




sat 22 feb • 1pm • 15+
£25
For the first time ever musical supernova and viral comedy sensation Jazz Emu (The Guardian's breakout comedy act of 2023) will be touring the UK with his hotly anticipated brand-new show, Knight Fever, alongside his full live band, ‘The Cosmique Perfectión’ in spring 2025. Following his run at the Soho Theatre & Edinburgh Festival Fringe, this tour will feature brand new songs, and an appearance from the King himself.
AT THE TOP OF HIS GAME Fringe Insider
how you see me, how you don't
thu 6 feb • 7.30pm • 16+
£17.50
After two consecutive critically-acclaimed shows, rising star Chloe Petts is back on the road with a brand-new hour… and this time she’s getting personal. Between her newly found trolls, oldly found school bullies, and an excellent relationship with her food tech teacher, Chloe brings her trademark laddishness to tell you who she really is, all while her Head Girl badge glistens upon her chest.
Star of Hannah Gadsby's Gender Agenda, host of Toilet Humour on BBC Radio 4, Have I Got News
For You and Richard Osman's House of Games
A COMEDIC TRIUMPH
Broadway Baby
sat 15 feb • 2.30pm • 16+
£20
His interview podcast is usually recorded in London’s glittering West End at the Leicester Square Theatre, but it’s back again at the Leicester Comedy Festival! RHLSTP sees him interview top comedians in front of a live audience for his podcast but includes all the chat that's too controversial for broadcast! He'll be joined by creator and star of The Dark Room, John Robertson and the creators of Viz magazine Simon & Chris Donald.
sun 23 feb • 8pm • 14+
£18/£16.50
Eshaan Akbar is back doing jokes on tour! Eshaan’s previous tour, The Pretender, was described by The Times as “pretty sick” (not an actual quote) so this one is likely to be mad good.
As seen on Sex Education (Netflix), Mock The Week (BBC), QI (BBC), Live At The Apollo (BBC), Comedy Central Live and many more. Forthcoming TV includes The Last Leg (Channel 4) and Pilgrimage (BBC).
GENIUS STAND-UP COMEDY
Edinburgh Festivals Magazine
fri 14 feb • 7.30pm • 16+ pay what you feel
The longest running gay comedy night in the UK is back, platforming hilarious LGBTQ+ comedians for over 27 years. This year, as always, we'll bring you some of the best LGBTQ+ comics on the scene, nationally and from the Midlands - previous acts have included Rosie Jones, Jess Fostekew, Olga Koch, Zoe Lyons, Graham Norton, Susan Calman, Jen Brister and Stephen K Amos.
The line-up this year includes Jodie Mitchell, Dee Allum and Kuan-wen Huang.
This event is Pay What You Feel which supports our continued work with new artists.
fri 7 feb • 6pm • 18+
£17.50
It’s clear what toxic masculinity is, but what does positive masculinity look like in a modern context? Josh Berry intends to provide some sort of answer to this question, through his many impressions and characters, as he tells the tale of being his best friend’s best man earlier this year. From routines on how to organise a ‘progressive stag do’, to the amusing difficulties men seem to face around positive emotional expression, the show is an opportunity for us to have a ruddy good laugh at a concept that could do with being taken a bit less seriously. There’s also a routine about how much Josh hates runners and refuses to become one.
N.B. Josh has since entered a half marathon.
wed 12 feb • 7:30pm • 14+
£17
If life is a journey, Zoe’s has had more than its share of potholes and diversions: from diving with sharks, to sitting in a shed in Vietnam with a former health secretary (and discovering that MPs aren’t the only parasites she has to worry about). Navigating the road to happiness can be exhausting and baffling; Zoe’s begun to think that even Wim Hof would prefer to be tucked up with a nice hot water bottle every now and then.
But Zoe’s been on that road long enough now that she’s felt a change – not as in the menopause. A real change. If happiness is ending up the best version of yourself, Zoe is finally getting there. She is where she needs to be. She is… werewolf.
The host of BBC’s Lightning, a regular on Have I Got News For You, QI and Mock The Week – Zoe is one of the country’s best-loved comedians.
A MASTERCLASS OF HOW TO WRITE, CONSTRUCT, AND PERFORM A SHOW
Women
sun 9 feb • 7pm • 14+
£12
The Bristolian Taskmaster runner-up and No More Jockeys luminary does a preview show before an Australian tour in 2025. So far, the show is about the future of mankind, and a woman called Phoebe. Some other stuff in between.
WITTY, WARM, PERFECTLY JUDGED
The Telegraph
fri 7 feb • 8pm • 18+
£18
Forgive me Leicester, for I have sinned!
