Ripon Theatre Festival

The Bachelors of Paradise
2024-07-06 11:00 - 11:30 UTC | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
The most beautiful birds to grace the streets of Ripon this season. Check out their glorious wingspans and gorgeous tailfeathers. Stilt walkers from Full Stilt.
FREE EVENT
Market Place 11-11.30am
Cathedral Forecourt 12.30pm
Kirkgate 2 -2.30pm

Workhouse Walkabouts
2024-07-06 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-07-06 13:15 - 14:00 | Minster Gardens, Minster Road,, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom
FREE EVENT
11am-12noon Minster Gardens
1.15-2pm Minster Gardens

Snakes and Ladders at The Workhouse
2024-07-06 11:00 - 12:30 | Workhouse Museum, Sharow View, Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LE, United Kingdom
Join the Master and Matron of the Workhouse on the entrance front green for an interactive game of Snakes and Ladders. Learn how life then, as now, is as precarious as a shake of the dice – slither down the snake to a shaven head and de-fumigation or ascend to a life out the ashes.
FREE EVENT – just turn up and play as long as you like
This event will also run from 1 – 3pm

Sedan Chair Stories
2024-07-06 11:00 - 12:30, 2024-07-06 13:00 - 14:00 | Ripon City Centre
Hail down the ultimate in Georgian era transport and be carried above the hoi polloi, hear scurrilous tales from Ripon’s scandalous past as your footmen pass on their knowledge and deposit you at your destination of choice.
From the dastardly deeds of Eugene Arum to the insider trading of Chancellor Aislabie, each Sedan Chair Story is complimentary with carriage.
FREE EVENT
Carriage operating on Minster Gardens and Kirkgate between 11am to 12.30 and 1pm till 2pm

Medieval Maniax
2024-07-06 11:15 - 12:00, 2024-07-06 14:00 - 14:45 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
Death by Laughter. Giggle and guffaw as the fatal fools amuse and bemuse you.
These award-winning street-performers perform all over the world and are ready to make you laugh with their historical hysterics. A spectacular show full of music, jokes and illusions.
The Maniax are great crowd pleasers and repeatedly star at ‘The Robin Hood Festival Sherwood Forest’, The Medieval Pageant’ Nottingham Castle and many other historic events.
FREE EVENT
11.15 – 12 noon Market Place
2 – 2.45pm Market Place

Arcade
2024-07-06 11:30 - 12:00 | Ripon Cathedral, Minster Road,, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom
Casson & Friends has a passion for bringing dance to people in new and unusual ways. Set to a bouncing electronic soundtrack, ARCADE’s interactive dance games will connect you with the childlike joy of play. Watch the fun unfold or get stuck in with our friendly team of dancers, led by The Gamesmaster.
Six unique games in each set – some mesmerising & fun to watch,
others invite gentle playful participation.
Casson & Friends are known best for World Record Breaking
international hit, ‘The Dance WE Made’.
“Absolute genius – whether you watch or participate, it can’t fail to make you smile” Bradley Hemmings – Artistic Director, Festival.org
FREE EVENT
Market Place 10 – 10.30am
Cathedral Forecourt 11.30 – 12 noon
Market Place 1 – 1.30pm
Market Place 3 – 3.30pm

The Tea Cosies
2024-07-06 11:30 - 12:00, 2024-07-06 13:30 - 14:00, 2024-07-06 15:00 - 15:30 | Ripon City Centre
Meet Dorothy Dunker, Tippy Teapot and Barbara Bourbon. Come and have a natter with our colourful crochet trolley dollies!
There’s always a warm brew and plate of goodies on show when these ladies are about…
“One lump or two?”…
A fun, family-friendly walkabout act with dance, stories and jokes. There are also a few interactive games which may involve biscuits!
FREE EVENT
10 – 10.30am City Centre streets
11.30 – 12 noon City Centre streets
1.30 – 2pm City Centre streets
3pm – 3.30pm City Centre streets

Tales from Honeypot Village
2024-07-06 11:30 - 12:15 | Little Ripon Bookshop, 12-13 Westgate, Ripon, HG4 2AT, United Kingdom
Join our Storyteller in Residence, Ilaria, for an imaginative adventure with puppets. Funny and interactive stories featuring loveable characters Rita the Mouse and The Tidy Trolls.
Age guide ​4+
A Pay What ​You Can event. Recommended price £4 per ​child.

Ayla's Dream
2024-07-06 12:00 - 12:30 | Ripon Cathedral, Minster Road,, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom
A story of imagination and illumination, performed in miniature on beautiful sets within a vintage suitcase.
This very short tale of duration is told through puppetry, spoken word and music.
A captivating tale of night skies, light and counting sheep to enchant and engage adults and children alike.
Performances every 10 minutes.
This show is also performed at Ripon Library at 10.30am where it is followed by a puppet-making workshop, creating beautiful moths. Tickets required for the Library event.
Age guide 3-10
FREE EVENT – just turn up!

