Ripon Theatre Festival

Saturday Street Entertainment
2025-07-05 10:00 - 16:00 UTC | Ripon City Centre
Walkabout acts, crazy characters, circus and clowning bring the streets and open spaces of Ripon to life throughout the day.
Spend the day in Ripon soaking up the atmosphere – the best in street theatre, circus, dance, magic and fun.
Professional acts come together with community performers.
Performances will be staged at Ripon Market Place, Minster Gardens (in front of the Courthouse Museum), on Ripon Cathedral Forecourt and on Kirkgate.
All events are FREE.

Calamity Dames
These rootin tootin, gun slingin’, whip crackin’ cowgirls will give any cowboy a run for their money! Buckle up, it’s going to be a bumpy ride! Presented by Kitsch n Sync.

Books!
A high energy show featuring acrobatics, fire-juggling, jokes and, of course, books. Four bedraggled book enthusiasts travel from town to town – forced between the margins – on a mission to protect literature. Presented by Tit for Tat Circus.

Cloudscapes
Take some time to chill out, festival-style. Visit the Cloud Museum Trailer and relax on a giant beanbag to enjoy this fabulous part-installation/part-performance. As you lie back and look up, you’ll listen on headphones to a story all about the clouds, the sky and Lorna’s journey of a lifetime with her father. Presented by Gobbledegook Theatre.

The Dame Judy & Mr Punchinello Show!
Classic seaside mayhem with a family friendly modern twist!
Dame Judy (not that Dame Judi) has finally taken over! About time too! The show was getting far too rambunctious for it’s own good. But will Mr Punchinello agree to the new rules? It seems highly unlikely!
All the puppet show favourites are here in a topsy-turvy, parallel universe, reimagining of the seaside classic. That’s the way to do it….hopefully. Presented by Grandly Strange Puppet Theatre.

Lula Hoopa
Dynamic hula hoop circus act. Rhythmic gymnastics, dance and fun. You might even get a chance to give it a go yourself.

The Knighty Knights
Two brave and fearless knights on a quest to travel the land and bring forth joy and laughter.

The Fantastic Mr Forster
Prepare to be amazed! The Fantastic Mr Forster brings 45 minutes of wonder, laughter, and a touch of magic to audiences of all ages. Mr Forster’s dazzling tricks and fun-filled performances will have everyone talking long after the final “abracadabra”!

Victoria Sponge & Flour Power
A living, breathing and beautifully-dressed dessert, accompanied by her proud baker. The sweetest duo in town!
Presented by Chicks on Sticks.

Tooti Fruity
A “pear” of flamboyant, fruit-obsessed, banana-battling eccentrics take to the streets.
Presented by Kerfuffle Street Theatre.

The Story Cart
A travelling storyteller and his medieval cart. Choose a myth or a monster and see where the story leads. Presented by Stories Alive.

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

Ripon City Morris
Yorkshire Voices
Slubbing Billy’s
Belebele
The Wakeman Mummers’ Musicians
Ripon Dance Academy
Betty Lupton’s Ladle Laikers
Lily Worth
Calle Oche
Grace Hughes
The Daytones
Skellside Folk
Flamenco de Leeds

Flamenco Dance Taster Session
2025-07-05 10:00 - 11:00 | Allhallowgate Methodist Church Hall, Victoria Grove, Ripon, HG4 1LG, United Kingdom
A relaxed and friendly one-hour beginners’ session led by Vanessa Matthews from Flamenco de Leeds.
Since 2015 Flamenco de Leeds has been providing regular workshops, events and performers across Leeds and further afield.
The ethos of Flamenco de Leeds is very much focused on enthusiasm and ensuring everybody feels welcome to participate in any way they can. If you can clap your hands, stamp a foot, bang a stick or shout Ole you can get involved!
No previous experience necessary.
Age guide 8+
Allhallowgate Methodist Church Hall
10-11am
Taster sessions are Pay What You Can (PWYC) events. You can just turn up, but booking in advance is recommended and helps us plan for numbers.