Following a sell-out 2024 show, Rob Manuel, creator of Fesshole & B3ta, returns to Leicester with the internet’s naughtiest, funniest, cringiest confessions.
Expect an evening of some of the best and worst confessions known to mankind as Rob digs into the bin of unpublished confessions and uncovers the depths of human grotesqueness. Full of humour & heart, this show is not to be missed.
thu 20 feb • 7.30pm • 16+
£22.50
On 23rd January 2024 I was diagnosed as being neurodivergent which was kind of a surprise to me, funnily enough not to anyone that knows me. Although surprising this pretty much answered my full life and why I am the way I am. So come join me in a show where I’ll give you a 1st hand insight from my delusional eyes to what goes on in my ever expanding mind with stories of how I've managed to survive through a life of total confusement to how and why I now prefer to be alone, mostly!
Sat 15 Feb• 8pm • 14+
£17
A brand-new stand-up show from Angela Barnes, star of Mock The Week and Live At The Apollo
Angela is a worrier. Whatever it is, she’ll worry about it. But don’t let that worry you – she’ll worry enough for the both of you.
This hilarious show has some stories of success and sound logic, but mostly features stories of unmitigated failure, a distinct lack of wisdom, a little bit of German and loads of jokes.
SHE'S JUST A GLORIOUSLY DOWN-TO-EARTH, STRAIGHT TALKING AND EXTREMELY FUNNY COMIC
The Guardian
sat 8 feb • 6pm • 14+
£17.50
Sophie Duker is BACK! The Taskmaster champ is back on tour and dealing with her (sugar) daddy issues in a hilarious new stand-up show.
But Daddy, I Love Her! sees Sophie take the stage with her trademark naughtiness, this time arguing that we should all choose silliness over common sense and hot wet fantasies over cold, bleak reality. In this intentionally unhinged hour, delulu is the solulu.
RIOTOUSLY FUNNY
The Skinny
Vitruvian Mango
sun 23 feb • 6pm • 14+
£17
What are men for? Most heavy things can be lifted by machines and most problems can be solved by computers and most puddles can be crossed without us gallantly draping our capes over them - so are we fellas of any use at all?
Award-winning MAN Marcus Brigstocke thinks we might still serve some useful function. But what is it? This new tour show will resolve the entire issue once and for all (in a non-patriarchal, open minded, progressive sort of way).
DaVinci’s Vitruvian Man is the image of the ideal male form. Marcus’ Vitruvian Mango is the same, but sweeter, softer, seasonally available and, when ripe, delicately perfumed.
“CHARMING, HILARIOUS AND UTTERLY REFRESHING
The Sunday Mirror
fri 21 feb • 8pm • 16+
£22.50
A show about being human - can you relate???
Just like Tom Cruise does all his own stunts, I'm going to do all my own jokes! A deep, dumb show for the masses.
Star of Dancing On Ice (ITV), champion of Taskmaster (Channel 4), co-host of Mel Giedroyc's Unforgivable (Dave), regular on QI (BBC) and as seen on The Late Late Show With James Corden (CBS) and Would I Lie To You? (BBC).
A WARM, RELATABLE AND HILARIOUS SHOW
The Sunday Post
Thu 13 feb • 7.30pm • 16+
£17.50
Ahir Shah presents his award-winning stand-up show Ends. The show spans six decades, three generations, and two continents, synthesising past and present in search of hope for the future. It’s funnier than it sounds, honestly. Loads of cracking gags.
First performed at the Edinburgh Fringe, starting as a work-in-progress show, it became the word-of-mouth~ hit of the festival, culminating in Shah winning the 2023 Sky Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Show.
THIS IS TRULY OUTSTANDING STAND UP Evening Standard
wed 19 feb • 8pm • 12+
£20
Spain’s Best Export™ Ignacio Lopez is on a mission to destroy himself, and build a better version; Leaner. Smarter. Funnier. Join the star of Live At The Apollo, Have I Got News For You, Comedy Central, QI, House Of Games, & more, for a riotously funny exploration of vices, intrusive thoughts, and self improvement.
Expect an armada of playful, wicked humour from the exotic outsider comedian, as he tries to identify his faults and how to improve; Is it worth going to the gym? Can you be addicted to technology? Do you know what happens if you give spiders drugs? Ignacio uses his razor-sharp wit, and effortless charm to tackle these questions and a bunch of other irrelevant horsesh*t.
CHARMING, CHARISMATIC, HILARIOUS
Deadline News
SARCASTIC, WITTY, ANIMATED, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, HILARIOUS
Entertainment Now
sun 9 feb• 9pm • 14+
£14/£6
Get ready for an unforgettable experience as Justin returns with a new show.
