Ripon Theatre Festival

Astro Norma and the Cosmic Piano
2026-07-11 12:00 - 12:45 UTC | Ripon Library, The Arcade, Ripon, HG4 1AG, United Kingdom
A musical comedy that’s out of this world!
Blast off with ASTRO NORMA on a madcap, musical quest to find Grandpa’s lost star. But beware! The sneaky Silencer is hot on her trail, ready to silence the tunes! Packed with awesome aliens, rib-tickling robots, and interplanetary puppets, this joyful space odyssey will have kids reaching for the stars…
Astro Norma is the brand-new show from BBC Popcorn New Writing Award nominated FLADAM (Flo Poskitt and Adam Sowter) best known for their hit shows GREEN FINGERS and HALLOWBEAN. Following a successful UK tour and a joyous run at Glastonbury Festival, the duo can’t wait to touch down in Ripon this summer!
“…the most amazing, hilarious musical comedy duo” BBC Radio
“Imagination, catchy songs and big personality” The Scotsman
Performances at 10.30am & 12 noon, running time approximately 45 mins
Age Guide 3-10
Tickets £6

Count Ocular
2026-07-11 12:00 - 12:45 | Ripon City Centre (Various locations), Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
A captivating, gothic vaudeville piece for the whole family like no other, featuring table-top puppetry, close-up magic and enchanting original music to transport audiences back to the bizarre delights of vaudeville and variety. Join the loveable enigma that is Count Ocular as he defies the laws of physics through laughter, skill and mystery.
Presented by Tatwood Puppets
About the performers:
Born from a love of puppetry and music, Tatwood Puppets have been creating weird and wonderful visual theatre since 2017. specialising in marionettes, original music, table-top puppetry and stage magic. Tatwood is based in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK but is available for touring nationwide and internationally.
FREE EVENT
11.15am 11.30am Minister Gardens
12.00pm -12.45pm Ripon City Centre (Various)
1.45pm – 2.00pm Minster Gardens

Do What Ya Mamma Told Ya!
2026-07-11 12:15 - 12:45 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
Comedy circus and cooking from mother and daughter duo. A joyous journey of plate spinning, food juggling and fire blazing! Will clumsy assistant, Tiny T finally get to taste the food? A feast of food fusion across geography and generations.
Presented by Just More Productions
About Just More Productions:
Just More Productions is a physical theatre & circus company, using food history and circus to educate and entertain, vibrant and friendly performances, bringing culture and communities together.
This is a genuine mother/daughter collaboration. The company have a close relationship having toured together in Nofitstate Circus from the early years – in 2005. Blaze was just 15 when her mum the cook ran away with the circus. Having both toured it was then time to bring the family kitchen and its recipes to life!
FREE EVENT
12.15pm -12.45pm Market Place
3.00pm – 3.30pm Market Place

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.

The Museum of Memorable Trees
2026-07-11 12:15 - 13:00 | Minster Gardens, Minster Road,, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom
Take a visit to The Museum of Memorable Trees and let the curator guide you around this miniature exhibition on wheels. Discover amazing stories of great trees that have woven themselves into people’s lives and memories. Listen to evocative tales and calming soundscapes as you explore behind every door. There’s plenty of space left, have you got a fantastic tree you can add to the museum?
About the performer:
Harry Pizzey is a multi-disciplinary designer based in Cardiff, Wales. After studying an undergraduate degree at the Bartlett School of Architecture he went on to graduate from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama with a master’s degree in Design for Performance in 2019. In the same year he was also a finalist for the Linbury Prize for Stage Design, with work displayed in the National Theatre. Since then he has gone on to work with a range of organisations including English Touring Opera, The Watermill Theatre, The Handlebards and Longborough Festival Opera.
FREE EVENT
10-30am 11.15am Minster Gardens
12.15pm -1pm Minster Gardens
1.45pm – 2.30pm Cathedral Forecourt

Morris Dance from 400 Roses & Slubbing Billy's
2026-07-11 12:30 - 13:00 | Ripon Cathedral, Minster Road,, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom
Formed in 2005, the 400 Roses are a unique dance troupe, that combine Tribal Belly Dance with UK-style Folk and Morris Dance.
The Black, Red and White themed costumes use an abundance of red and white silk roses to represent our Yorkshire and Lancashire origins.
The group is based in and practice in Shipley, West Yorkshire.
Slubbing Billy’s is a mixed Morris side dancing in the North West style. They dance in clogs and bowler hats decorated with fresh flowers. A large bass drum keeps them in time and their musicians play traditional folk dance tunes. In purple kit , sticks and bells they put on a colourful energetic display.
The Slubbing Billy’s will also be dancing on Sunday in Ripon Spa Gardens and at the Little Bird Artisan Market
FREE EVENT
9.45-10.15am Market Place
12.30-1.00pm Ripon Cathedral forecourt
2.30-3pm Ripon Cathedral forecourt
4.00-4.30pm Market Place