Tooti Fruity
2025-07-05 10:00 - 10:30 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
Meet Tooti and Fruity – a ‘pear’ of fruit obsessed, eccentric players! After spending at least 40 years working in a fruit packing factory together they have embarked upon an adventure to bring toots and fruits to the masses!
Having been the supervisor of fruit squeezing at the factory, Tooti now utilises her skills in generating a fruit chorus, whilst Fruity – taste tester extraordinaire – entices the hoards to taste the goodness of her fruit platter.
Are you ready to cut the cheese with these berserk banana battling beauties?.
A flamboyant, all singing, all dancing street theatre extravaganza.
FREE EVENT – a walkabout act – catch them if you can!
10-10.30am Kirkgate
11.30am-12noon Cathedral Forecourt
1.15-1.45pm City Centre streets

Rock Choir
2025-07-05 10:00 - 10:30 | Cathedral Forecourt, Minster Road, Ripon, HG4 1QT, United Kingdom
The UK’s original award-winning, local, contemporary choir.
“We are a choir made up of choirs from all over North and West Yorkshire! We sing bespoke arrangements of contemporary pop and rock songs. We are all about fun and inclusivity!”
Local leader Flo Glen says “If you love to sing, you’ll love Rock Choir! No auditions and no musical knowledge needed. We meet every Thursday in Ripon at Harrogate Road Methodist Church 10am-11:30am. Harewood Rd, Ripon HG4 1TG
You can book a taster session https://www.rockchoir.com/join/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Rock.Choir.Flo.Glen/
FREE EVENT
10.00-10.30am Ripon Cathedral Forecourt
1.15-1.45pm Market Place

Ripon City Morris, Betty Lupton's Ladle Laikers & Slubbing Billy's
2025-07-05 10:00 - 10:30 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
Ripon City Morris will be joined this year all-female side, Betty Lupton’s Ladle Laikers and by The Slubbing Billy’s – a mixed side from West Yorkshire.
About the Ripon City Morris: “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.”
About Betty Lupton’s: A ladies morris dance team, formed in 1977 – the year of the Queen’s silver jubilee. The kit of the dancers reflects the national colours; red tights, white smocks and blue dresses with black shoes and bell pads. The team took its name from a local character from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, who was responsible for ladling out the medicinal spa waters to the visitors to the town during the 19th century. She was based at the pump room, now a museum, where you can still sample the waters and see a model of Betty Lupton.
About Slubbing Billy’s: A mixed North West Morris Team, with a reputation for colourful costumes (we call it ‘kit’) and lively, entertaining dances. The team was formed in 1986, and has a healthy age range, from enthusiatic teenagers to more experienced (mature!) members who have danced with the side since it started. Based in the Colne Valley but new members from all areas welcome. They attend events as far north as Barnard and as far south as the Cotswolds.
FREE EVENT
10-10.30am Ripon Market Place
12.30-1pm Cathedral Forecourt
2.30-3pm Cathedral Forecourt
3.45-4.15pm Market Place

Spy Movie: The Play!
2025-07-04 20:00 - 22:00 | Ripon Arts Hub, 49 Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
Agent Blonde has 24 hours to save the world. The only things standing in her way are dastardly villains, an outrageous plot, and… a lack of funding. When Hollywood rejects her script, a frustrated screenwriter invites you, an audience of producers, to a one-night-only presentation of The Greatest Spy Movie (n)Ever Made! From two of the minds behind The New Musketeers (Trinity Theatre) and stars of The Play That Goes Wrong and Peter Pan Goes Wrong, Spy Movie: The Play! is a new hilarious homage to Bond movies and fringe theatre suitable for the whole family.
“Rollickingly funny.. our faces were aching with how much we were smiling.”
Presented by Norwich Theatre and Albert Cabbage
Age guide 12+
Running time: Approximately two hours including an interval.
Friday 4 July, 8pm.
Tickets £14