The story covers subjects ranging from pantomimes to dreams, how to behave in hospitals, small talk, realising his Mum is a northern version of Columbo, and how being a smart-mouthed kid saved him from a life of continually being beaten up. Above all else, it's the Justin you have to come to expect. It's funny and interesting, and perhaps there's a little bit that warms the soul, too.
LIGHTNING FAST
WIT, MASTERFUL
DELIVERY
Chortle
sun 16 feb• 6pm • 18+
£16.50
The Ladies Of Laughter are back, flexing their female funny muscles especially for you!
This hit tour returns to Leicester with a line-up featuring Esther Manito (Live At The Apollo), Tej Dhutia (BBC AN), Noreen Khan (BBC AN, BBC 1), Shalaka Kurup (King Gong) and Fathiya Saleh (BBC AN).
sat 8 feb• 8pm •15+
£16
Welcome to The Dark Room – the world’s only liveaction, text-based adventure game. It’s strange, insane and addictive – it’s a choose-your-own-adventure, so choose it!
Now its 12th year, this high-octane interactive show is the brainchild of comedian & cult leader John Robertson
sat 22 feb • 7.30pm
£20/£18
Leicester Comedy Festival's flagship competition is back! The stellar list of past winners include Josh Widdicombe, Johnny Vegas, Jason Manford, Seann Walsh and Rhod Gilbert. Join us as we present this year's finest up and coming acts, nominated by top comedy promoters from across the UK. A serious comedy competition, headlined by 2024 winner Eva Bindeman and hosted by the fabulous Thanyia Moore (Mock the Week (BBC), Mo Gilligan’s Black, British and Funny (Channel 4), The Duchess (Netflix), Alma's Not Normal (BBC2)).
sat 8 feb• 3.30pm • 16+
£17
Light the beacons! Rouse the villagers! Gather all your courage... for the smash hit comedy show of the cult 90s TV classic is back!
Sidestep left into adventure as dungeon master Treguard opens the doors once more for the very special, 10th anniversary tour of the hilarious homage to the TV show. Starring Tom Bell (The Mash Report), Paul Flannery (director of Phantom Peak) and a host of brilliant guest comedians.
tue 11 feb• 7.30pm • 14+
£17.50
Award-winning writer, comedian and actor Rob Auton brings his latest show The Eyes Open and Shut Show to Leicester. Rob has written ten hit Edinburgh Festival Fringe comedy/theatre/spokenword shows on specific themes including the colour yellow in The Yellow Show, sleep in The Sleep Show and hair in The Hair Show
The Eyes Open and Shut Show is a show about eyes when they are open and eyes when they are shut. With this show Rob wanted to explore what he could do to himself and others with language when eyes are open and shut. After writing ten shows on specific themes, he wanted to think about what makes him open his eyes and what makes him shut them.
BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED; JUST LIKE AUTON’S COMEDY… HIS ACT IS WELL HONED AND HIS EASE IS INFECTIOUS
The Independent
sun 16 feb• 8.15pm • 18+
£16.50
COBO: Comedy Shutdown brings a Leicester Comedy Festival special.
Round up your friends & family and join us for an uplifting night of laughter!
The line-up stars Sikisa (BBC Live At The Apollo), Kat B (BBC, MTV), Kevin J (BBC, MTV) and Daliso Chaponda (Britain’s Got Talent).
sun 13 apr• 8pm • 16+
£15
After a year of performing worldwide, awardwinning comedian Aurie Styla is back on tour, with his biggest one to date. Join him as he talks about this wild world, and his journey to make sense of it, in The Aurator!
As seen on Deep Fake Neighbour Wars (ITVX), Comedy Central Live, Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club (ITV), Life’s A Pitch (Sky), Don’t Hate The Playaz (ITV), The Stand-Up Sketch Show (ITV2), Mo Gilligan’s Black, British & Funny (C4) & more.
fri 30 may • 8pm • 16+
£32.50/£17.50
Fearlessly hilarious delivery combined with honesty and sincerity. Kane Brown is 19 years in the game, has performed around the world, has opened for Guz Khan on his UK Tour, can be seen on Man Like Mobeen (Netflix), Deepfake (Channel 4), She’s the One (Amazon) and heard on his hit Podcast, Rated 18.
A COMEDY FORCE OF NATURE
Romesh Ranganathan
thu 8 may • 7.30pm • 14+
£45/£25
In celebration of the release of her hilarious memoir of the same name, comedian, novelist, and professional show-off Jenny Eclair comes to Leicester with a brand-new autobiographical show.
