Ripon Theatre Festival

Cricket on the Hearth
2024-07-07 11:00 - 11:30 UTC | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom
Cricket on the Hearth is an Appalachian step dancing team that meets in St. John’s Church Hall, Harrogate, HG1 3DT, on Sundays at 6.30pm to 8pm. We are a mixed side and dance mostly to American old time music played on the fiddle, banjo, guitar and mandolin. New members – dancers and musicians – are welcome. If interested, please contact Stella by email, sfzealand@hotmail.co.uk
FREE EVENT
11-11.30am Ripon Spa Gardens

Hedge Heads
2024-07-07 11:00 - 11:30, 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

Struzzo and Maxim
2024-07-07 11:00 - 11:30 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, 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

Punch and Judy
2024-07-07 11:00 - 11:20 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom
Beautiful, hand-carved wooden puppets come to life in a fast-moving and funny show that has lots of good old-fashioned knock-about fun, with loads of audience participation.
Each show lasts 20 minutes
FREE EVENT
Ripon Spa Gardens
11:00 – 11:20
12:00 – 12:20
13:15 – 13:35
14:15 – 14:35

Opera Brunch
2024-07-07 10:30 - 12:00 | Valentino’s Restaurant, 14 Westgate, Ripon, HG4 2AT, United Kingdom
*SOLD OUT*
With the Down-to-Earth Diva, Nicola Mills.An uplifting start to your Festival Sunday with a truly unique performer. Choose from a wide-ranging Song Menu from Italian arias to crossover classics.
“I laughed and was amazed in a matter of minutes”
Tickets £16 – includes brunch
Brunch includes sweet or savoury pastries with Bucks Fizz or a hot drink.

The Not So Big Bad Wolf
2024-07-07 10:30 - 11:30 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom
“Welcome back Listeners – Little Red Riding Hood here! Stay tuned as I go undercover to reveal the truth behind fairytales’ most infamous villain – The Big Bad Wolf”
Meet Little Red; adventurer, heroine and world-renowned “True Grimm” podcaster. She’s on a mission to debunk the myths around her so called nemesis, with the help of a few storybook favourites, her red cloak, and a basket full of music, mayhem and magic tricks! But the truth is no Fairytale… Behold as your favourite tales are re-spun and woven together in an epic new adventure from Wrongsemble.
https://video.wixstatic.com/video/fc2b2d_55be174c14ad4bf1ab27dec1e0e6ab90/720p/mp4/file.mp4
Age guide 4+
FREE EVENT
10.30 – 11.30am Ripon Spa Gardens
3 – 4pm Ripon Spa Gardens

Trinity Singers
2024-07-07 10:30 - 11:00 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom
Ripon Trinity Singers is a local community chamber choir rehearsing at St. Wilfrid’s Community Hall every Thursday evening during term time. We sing a wide range of a cappella repertoire from medieval to contemporary in many different genres: classical, folk, world music, pop….. and are happy to sing at any community event. We are currently almost at full capacity but do have a few vacancies for Sopranos. Please contact Nicky Brierley-Woods for more information: nicky_woods@btinternet.com
FREE EVENT
10.30-11am Ripon Spa Gardens
12-12.30pm Little Bird Market

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

Struzzo and Maxim
2024-07-07 10:00 - 10:30 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom

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

We're Not Going Back
2024-07-06 19:30 - 22:00 | Ripon Arts Hub, 49 Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
75 Mines. 3 Sisters. 1 Cause. (And a six-pack of Babycham)
2024 is the fortieth anniversary of the 1984/85 miners’ strike, a dispute that still resonates today. But the strike wasn’t just about pickets vs police – in this thought-provoking musical comedy, there are no miners and no cops. Instead, we follow the fortunes of three sisters in a pit village, hit hard by the Government’s war against the miners and determined to set up a branch of ‘Women Against Pit Closures’.
It’s early 1984, and Olive, Mary, and Isabel are sisters whose everyday squabbles collide with a strike that forces them to question their lives, their relationships, and their family ties.
https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/WNGB-trailer-captioned.mp4