Ripon Youth Theatre
2024-07-06 12:00 - 12:30 | Minster Gardens, Minster Road,, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom
FREE EVENT
12-12.30pm Minster Gardens

The Bachelors of Paradise
2024-07-06 12:30 - 13:00 | Ripon Cathedral, Minster Road,, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom

Logy on Fire
2024-07-06 12:30 - 13:15 | Minster Gardens, Minster Road,, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom
Juggling danger and excitement, this show is raw, rock ‘n’ roll and full of danger. Playing with fire and risking lacerations and climaxing in a perilous display of equilibrium and custom-made razor-sharp unique object juggling like you have never seen before!
Logy is a Belfast-based bearded multi manipulator and performer. Performing since 2001, he has performed all over the world as a successful street entertainer and stage performer.
FREE EVENT
Market Place 10.30am – 11.15am
Minster Gardens 12.30 – 1.15pm

Arcade
2024-07-06 13:00 - 13:30, 2024-07-06 15:00 - 15:30 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom

Snakes and Ladders at The Workhouse
2024-07-06 13:00 - 15:00 | Workhouse Museum, Sharow View, Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LE, United Kingdom
Join the Master and Matron of the Workhouse on the entrance front green for an interactive game of Snakes and Ladders. Learn how life then, as now, is as precarious as a shake of the dice – slither down the snake to a shaven head and de-fumigation or ascend to a life out the ashes.
FREE EVENT – just turn up and play as long as you like
This event will also run from 11am – 12.30pm

Stone Soup
2024-07-06 13:30 - 14:00 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
A wandering stranger holds the secret to making delicious soup, fit for the finest folk in the land. But can they really make soup with just a stone?
Performed from a travelling cart and including elements of storytelling, music and comical puppet characters.
Eye of Newt’s re-telling of this traditional folk tale invites audiences young and old to help a stranger in need. With the power of community, kindness and more than a little imagination, everyone in town will enjoy a taste of delicious Stone Soup.
FREE EVENT
Market Place 1.30 – 2pm
Minster Gardens 3 – 3.30pm

Theatre for One
2024-07-06 13:30 - 14:30 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
Street theatre with a difference. 3 short performances lasting 3 minutes.
Each performed to only one person at a time, (plus curious onlookers!)
A most intriguing, and then exclusive, theatre experience!
“A simple idea, the best ones often are, created with such loving care and attention to detail that you just have to smile. Sometimes three minutes is all that’s needed!” Dorothy Max Prior, Animations Online (UK)
Join Lempen Puppet Theatre for The Belly Bug and Dr Frankenstein.
Have a look down the “Belescope” and see the habitat and habits of the belly bug. Enjoy the dance of life!
Come and join Dr Frankenstein at his work table and watch him at work. Unsurprisingly he’s creating a new life!
FREE EVENT – just turn up!
Theatre for One is also running at Ripon Cathedral from 10.45- 11.15am and from 3-4pm on Kirkgate.

The Bachelors of Paradise
2024-07-06 14:00 - 14:30 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom

Stone Soup
2024-07-06 15:00 - 15:30 | Minster Gardens, Minster Road,, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom

Theatre for One
2024-07-06 15:00 - 16:00 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
Street theatre with a difference. 3 short performances lasting 3 minutes.
Each performed to only one person at a time, (plus curious onlookers!)
A most intriguing, and then exclusive, theatre experience!
“A simple idea, the best ones often are, created with such loving care and attention to detail that you just have to smile. Sometimes three minutes is all that’s needed!” Dorothy Max Prior, Animations Online (UK)
Join Lempen Puppet Theatre for The Belly Bug and Dr Frankenstein.
Have a look down the “Belescope” and see the habitat and habits of the belly bug. Enjoy the dance of life!
Come and join Dr Frankenstein at his work table and watch him at work. Unsurprisingly he’s creating a new life!
FREE EVENT – just turn up!
Theatre for One is also running at Ripon Cathedral from 10.45 – 11.15am and from 1.30 -2.30pm on Kirkgate.