From drama school, (mostly drinking cider and eating sausage rolls), sleeping with men who looked like they lived under a carpet, punk poetry, anorexia, bedsit misery, waitressing and not really having a clue about anything, to being the first woman to win the Perrier Award, becoming a mother, author, grumpy old woman, podcaster and nana!
Still gigging to sell-out crowds forty years later, Jenny invites you to look back at what she can remember before she forgets everything.
TICKET AND BOOK BUNDLE £45: 1 ticket to the show, plus a preordered signed hardback copy of Jenny’s new book.
RUTHLESSLY FUNNY
The Times
fri 9 may • 8pm • 14+
£16
Described as ‘the funniest dad on Instagram’, standup comedian George Lewis has racked up hundreds of millions of views for his hilarious online sketches.
Now he’s bringing his brand new stand up show to the stage. It won’t just be about parenting though, because he has done loads this year. He’s bought a new hoover, watched some more stuff on Netflix… loads.
So, activate the parents’ Whatsapp groups, dump the kids with whoever is willing to have them, and join George for a brilliant night out.
fri 21 mar • 7.30pm
£15
5-star award-winning entertainment from the tip-top Queen of Comedy.
In Barbra Streisand’s recent autobiography, she says: "I haven't had much fun in my life, to tell you the truth. And I want to have more fun."
Join ordinary housewife extraordinaire Barbara Nice for a laugh-out-loud joyful get-together as we reconnect with what makes life worth living.
Expect Barbara’s unique comic insights into the current state of play on how we are all getting on.
Chortle
shabaz ali
i'm rich, you're poor
thu 27 mar • 8pm • 14+
£20
Join Shabaz Ali, @ShabazSays, as he takes to the stage in his debut live comedy tour. Jam packed with his roaring, on point and hugely requested observations of the mindboggling lengths that are taken to present a ‘perfect’ life online.
From designer ice cubes to Stanley cups and their wild and somewhat varied uses, nothing escapes his withering comedic commentary. A hilarious and interactive show where no one is off limits (including the audience!), that will make you fall in love with your own extraordinary, ordinary life.
Global sensation Shabaz Ali has fast become a pop culture phenomenon. Comedian and author of hit book ‘I’m Rich, You're Poor’, Shabaz has built a loyal community of millions of followers, who regularly demand his quick-witted take on the latest online craze.
today years old
sat 12 apr • 7.30pm •14+
£17.50
What has quickly become an annual tradition. Carl is back for a third consecutive back-to-back tour. His storytelling skills & ability to hold an audience is second to none. Rich in observations and exaggerated physical comedy, a night out with this Geordie is guaranteed to have you belly laughing from start to finish.
HILARIOUS
One4Review
The Scotsman
thu 3 apr • 7.30pm • 18+
£20
We're talking all things The Inbetweeners at this special evening with actor/comedian Joe Thomas!
It wasn't long after audiences were first introduced to hapless sixth-formers Will McKenzie, Neil Sutherland, Jay Cartright and Simon Cooper that The Inbetweeners became one of the nation's best loved shows.
Celebrating seventeen years since the show's debut, Joe Thomas aka Simon Cooper is here in-conversation all about the series and taking questions from the audience. Hearing all about Joe's favourite moments and behind the scenes misadventures, as well as its impact on his own life as an actor/comedian, this promises to be an exciting evening of humour and insight from one of the nation's best loved young sitcom stars. We’ll also, of course, be touching on Joe’s other work, including Fresh Meat, White Gold and TaskMaster!
matt bragg has nothing wrong with him
sun 16 mar • 8pm • 16+
£16.50
Recently described by Chortle as a mix between Jack Dee and Frank Skinner wrapped in a Mod’s fashion sense, Matt is taking his debut show on tour.
A selection of his best bits from 7 years on the comedy circuit which, have taken him all over Europe, from basements to theatres and arenas supporting the likes of Ricky Gervais, John Bishop, Suzi Ruffell and Jason Manford.
MATT BRAGG IS BRILLIANTLY FUNNY
Suzi Ruffell
fri 28 FEB• 8pm • 18+
£18.30
Richard Blackwood brings his jam packed hour of pure heavyweight punchlines and anecdotes. Get set for a night that’s not just comedy – it’s a rollercoaster of laughter, stories, and a sneak peek into Richard’s incredible 30-year journey.