Pirate Princess
2025-07-04 17:30 - 18:30 | Holy Trinity Church, Kirkby Road, Ripon, HG4 2EY, United Kingdom
** Timings for this event have changed – see below**
Pirate Princess is a heart warming story of hope against adversity told with physical theatre, clowning and circus. This brand new solo show by circus performer and professional idiot Gemma Bond tells the tale of poor shipwrecked Princess Poppy. Can she overcome a big dress, extreme weather and the ultimate test of strength to see her way to safety?
Inspired by strong and inventive women of history Poppy must transform physically and mentally if she is to have any hope of rescuing herself from eternity on an island in the ocean. The show encourages all to reuse, repurpose and recycle as Poppy reinvents her outfit and her mindset to overcome her predicament.
A visual feast of colourful costume and a unique crow’s nest on a pole prop, this is a fun filled show for children aged 5 to 11 and their families
** In a change to information published in our Festival Guide, this show lasts approximately 55 minutes. A tasty Pirate Party tea will now be served before the show from 4.45pm onwards courtesy of Holy Trinity Church. The performance will begin at 5.30pm**
Ticket Price: £8

Anansi & the Lost Sun
2025-07-04 13:30 - 14:30, 2025-07-04 11:30 - 12:30 | Holy Trinity Church, Kirkby Road, Ripon, HG4 2EY, United Kingdom
An inspiring and entertaining West African tale mixing puppetry and traditional music.
One day darkness covers the face of the land. Lion appeals for someone to bring back the light and save the world. Who will succeed? The powerful Eagle? The clever Monkey? Or Anansi the Spider and his mates?
Presented by Swallows Wing Puppetry.
“Carolene is a captivating storyteller. Our Year 2s were gripped and older students fascinated by the use of materials to tell stories”
Presented with school groups in mind, but all welcome.
​Group tickets for schools’ groups also available. Contact tina@ripontheatrefestival.org if you ​would like to bring a school group.
The show with introduction lasts approximately 60 minutes.
Ticket Price: £5

Storytelling for Beginners
2025-07-04 10:30 - 12:30 | Ripon Library, The Arcade, Ripon, HG4 1AG, United Kingdom
Whether you are thinking of dipping your toe into live storytelling, are a parent, teacher or carer who loves telling or reading stories to younger listeners, use public speaking in your work, or are just curious about how the ancient art of spoken storytelling can be relevant in the 21st century – this workshop might be of use to you.
RTF Storyteller in Residence, Peter Chand has travelled the world sharing his stories and techniques with people of all ages and backgrounds.
In this practical 2- hour workshop Peter will cover the basics such as voice techniques, visualising a story, movement in storytelling and personalising a story to connect with it more deeply. You will also get a chance to share a short traditional story with the rest of the group, in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
Ticket Price: £10

Mrs Churchill - My Life with Winston
2025-07-03 19:30 | Ripon Arts Hub, 49 Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
Winston Churchill is arguably one of the most famous Englishmen that has ever lived. His inspirational leadership helped win the Second World War, and his parliamentary career of 62 years ensured he was responsible for many momentous decisions. What of Clementine, his wife for 56 years?
They say that behind every great man, there is a great woman. Was this true in Churchill’s case? Did he bully her like he did so many other people? Was he as grumpy and irascible at home as he often was in the House of Commons? Given his strength and conviction, did Clem have any influence on him at all? Or was she ‘the little lady at home’? Winston himself said, “my most brilliant achievement was my ability to be able to persuade my wife to marry me.”
Liz Grand, whose portrayal of Agatha Christie wowed RTF audiences in 2023, returns with her latest superb, sensitive and informative portrayal.
“Her finest hour.” Showtime
Event sponsored by Specsavers, Ripon
Tickets £14

Ripon Ghost Walk
2025-07-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
Explore our hauntingly beautiful city after dark and delve into its eerie past. Wander the ancient streets and places of Ripon with our expert and knowledgeable guides. Expect tales and history of characters long gone but thought to have left something behind. Discover frightening events in the most unlikely places.
All timed to enable you to see and hear the Ripon Hornblower at 9pm in the Market Square.
Proceeds from this walk generously donated to Ripon Theatre Festival.
Ticket Price: £4 – £6