This strike wasn’t just a war fought on the battlegrounds of a picket line, Parliament, and public opinion; it was as much a battle in the homes and families of those fighting for their communities.
We’re Not Going Back tackles the resilience of working communities, the make-and-mend fabric of family, and the power of sticking two fingers up to a government hell-bent on destruction… and all with humour, song and a six-pack of Babycham.
Presented by Red Ladder Theatre Company and Unite the Union
Written by Boff Whalley
Ticket price: £14 (£12)

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

Ripon City Morris & 400 Roses and Thorns
2024-07-06 15:30 - 16:00 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
We are a North West Morris Dancing team from Ripon. We practice most Monday evenings from 7.45pm in Bishop Monkton Village Hall, which is between Ripon and Harrogate. In the summer months we dance at various pubs in the area on Monday evenings and at Festivals, weekends of dance and at many other events. We are instantly recognisable by our patriotic kit and fresh flowered hats.
We are joined by the incredible 400 Roses and Thorns
FREE EVENT
10.30-11.15 Ripon Cathedral forecourt
12-12.30pm Market Place
2-2.30pm Ripon Cathedral forecourt
3.30-4pm Market Place

Kirkgate Street Party
2024-07-06 15:00 - 18:00 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
The fun continues on Kirkgate with buskers, bands and more. Enjoy a meal in one of the restaurants, or have drink before taking in more theatre.
FREE EVENT – just turn up!
3 – 6pm Kirkgate

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.

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

The Tea Cosies
2024-07-06 15:00 - 15:30, 2024-07-06 13:30 - 14:00 | 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

Arcade
2024-07-06 15:00 - 15:30 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, 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 Trial of John Sinkler
2024-07-06 14:00 - 15:00 | Courthouse Museum, Minster Road, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom
Step inside a Magistrates Court room virtually unchanged since first being built and experience justice 1871 style in Ripon Courthouse as members of the Workhouse Theatre group invite you to the trial of John Sinkler for Poaching and Threatening to shoot a watcher. Ensure Justice is seen to be done as audience members or perhaps take a more active part as Magistrate (and don a gown) or even stand as Witness in our scripted re-enactment. Learn of the amazing story of the Sinkler brothers and after the Court session, hear how, in 2025, we aim to develop it into a fully-fledged Community play and promenade performance utilizing all three museum venues.
Led by Mark Cronfield of Fell Foss Theatre.

Medieval Maniax
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

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

Ripon City Morris & 400 Roses and Thorns
2024-07-06 14:00 - 14:30

Monoliths - Saturday afternoon
2024-07-06 13:30 - 15:30 | Ripon Cathedral, Minster Road,, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom
Three women. Three voices. Three stories.
An immersive, digital theatre experience, which interweaves three northern UK landscapes – a moor, a city and a coast – with sweeping soundscapes and poetic monologues. Written by Hannah Davies, Carmen Marcus and Asma Elbadawi, the stories are an arresting testament to the inextricable link between person and place.
Three stories open the world of the English northern landscape in virtual reality, what it means to come from it, live in it and belong to it.
Monoliths has been shown at several international film festivals including Melbourne International Film Festival, BFI London Film Festival and Sheffield Doc Fest.
https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/monoliths_trailer_draft-1080p-new-logos.mp4

Directed by Lucy Hammond.
Four screenings per hour between 1.30 and 3.30pm.
Each performance lasts 11 minutes and can be experienced by 3 visitors at a time, wearing XR headsets.
Age guide 11+
Presented by Pilot Theatre and One to One Development Trust
Tickets £5

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.

Stone Soup
2024-07-06 13:30 - 14:00 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom

Medusa
2024-07-06 13:30 - 14:00 | Ripon Cathedral, Minster Road,, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom
Medusa Gothic Morris are a women’s dance group, we are based in Knaresborough and practice on Thursday evenings. We dress in black and purple, and regularly dance at local events. We would welcome new dancers (no experience necessary) and musicians to join us, contact Sally on 01423 868753 or email spolem@hotmail.com
FREE EVENT
10-10.30am Ripon Cathedral forecourt
1.30-2pm Ripon Cathedral forecourt

Workhouse Walkabouts
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

The Wakeman Mummers
2024-07-06 13:15 - 13:30 | Ripon Cathedral, Minster Road,, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom
FREE EVENT
11.15-11.30am Ripon Cathedral forecourt
1.15-1.30pm Ripon Cathedral forecourt