Lily Worth
2026-07-11 12:30 - 13:00 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
Lily is a well-known local singer and performer. She is also a regular director and committee member of the Ripon Charity Pantomime Group.
What Lily says: “I have an absolute love and passion for singing and performing. I hope I can encourage others to sing and smile and also do things that they love”.
FREE EVENT
12.30-1pm Kirkgate (Cathedral end)
Lily will also be busking in the Arcade from 10-10.30am and taking part in the Costa Cabaret Corner in Costa Coffee from 1.30pm

Out of the Blue (Walkabout)
2026-07-11 12:30 - 13:15 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
Out of the Blue (Walkabout)
Italian clown Fra Martó brings her laundry with her – laughter and bubbles on the move.
About the performer:
After studying Art History at the University of Bologna, Francesca joined the Circus World, first at Carampa Circus School in Madrid and then graduated in Circus Arts at theNational Centre for Circus Arts, London in 2007 and has been working as a performer since then.
She specialized in clowning and juggling with many maestros: Fraser Hooper, Mick Barnfather, Philippe Gaulier, Angela de Castro,…just to name a few.
Catch the full Out of the Blue show in the Market Place at 11am and 2.15pm
FREE EVENT
12.30pm -1.15pm Kirkgate

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!

Hodman and Sally
2026-07-11 12:45 - 13:15 | Ripon City Centre (Various locations), Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
Enchanting and heart-warming puppetry walkabout. Hodman and Sally have lived happily by themselves for hundreds of years, blissfully unaware of the changing world around them. Now they have ventured out in search of fame, fortune and friendship, enjoying a second youth touring the world with their possessions strapped to their backs.
Presented by The Flying Buttresses
About the performers:
Danielle Richards and Rupert Parry met when studying theatre and formed The Flying Buttresses in 2001. They found they shared a love of making people laugh and making rubber monsters. Their highly detailed and expertly crafted creations are brought to life by their skills in improvised comedy, puppetry performance and characterisation.
FREE EVENT
12.45pm -1.15pm Ripon City Centre
2.00pm – 2.15pm Kirkgate
3.30pm – 4.00pm Ripon City Center

Tony and Ray Find Their Feet
2026-07-11 12:45 - 13:25 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
Friendship, rivalry, work tools, tomfoolery and dance as a pair of workers become distracted from their tasks. Slapstick, eccentric dance, clowning and squeak wrangling inspired by the golden era of silent movies and comedy double acts. Unexpected, uplifting and undeniably funny.
Presented by Rudkin and Hicks
About the performers:
Rudkin & Hicks is a physical comedy and street theatre duo consisting of Matt Rudkin and Jon Hicks. Drawing inspiration from traditional Vaudeville and Variety acts, they are known for their wordless performances that blend eccentric dance, props, and comedic storytelling.
Based in Brighton, Rudkin is a versatile theatre maker with a background in art and design. His career includes drumming, puppetry, and clown training with Philippe Gaulier.
A seasoned performer and “dynamic speed painter,” Hicks has appeared on television programmes like The Graham Norton Show. He is known for combining magic, juggling, and bizarre contraptions in his solo and collaborative work.
FREE EVENT
12.45pm -1.25pm Market Place
3.15pm – 3.55pm Minster Gardens

Stories with Liv
2026-07-11 12:45 - 13:30 | Little Ripon Bookshop, 12-13 Westgate, Ripon, HG4 2AT, United Kingdom
The story of Jack and the Flumflum Tree (Julia Donaldson) in the backroom of our favourite bookshop.
Jack’s Granny is sick with a bad case of the moozles! The only cure grows on the faraway Isle of Blowyernose.
Olivia Corbin-Phillip is a popular professional storyteller from Leeds. She leads regular sessions at Leeds Playhouse and across the region.
Age guide 3-7
A FREE event – donations encouraged at the door.
Liv will also be popping up in the front room of The Unicorn (Wetherspoons) from 10.45-11.30am and at Minster Gardens from 2.30-3.15pm with The Mischievous Monkey.