Walking and Writing City and Country
2025-07-03 11:00 - 15:00 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
‘Ripon…has not only an agreeable situation on a rising ground between two rivers, but the marketplace is the finest and most beautiful square that is to be seen of its kind in England’ Daniel Defoe 1724-6
Wetlands and rivers, canals and monasteries, monuments and follies; the city of Ripon is an inspirational landscape that has attracted creatives such as Daniel Defoe, poet Wilfred Owen and produced writers such as the suffragette, Naomi Jacobs.
Join acclaimed writer Mary-Jane Holmes on this four-hour walk-and-create writing workshop in and around Ripon. As we stroll its snickets and paths, we will reflect on how our experience of environments shapes us and how by harnessing our powers of deep observation in relation to our surroundings, we can develop a more active way of seeing the world we inhabit.
This workshop will combine ‘attentive’ walking, a performance of poetic works and fun writing exercises. It is open to everyone whether you are a seasoned writer of any genre be that playwriting or poetry, fiction or memoir or simply curious about the creative writing process.
Mary-Jane Holmes has garnered many awards including winning the Bridport Poetry prize, the Writer’s Digest poetry competition, the Live Canon Pamphlet Prize, Bath Novella-in-Flash Prize, Mslexia Flash prize.
This walk will be repeated on Saturday 4 October as part of Ripon Poetry Festival
Walk begins at the obelisk in Ripon Market Place.
Notepads and pencils are provided but do bring a pack lunch and dress appropriately for the weather!
Dogs are NOT allowed at this activity.
Age guide 14+
Tickets: £20

Third Class - A Titanic Story
2025-07-02 20:00 | Ripon Arts Hub, 49 Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
“The White Star Line merged itself out of existence. Those clever little educated boys.” A one-man theatre show based on the life of Titanic survivor, Edward Dorking.
Edward was gay. Openly gay, and on Wednesday, April 10th, 1912, he set sail for NYC on a ticket bought for him by his parents in the hope his American family could put him ‘right’.
THIRD CLASS charts Edward’s journey from boarding the Titanic to swimming for 30 minutes towards an already full collapsible lifeboat and how he, upon arriving in New York, would tour the Vaudeville circuit, recreating the stories for a fact-hungry public.
But Edward didn’t want fame; he wanted revenge. When everyone was talking about the deaths of millionaires and society figures, few were discussing the people who took the lion’s share of the losses that night: the third class.
Edward was coming for the upper classes.
Using music, movement, projection, and historical facts, THIRD CLASS tells the story of an unknown hero from a well-known story.
Written and performed by Russell Lucas
Age guide 12+
Tickets £14

Mangoes on the Beach
2025-07-02 15:00 - 16:10 | St Mary Magdalen’s (Leper Chapel), Magdalen's Road, Ripon, HG4 1HT, United Kingdom
Love.. Loss.. Separation.. and the ties that bind a family.
1937. India is still under British rule, and in a small village in the north a ten year old boy dreams of a better life. A life free from the shackles of the caste system which has imprisoned his family for as long as anyone can remember.
RTF Storyteller in Residence, Peter Chand, takes the story of his parents’ journey from the Punjab to England in the 1950s and weaves it with traditional Indian folk talks. A moving, witty and thoughtful tribute to a generation, delivered by one of Europe’s most accomplished storytellers.
“He’s a bridge between two cultures and two generations… I was spellbound” Kim Normanton, Loftus ​Productions for BBC Radio 4
Age guide 14+
Tickets £12 include Flavours of India bun and tea from Realitea, Ripon’s own Indian tearoom.
Supported by Ripon Rotary Club
Wednesday 2nd July, 3pm
Tickets: £14

