Ripon Theatre Festival

Fixing: Launch Event 2026
2026-03-27 19:30 - 22:00 UTC | 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

Hilarity Bites Festival Special 2026
2026-07-07 20:00 - 22:00 | Ripon Arts Hub, 49 Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
Hilarity Bites returns to Ripon Arts Hub with a special show for Ripon Theatre Festival, featuring two stars of Live at the Apollo, QI, and Have I Got News For You – Kiri Pritchard-McLean and Ignacio Lopez.
Welsh comedian Kiri is a multi-award winning comedian, satirist and writer. She regularly co-hosts Loose Ends, guest hosted The News Quiz and her own Radio 4 panel show, Best Medicine. Kiri is co-creator and co-host of cult hit All Killa No Filla, a podcast about serial killers that has a huge following worldwide.
“An increasingly impressive comic, making powerhouse stand-up from the thorniest of subjects” – The Guardian

Ignacio wows audiences internationally with his individual style and high gag-rate. A crazy mixture of Welsh & Spanish he has become one of the most unique voices on the UK circuit.
“Charming, charismatic, hilarious. Will have you leaving with a smile on your face” –Deadline News

Note: Line-ups are subject to change in extreme, and unavoidable, circumstances.
Show may contain strong language and adult themes.
Doors 7.30pm, Show starts 8pm
Ticket price: £15

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 Harrogate (Thurs 23rd) and Scarborough (Sat 25th). See Dukes Theatre Company website for details.
Ticket price (including booking fee) £13.82-£18.43