St Aelred's Irish Dance
2026-07-11 13:00 - 13:20 | Minster Gardens, Minster Road,, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom
St Aelred’s Principal Dance Teacher, Una says: “We are a traditional Irish dance group made up of 25 dancers. We go from young talent, all the way to incredibly skilled older dancers. We love performing for our local community. We regularly perform to thousands each year on St Patrick’s day in Leeds and York. Our group is eye catching in vibrant traditional dresses. We can’t wait to perform at RTF for the first time!”
FREE EVENT
11.45am-12.15pm Ripon Minster Gardens
1.00-1.20pm Ripon Minster Gardens
3.30-4.00pm Ripon Cathedral Forecourt
Una will be leading a free “Irish Dance for First-Timers” workshop for everyone aged 8+ in our Saturday Participation Zone – 2-3pm – come along and give it a try!
And the dancers will also be back on Sunday for more performances:
11.15-11.45am Little Bird Market, Ripon Market Place
12.30-1.00pm Ripon Spa Gardens
2.15-2.45pm Little Bird Market, Ripon Market Place

Janice Hopkinson
2026-07-11 13:00 - 13:30 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
Janice Hopkinson
Janice brings traditional folk and Morris tunes to life on the melodeon, entertaining audiences with lively, foot-tapping performances.
FREE EVENT
1.00-1.30pm Kirkgate (Cathedral end)
3.30-4.00pm Kirkgate (Cathedral end)
Janice will also be busking in the Arcade from 10.45-11.15am

Yorkshire Voices
2026-07-11 13:00 - 13:30 | Cathedral Forecourt, Minster Road, Ripon, HG4 1QT, United Kingdom
Yorkshire Voices say: “We are a true Community Choir embracing all that makes singing in a choir so joyful. We rehearse in nine different locations throughout the week around Harrogate, Ripon, York, Wetherby, Selby and Northallerton and come together for performances, when we meet new and old friends and raise the roof! Our repertoire is varied, ranging from soul, jazz, gospel to pop. Our audiences become fully immersed and dance, clap along and sing. We adore singing in our local towns and fully appreciate the support and lovely feedback we receive.”
FREE EVENT
1.00-1.30pm Cathedral Forecourt

Somewhere Road
2026-07-11 13:00 - 13:30 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
Somewhere Road
A four-piece band playing original folk music and folk covers – songs, tunes and stories – on pipes, mandolins, guitars and percussion. The members are Paul Greenwood (Tunstall), Dave Hope (Ripon), Will Forster (Little Fencote) and Paul Hetherington (Hudswell). This year they have performed at Leyburn Festival, Thirsk De Mowbray Festival, local venues and charity fundraisers.
FREE EVENT
1.00-1.30pm Kirkgate (Duck Hill end)

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

The Music Bank Guitar Group
2026-07-11 13:30 - 14:00 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
The Music Bank Guitar Group
Adult students from The Music Bank in Knaresborough.
The Music Bank is an independent business with a team consisting of over 100 years of combined experience in the music industry. They know all there is to know about guitars! They also offer music tuition to the local community and support a range of groups including the rock band, guitar group and both musical theatre and rock choirs.
FREE EVENT
1.30-2.00pm Kirkgate (Cathedral end)

Frankie Magilligan
2026-07-11 13:30 - 14:05 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
The man, the myth…the leg end!
Hailing from the North Coast of Ireland, Frankie has packed his lunch box, filled his flask and given his teeth and extra special polish!
A show filled with comedy, juggling, music and the tallest unicycle in Ireland!
Farmers weekly – “Frankie has recently acquired the national trust endorsement as an area of outstanding natural beauty”.
Festival of Fools – “Like a piece of art he should be hung in a gallery for all to see”.
Presented by Tall Paul
FREE EVENT
10-15am – 10.50am Marketplace
1.30pm – 2.05pm Marketplace

Costa Cabaret Corner
2026-07-11 13:30 - 14:30 | Costa Coffee, 4 Fishergate, Ripon, HG4 1DY, United Kingdom
Take the weight off your festival feet. Enjoy favourite show tunes or discover a new musical to fall in love with.
Presented by talented performers from local groups.
A FREE event – donations encouraged at the door.