Babies, Books & Biscotti
2025-07-02 09:00 - 11:00 | Little Ripon Bookshop, 12-13 Westgate, Ripon, HG4 2AT, United Kingdom
Start your morning with a sociable coffee, then pop next door for a gentle sensory storytelling session with your baby. Meet other parents and share baby book ideas. Calm, connection, and creativity led by Stories with Liv.
Pop in to Valentino’s from 9am onwards, storytelling session starts in Little Ripon Bookshop (just next door) at 10.15am
Age guide 0-24 months
Ticket includes coffee (or other hot beverage) and an Italian biscuit at Valentino’s.
Wednesday 2nd July, 9am
Tickets: £7

Hilarity Bites Festival Special
2025-07-01 20:00 - 22:00 | Ripon Arts Hub, 49 Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
Ripon Theatre Festival joins forces with Ripon Arts Hub’s monthly Hilarity Bites Comedy Club to present a special show headlined by Larry Dean. Larry’s credits include the Royal Variety Performance in 2024, two appearances on Live at the Apollo (once as host), Mock the Week, House of Games, Roast Battle, World’s Most Dangerous Roads, The Stand Up Sketch Show, The Comedy Roast for SU2C, and Michael McIntyre’s Big Show. Larry has also been nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award three times, has had a stand-up special aired on Channel 4, and is currently in the middle of a world tour of his latest show.
“Physical comedy that would have done Billy Connolly proud” – The Mirror
“There is no doubt about it, this guy is hilarious. Sensational” – Michael McIntyre
“Destined to become a household name” The Telegraph
Joining Larry is the “filthy and fabulous” Lou Conran, who has just returned from performing at comedy festivals in Australia and New Zealand, and supporting her great friend Sarah Millican on her international tour, including opening for her at many big theatres throughout the UK. Lou was winner of the Best MC at the 2020/21 Comics Comic Awards, regularly provides warm-up for numerous TV shows, is a regular voice on BBC Radio 4, and is one half of the award nominated podcast ‘Spit or Swallow/ and the new podcast ’Tough Gig’.

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: £12

The Beloved Son
2025-07-01 19:30 | Ripon Cathedral, Minster Road,, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom
A moving solo performance by Andrew Harrison, exploring hope and longing, family dynamics, sexual and emotional crisis, and the profound insights of a man who became one of the greatest spiritual writers of the 20th century.
Henri Nouwen (1932 – 1996) was a Dutch, Catholic priest, psychologist, and professor who reached the heights of academic success before abandoning everything to join the community of L’Arche, in Toronto. He became part of a life-sharing movement, seeking to make known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities, exploring their unique talents and creating a welcoming home of friendship and belonging. To some Henri Nouwen put his brilliant career into reverse, risking the loss of reputation, to others his life was a prophetic challenge to church and society.
Age guide 14+
Performed by Andrew Harrison
Written by Murray Watts
Presented in partnership with Ripon Cathedral
Tuesday 1st July
Tickets £14

In preparation for the Festival performance of The Beloved Son, Ripon Cathedral will be hosting two evening discussion groups to explore the life, core themes and writings of Henri Nouwen. The discussions will be led by Rev Dr Rod and Mrs Jan Allon-Smith. Both discussions groups will take place at Thorpe Prebend House. All welcome.
Discovering Nouwen 1: The Return of the Prodigal Son
Tuesday 13 May, 7.30-9pm
Discovering Nouwen 2: Life of the Beloved
Thursday 12 June, 7.30-9pm
To register your interest & book places for the discussions, please contact the Cathedral Office on CathedralAdmin@riponcathedral.org.uk or phone 01765 603462

Peelers, Poachers & Paupers
2025-06-29 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-06-29 13:30 - 16:30, 2025-06-28 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-06-28 13:30 - 16:30 | Workhouse Museum, Sharow View, Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LE, United Kingdom
A tale of resistance, survival and defiance in Victorian Yorkshire
Experience an unmissable theatrical journey across Ripon’s historic museums. Ripon Workhouse Theatre Ensemble and Fell Foss Theatre join forces to present a brand-new production staged across all three sites: the Workhouse Museum, the Police and Prison Museum, and the Courthouse.
Step into the gripping true story of Elisha and John Sinkler, Yorkshire brothers born into a gamekeeping family who turned to poaching and paid the ultimate price. Follow their journey across the moors of Nidderdale, their clashes with the law, and their brutal punishment: transportation to Australia. Witness their desperate fight to return home not once, but twice.
This powerful performance also brings to light the struggles of those left behind the women who endured hardship and a fight for survival in their absence. This immersive promenade theatre experience breathes life into the forgotten voices of 19th-century Yorkshire.
Don’t miss this extraordinary story told in extraordinary spaces.
Due to the nature of the venues, ticketing will be used to manage numbers at each stage of the story.
All ticket purchasers end up at the Workhouse Museum for refreshments after the show.