The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle
2024-07-06 17:30 - 19:30 | Newby Hall and Gardens, Skelton-on-Ure, Ripon, HG4 5AE, United Kingdom
Doctor Dolittle leads a simple life as the village doctor in sleepy Puddleby-On-The-Marsh. He often undercharges his patients, or even treats them for free, so he is terribly poor. But one day, with the help of his wise old parrot Polynesia, he makes an extraordinary discovery: that he can talk to animals.
As news of his talent as an animal doctor spreads, animals across the world send messages asking for his help. So he borrows a leaky old ship and embarks on a thrilling quest to cure illness, spread kindness, and better understand animals everywhere. He is joined on his adventures by a loyal animal crew: Jip (a dog), Chee-Chee (a monkey), Dab Dab (a duck), and Gub Gub (an ever-hungry, cake-loving pig) –who together may even help him fix his money problems once and for all!
Hugh Lofting’s timeless classic celebrates the power of empathy and inspires audiences young and old to see the world through the eyes of animals. This funny, exciting new family musical is performed with flair and wit by Illyria in the great outdoors.
Adapted by Oliver Grey. Presented by Illyria.
Running time (approx): 1hr 50mins (including 20 minute interval). Suitable for ages 5+
Sponsored by Elstob Auctioneers
*Tickets include access to Newby’s award-winning gardens from 1pm on the day of the performance*
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 6 July, 5.30pm
Tickets £11.00 – £17.00

Sunday Family Day
2024-07-07 08:00 - 17:00
A whole day of family entertainment in the attractive surroundings of the Spa Gardens. Plus walkabout acts, music and street entertainment at the Little Bird Artisan Market and at The Ripon Inn.
With open-air theatre, dancing, puppet shows, face-painting and a chance to practice your circus skills, you’ll easily fill the day.
The professional programme will be complimented by music, drama and dance performances from local groups.
All events are FREE.
Printable running orders for Sunday 7 July are available here.
Sponsored by Concrete4U and Ripon Races

Hedge Heads
10-10.30am Ripon Spa Gardens/The Ripon INN
11-11.30am Ripon Spa Gardens/The Ripon INN

Trinity Singers
10.30-11am Ripon Spa Gardens
12-12.30pm Little Bird Market

The Not So Big Bad Wolf
10.30-11.30am Ripon Spa Gardens
3-4pm Ripon Spa Gardens

Struzzo & Maxim
10-10.30am Ripon Spa Gardens
11-11.30pm Little Bird Market
1.30-2pm Ripon Spa Gardens
2.30-3pm The Ripon INN

Cricket on the Hearth
11-11.30am Ripon Spa Gardens

The Three Suitcases
10.15-10.45am Little Bird Market
2.30-3pm Ripon Spa Gardens

Freddie Cleary
2-2.30pm Little Bird Market

The Bombardiers
12.30-1pm Ripon Spa Gardens

The U3A Ukulele Group
12.30-1pm Ripon Spa Gardens

The Story of Daniel
1-1.30pm Ripon Spa Gardens

Kit and Caboodle
11.30-12noon Ripon Spa Gardens
2.30-3pm Little Bird Market

Lily Worth
1.30-2pm Little Bird Market

Let them Eat Cake
12.30-1pm Little Bird Market
2-2.30pm Little Bird Market

Ripon Goes to Bollywood
1-1.30pm Little Bird Market

Circus Skills Drop-in
1-2.30pm Ripon Spa Gardens

The Golden Tree
2-2.30pm Ripon Spa Gardens (performance)
3.30-4.15pm The Ripon Inn Garden Marquee (workshop)

Ripon Walled Garden Performers
12-12.30pm Ripon Spa Gardens

Passion for Movement
12.30-1pm Little Bird Market

Struzzo and Maxim
2024-07-07 10:00 - 10:30 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom
Struzzo (Pete Baynes) and Maxim (Mike Bettison) have been performing feats of derring-do on the streets for many decades. In 2019 a video clip of a performance on the streets of Goole went mega-viral, much to everyone’s surprise!
There will be music and magic. Look out for the Ostrich!
FREE EVENT
10 – 10.30am Ripon Spa Gardens
11 – 11.30pm Little Bird Market
1.30 – 2pm Ripon Spa Gardens
2.30 – 3pm The Ripon INN

Hedge Heads
2024-07-07 10:00 - 10:30 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom
Look out! Our Hedge Heads are on the loose!…Can you spot the suspicious looking shrubbery lurking about the bushes? If you see them, let us know as they are in need of a trim!
FREE EVENT
10 – 10.30am Ripon Spa Gardens/The Ripon INN
11 – 11.30am Ripon Spa Gardens/The Ripon INN

The Three Suitcases
2024-07-07 10:15 - 10:45 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
Three quirky characters that meet by chance at a train station. Where is the train? Will it arrive? As time tick-tocks onwards the three accidental companions become more and more playful, passing the time in adventurous and exciting ways – who knows what might happen next?
Full of mime, physical theatre, music and fun, this is a slapstick Rhubarb Theatre street-treat for all the family!
FREE EVENT
10.15 – 10.45am Little Bird Market
2.30 – 3pm Ripon Spa Gardens