Count Ocular
2026-07-11 13:45 - 14:00 | Minster Gardens, Minster Road,, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom

Florence Glen
2026-07-11 13:45 - 14:15 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
Florence Glen
Flo is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer and teacher based in Ripon. After completing a Masters degree in Music Production at Leeds Beckett University and went on to record her first studio EP after winning the ‘Soundtrack your Roadtrip’ songwriting competition. Florence has since produced and recorded her own studio album which has been played on BBC Radio 6 Music.
In 2021 Florence founded Beats by Girlz UK CIC to teach women and other under-represented groups music production and digital skills. Florence now fills her time writing and performing music, teaching music at a special school, leading Rock Choirs and playing drums and singing in a latin jazz band!
FREE EVENT
1.45-2.15pm Kirkgate (Duck Hill end)

The Museum of Memorable Trees
2026-07-11 13:45 - 14:30 | Cathedral Forecourt, Minster Road, Ripon, HG4 1QT, United Kingdom

Hodman and Sally
2026-07-11 14:00 - 14:15 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom

The Lost Bus
2026-07-11 14:00 - 14:30 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
An Audio Adventure from Ragged Edge Productions
An interactive audio show for kids, their grown ups and grown ups who still think they’re kids.
Hop on board, pop on some headphones and enjoy the adventure!
Gary the driver is always getting lost – where on Earth will we end up next? Don’t worry – Mike the Conductor is there to help.
A fun adventure in sound for everyone to join in with.
Please note: children must be accompanied by an adult.
The bus is stationary throughout – even if the story takes us elsewhere!
About the company:
Ragged Edge Productions is a Cumbrian-based theatre company dedicated to creating entertaining and engaging theatrical shows that reflect and celebrate life in its region and across the North. The company tours its productions to community venues throughout the country, reaching audiences in rural areas, towns, and cities.
About the bus:
Vintage coach and mobile bar hire from The Last Stop in Bedale.
The lovely vintage bus is a 1947 Leyland Tiger PS1 Half Cab with a Plaxton body. It was the first chassis of the production line after the second world war. It has 33 seats.
FREE EVENT
11.00am 11.30am Kirkgate
12.00pm -12.30pm Kirkgate
2.00pm – 2.30pm Kirkgate
3.00pm – 3.30pm 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

Astro Norma (Walkabout)
2026-07-11 14:00 - 14:30 | Ripon City Centre (Various locations), Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
Meet Norma from Fladam Theatre’s intergalactic musical adventure as she explores the streets of Ripon.
FREE EVENT
2.00 -2.30pm The Arcade and City Centre
Fladam are performing Astro Norma and the Cosmic Piano in Ripon Library at 10.30am and 12 noon in Ripon Library.

Pop-Up Poetry
2026-07-11 14:00 - 15:00 | Little Ripon Bookshop, 12-13 Westgate, Ripon, HG4 2AT, United Kingdom
Join local poets in a relaxed sharing session in the back room of our favourite Bookshop.
“Cross the market square in Ripon to find a poet. Perhaps, the barista serving coffee or the care worker returning from a late shift. Poetry sounds in the footsteps. If poetry is life, life lived, then here is life lived in Ripon, in the words of our poets.” Caroline Matusiak.
Age guide 14+
A FREE event – donations encouraged at the door.
The Ripon Poets will also be popping up in the following places on Saturday:
Poetry for Breakfast – 9.30-10.15am in the front room at The Unicorn Hotel (Wetherspoons)
Poetry at the Pig – 11-11.45am in the Portly Pig. An informal drop-in performance. Come for a poem and a pint.

Irish Dance for First Timers
2026-07-11 14:00 - 15:00 | Allhallowgate Methodist Church & Halls, Victoria Grove, Ripon, HG4 1LG, United Kingdom
Come and join St Aelred’s Irish Dancers for a fun, relaxed céilí! This isn’t a structured class; it is all about getting involved and having a go.
Our dancers will be right there in the mix to guide you through the moves, making it easy to pick up the rhythm as you go.
Whether you are a complete beginner or just want to join in the fun, it is a great way for anyone aged 8 and up to experience the energy of Irish dance. No experience is needed. Just bring your trainers and plenty of enthusiasm!
Led by popular teacher Una O’Connor (pictured), St Aelred’s Irish Dancers train in Harrogate and regularly perform to thousands each year on St Patrick’s day in Leeds and York.
No previous experience necessary.
Participants must be aged 8+ & 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!

Out of the Blue
2026-07-11 14:15 - 15:00 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
Out of the Blue
Fra Martó
All the way from Turin! Wash away your troubles and immerse yourself in laundry, laughter and bubbles with Italy’s leading female clown. Never has trying to keep the house clean been so much fun.
About the performer:
After studying Art History at the University of Bologna, Francesca joined the Circus World, first at Carampa Circus School in Madrid and then graduated in Circus Arts at theNational Centre for Circus Arts, London in 2007 and has been working as a performer since then.
She specialized in clowning and juggling with many maestros: Fraser Hooper, Mick Barnfather, Philippe Gaulier, Angela de Castro,…just to name a few.
FREE EVENT
11.00am 11.45am Market Place
12.30pm -1.10pm Kirkgate (walkabout version)
2.15pm – 3.00pm Market Place