1.30-4.30pm – Rotation #1 – Prison & Police Museum, Courthouse, Workhouse Museum Book Now
2-4.30pm – Rotation #2 – Courthouse, Prison & Police Museum, Workhouse Museum Book Now
5-8pm – Rotation #3 – Prison & Police Museum, Courthouse, Workhouse Museum Book Now
5.30-8pm – Rotation #4 – Prison & Police Museum, Courthouse, Workhouse Museum Book Now

Age guide 10+

Bomb Happy
2025-05-11 14:30 - 16:00 | Lister House, Southgate, Ripon, HG4 1PG, United Kingdom
“Bomb Happy is a slang phrase we use for being under fire for many days at a time… it does describe the condition you become.” D Day Veteran, Ken “Smudger” Smith
Two new works telling the stories of Yorkshire Normandy Veterans in their own words. This poignant and lyrical double-bill includes:
A Walk in the Park – a short film in the footsteps of Hank Haydock. Filmed on location at former WWII training camp in Duncombe Park, it tells the story of Coldstream Guardsman Dennis Haydock. Beautifully shot, it captures the hidden remains of nissen huts, tank standings and tank maintenance pits amongst the now peaceful woodland.
Sleep/Re-Live/Wake/Repeat – writer Helena Fox and vocalist Natasha Jones bring to life the first-hand experiences of D-Day Veteran, Ken “Smudger” Smith and the lifelong impact of PTSD and sleep trauma through spoken first hand accounts and haunting acapella vocals. With never been seen before black and white images from Ken’s personal photo collection following his traumatic journey in the Middle East following victory in Europe.
Two stories of two ordinary Yorkshire lads who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances. At times humorous, at times harrowing, both film and spoken word performance allow a close up insight into life on the frontline and give a rare glimpse into life for someone beset by memories of war.
Presented as part of Ripon’s VE Day 80th Anniversary Commemorations in partnership with Ripon Community Poppy Project.
Sunday 11 May, 2.30pm Doors open 2pm.
Refreshments will be served after the event with donations to Lister House.
Tickets £10

Nana Funk: Tough Old Bird
2025-03-20 19:00 - 22:00 | Ripon Arts Hub, 49 Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
A heartfelt musical journey of exploration, inspired by real life events. Presented by Nana Funk, the great-great-grandmother of good times.
Tough Old Bird explores how women are viewed in society as they have the absolute gall to get older! Have you ever noticed those adverts promising to ‘defy the effects of ageing’? Ooh Nana hates them. What about when we get old? Where’s the instruction manual? Who deems what is ‘acceptable behaviour’? What happens when your voice isn’t listened to, or you become slowly invisible?
“The moments of poignant clarity were matched with joyous hilarity” Opening Nights
“Evokes the warm-hearted but deadly-sharp observational style of Victoria Wood” North West End
Presented to launch the 2025 Ripon Theatre Festival. Tickets include a glass of bubbly, information about forthcoming festival events and refreshments courtesy of Valentino’s Ristorante.
Thursday 20 March. Doors and refreshments from 7pm, event starts 7.30pm.
Tickets £15

