University and toured to Edinburgh Festival, performing with companies such as Great Eastern Stage.
Returning to Lincolnshire, Kirsty set up Rhubarb Theatre with Philip in 2000, and has since been involved in a huge variety of roles for Rhubarb’s shows and projects – creating, directing, acting, prop & mask making, storytelling, making audio recordings and even writing children’s story books.
Artistic Director, Philip has been treading the boards ever since he can remember, touring with numerous theatre companies and creating Rhubarb Theatre with his partner and fellow performer Kirsty.
As a professional performer, his skills include mask, physical comedy and improvisation. His personal highlights with Rhubarb include becoming the first ever Lincolnshire-based theatre company to be accepted onto the professional Rural Touring Scheme, and travelling to Australia to devise with, and direct, the award-winning theatre company KUSH CABARET which culminated in performances at the prestigious National Museum of Art in Sydney.
FREE EVENT
1.15am-1.45pm Ripon Spa Gardens
3.00-3.30pm Ripon Spa Gardens

Ripon Walled Garden & Jennyruth Workshops - The Big Red Shoes
2026-07-12 14:00 - 14:30 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom
The Big Red Shoes is a playful, participant-built performance created with Ripon Walled Garden, Jennyruth Workshops, and The Art Guild CIC. Using oversized props, movement, humour, and Makaton, it reimagines The Big Red Shoes as a story about pressure, fame, rest, connection, and the joy of dancing together.
Ripon Walled Garden supports adults with learning and physical disabilities through creative activities. They say, “Our members love participating in the theatre festival and love sharing their creativity with new audiences.”
Jennyruth Workshops is a hub of creativity and skills development dedicated to providing meaningful work and opportunities for adults who have learning disabilities.
Project led by Douglas Thompson and Sharon Hockin from The Art Guild:
Douglas is an artist and workshop leader. He helps people make art, drama and creative projects together, bringing people of all ages and abilities together to have fun and learn new skills.
​Douglas teaches creative workshops and helps run local arts events and festivals. He is studying for a PhD in art and disability studies and works to make the arts open to everyone.
Sharon loves art and loves how creating art makes her feel. She loves experimenting and playing with lots of different techniques and materials. She was a teacher and now works with local charities, festivals, community groups and individuals exploring and developing work and ideas. She says “I get a huge buzz out of working with people and hearing what they want to say, that is when the magic truly happens!” Sharon believes in having a voice and knows that art enables you to shout out about what is important to you.

FREE EVENT
2.00-2.30pm Ripon Spa Gardens

The Poetical Life of Philomena McGuiness
2026-07-12 14:30 - 16:00 | Ripon Arts Hub, 49 Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
How will history remember you? As the person you are, or as the person you want to be?
A funny and poignant story of an Irish nurse and poet, based on the true stories from World War II.

It’s 1939 and Philomena McGuinness, an Irish nurse and poet, has been newly recruited for the British war effort. But can one live a life true to the poetry inside them when they are constantly being defined by their role in the war?
Moon Rabbit is an innovative, two-person theatre company specialising in historical one-woman plays. Based in Edinburgh, they have performed their historical one-person shows all across the UK, and onboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 and Queen Anne. The company was founded by Joshua King (playwright and fiction writer) and performer and voice actor, Jasmin Gleeson. Joshua is also co-founder of and writer for theatre company Say It Again, Sorry?
“If you leave this play feeling anything other than touched and inspired, then you are probably not breathing.” Broadway Baby
Sponsored by Specsavers Ripon
Age Guide 12+
Tickets £12
*Matinee multi-buy deal available*

No Strings Attached - A Puppet Cabaret
2026-07-12 20:00 - 21:00 | Ripon Arts Hub, 49 Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
An evening of song and sketches and some surprises, all performed by talented puppets with help from local community performers and Puppet Power North.

Join the Festival Team, friends and volunteers for a fun finish to Festival week.

Puppet Power North (PPN) is led by Mark Edwards who has honed his puppetry skills over the last decade working with amateur societies, schools and youth groups. Mark has been in education for over 35 years and has used puppets throughout his time as an educator. After being inspired through a Noda summer school course he has for the last 10 years developed puppet workshops for young people and adults. For the last 20 years he has directed musicals for a number of local amateur operatic societies. 2024 saw him direct a production of Avenue Q.

Age Guide 10+

Tickets £10

Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet
2026-07-24 19:00 - 21:30 | Ripon Races
Two hearts. One fate. A timeless love reborn.The Duke’s Theatre Company presents Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, a bold reimagining of the iconic tragedy directed by Joseph Pitcher. Pitcher’s acclaimed credits include Gypsy (UK Theatre Award for Best Musical Production) and My Fair Lady at The Mill at Sonning, and Macbeth at the Salomons Theatre, Tunbridge Wells. Returning to the company following Macbeth (2025), this vibrant production also features original music by composer Rob Millett (Rambert Dance Company and The Royal Opera House, The National Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe).

Running time: 120-minutes (approximately), including a 15-minute interval.Suitable for: Ages 7+

Please bring fold up garden chairs, camping chairs or blankets. People on blankets will be advised to sit in the first 5 metres in front of the stage. The production is supported by a PA system, with each actor individually amplified.

You are encouraged to bring a picnic to the event. Hot and cold drinks will also be available to purchase.

Dogs are NOT allowed at the performance.

Performance continues regardless of weather.

Friday 24 July, 7pm

Gates open 6.15pm

Touring venues in North Yorkshire – performances also at Scarborough (Weds 22nd) and Harrogate (Thurs 23rd). See Dukes Theatre Company website for details.

Ticket price (including booking fee) £13.82-£18.43