As You Like It
2024-07-07 19:00 - 21:30 | The Old Deanery, Minster Road,, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom
Shakespeare’s leafy tale of banishment, love and disguise is given a light-hearted and musical treatment by Folksy Theatre.
Rosalind, the daughter of a banished duke, falls in love with Orlando. Banished from the court by her usurping uncle, Rosalind takes on the appearance of a boy, calling herself Ganymede. She, her cousin Celia and jester Touchstone, travel to the Forest of Arden, where her father and his friends live in exile. Meeting Orlando again in the forest, she devises an elaborate scheme to test his love and capture his heart, through the witty and mischievous façade of her disguise.
“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players…”
This popular Shakespearian comedy about life and love, faith and death is filled with Folksy’s touch of live music, bold characters, audience interaction and plenty of laughs. Bring along friends and family to enjoy this fun-filled production!
Sponsored by Specsavers, Ripon
Suitable for ages 7+
Please bring your own rug or folding chairs (but no umbrellas!).
Picnics welcome but please respect our hosts by purchasing all drinks at the bar.
Dogs are NOT allowed at the performance.
Performance continues regardless of weather.
Sunday 7 July, 7pm
Tickets: £18 adults, £11 children

Family Theatre Workshop with Henshaws
2024-07-07 15:30 - 16:15 | The Ripon Inn, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2BU
After you’ve enjoyed the whimsical world of The Golden Tree in the Spa Gardens (2.30pm) brought to life by the talented performers of Knaresborough’s Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre, join in 45 minutes of fun and accessible theatre games. The session is for all ages and abilities and will be co-led by three of Henshaws participants – Hannah, Kezzy and Ollie, alongside Douglas Thompson, theatre-maker and multidisciplinary artist.
Douglas Thompson says:
“Join us to explore the creative process behind the fairy tale as we play theatre games, mime, and body language techniques. In this workshop, participants will journey through colourful characters and storytelling. Experience the magic of mime with games like ‘Mime Slime,’ where you bring invisible objects to life. Discover the comedic chaos between characters with fun servant-master games. Whether you’re experienced or new to theatre, this workshop offers a chance to unleash your creativity and explore storytelling.”
About Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre:
Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre supports people with a range of disabilities. Our centre is a place where artmakers can explore their talents, develop new skills, and connect with the community. Through workshops, performances, and events, we highlight the abilities of our participants and promote inclusivity in the arts.
This workshop is free ​but please book your places to avoid disappointment and so we know you are coming!
Workshop takes place in the Ripon Inn Garden Marquee to the rear of the hotel (access through Spa Gardens or via the hotel on Park Street)
Refreshments served for participants courtesy of The Ripon Inn
FREE EVENT
2 – 2.30pm Ripon Spa Gardens (performance)
3.30 – 4.15pm The Ripon Inn Garden Marquee (workshop)

Fate and the Warrior
2024-07-07 15:00 - 16:30 | Workhouse Museum, Sharow View, Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LE, United Kingdom
In the atmospheric surroundings of the Guardians’ Room at Ripon Workhouse, Fell-Foss Theatre presents the first read through of a new play detailing the last years of Edgar Mittelholzer, credited as the first English speaking novelist from the Caribbean. He had a prolific output, gaining much success, though his work took an increasingly darker tone over time ostracizing many former publishers.‘Here we go gathering blood and bones!
Blood and Bones! Blood and Bones!
Here We go gathering blood and bones
This dark and foggy morning’
A Pay What You Can Event – recommended price £6

The Not So Big Bad Wolf
2024-07-07 15:00 - 16:00 | 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

Kit and Caboodle
2024-07-07 14:30 - 15:00 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
With miniature puppet shows inside a big, rolling mule puppet, the timeless theme of migration is packaged up in Thingumajig’s latest street act, KIT AND CABOODLE.
A pack mule with its beautiful burden of tales is joined by two well-travelled companions. Bags and cases open to reveal stories and songs of remarkable journeys from the staggering sojourn of a butterfly to people past and present who set out in search of a better life.
“It was such an emotional and beautiful piece it actually made me cry!” Charlotte, Shipley Street Arts Festival
FREE EVENT
11.30 – 12noon Ripon Spa Gardens
2.30 – 3pm Little Bird Market

The Three Suitcases
2024-07-07 14:30 - 15:00 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, 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