Celebrating three phenomenal decades in the game, Richard got us laughing on the Real McCoy, has conquered MTV, owned Top of the Pops, graced the sets West End Theatres, EastEnders and Hollyoaks, and showcased his culinary chops on MasterChef
fri 16 may • 7.30pm • 14+
£17
Completing the Trilogy begun with Genius 2.0 and The Work of the Devil, Have We Met? finds Simon standing, like Ulysses in Tennyson’s famous verse, gazing out over the moaning deep and the twinkling rocks and wondering whether to seek a newer world? To smite the sounding furrows? To strive, to seek, and to find? Or whether in fact, to put the kettle on, crack open the Hobnobs and simply yield?
A MASTERCLASS
The Scotsman
fri 4 apr • 7.30pm • 16+
£22
Critically-acclaimed comedian Jamali Maddix is back on the road with a brand new tour show: Aston. Expect Jamali's trademark brutally honest and unflinching perspectives on the world at large.
He is a regular on Nevermind The Buzzcocks for Sky and was one of the most anarchic Taskmaster contestants the show has ever seen. Alongside this he was a regular contributor for Frankie Boyle's New World Order (BBC2) and has been seen on Live At The Apollo (BBC Two), 8 Out of 10 Cats (More4), as well as many others.
fri 2 may • 7.30pm • 16+
£17.50
Award-winning, international touring comedian Nabil Abdulrashid returns with a riotous new standup show.
As seen on Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and The Last Leg. As heard on Off Menu with James Acaster and Ed Gamble and Hoovering with Jessica Fostekew.
A POTENT, MISCHIEVOUSLY ENTERTAINING VOICE
The Scotsman
PINCH-ME CLEVER AND PAINSTAKINGLY BOLD…NEVER PREDICTABLE, OFTEN HYSTERICAL – AND OVERALL A JOY Time Out
sat 31 may• 7.30pm
£17
A double bill of two shows in one night, from cult multiaward winning musical-comedians Jonny & The Baptists First, an hour of songs and stories about why we are (or are not) happy; followed by a work-in-progress of our next show. What will it be? Well, a charming double act with a penchant for political humour and musical comedy of course, what else do you need to know?
A PROPER BELLY-LAUGH SHOW
British Theatre Guide
AN HOUR OF GLORIOUS CHAOS. A MUST-SEE
The Sunday Post
sat 1 mar • 7.30pm • 18+
£22.50
The BAFTA-winning comedian, ‘national sensation’ (Evening Standard) and ‘extremely funny’ (Daily Telegraph) Iain Stirling, is bringing his intuitive razorsharp humour back on tour with a brand-new stand-up show.
As the iconic voice of Love Island, star and writer of sitcom Buffering on ITV, Iain hits the road once more with a brand-new hour (of jokes) in his biggest tour to date! AS SHARP AS HE IS SELF-AWARE
The List
thu 15 may • 8pm • 16+
£16
Abi Clarke lived the modern-day dream. She posted a video online, went to bed a “nobody”, then woke up to thousands of followers.
Four years later – and after a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe – this is the debut show they’ve been waiting for, though it may not be exactly what they want from her…
As seen on BBC, ITV2, Comedy Central, Channel 4 and support to Phil Wang and Russell Kane.
AN HOUR OF ANGST-RIDDEN, POLISHED STAND-UP
The Scotsman
fri 31 jan • 7.30pm
£35, £30 & £26
Hailed as the UK’s most successful country act, twin sisters Catherine and Lizzy Ward Thomas will tour across the country in in January and February 2025 with a special show with stripped back versions of songs from across their career.
This unique show will take Ward Thomas back to their early days of performing and writing together, seeing the duo perform and share the stories behind the songs that have seen them make such an impact on country music.
thu 9 Jan • 7.30pm
£16/£5
Featuring leading tenor saxophonist Mark Crooks and award winning guitarist Nigel Price (as you’ve never heard him before!), John Cervantes on piano and percussionist Demi Garcia Sabat, Jazz Samba Quartet spotlights Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd’s ground- breaking 1962 recording - The first ever fully fledged bossa nova album recorded by American jazz musicians. A commercial success, it topped the LP charts on its release and produced its own pop hit single – Desafinado
fri 11 apr • 7.30pm
£19
Fleetwood Bac were the world’s first and are regarded as the UK’s most authentic Fleetwood Mac Tribute show.
Raved about by Peter Green’s biographer, and were the first Fleetwood Mac tribute band to fully replicate the classic Stevie, Lindsey, Christine, John & Mick ‘Rumours’ line-up.
thu 13 mar • 7.30pm
£22.50
20 albums and 25 years into her recording career and only now does Thea Gilmore feel enough of herself to make the self-titled album that renews her vows to music – her first love. The album was entirely written, played and produced by Thea.
‘Thea Gilmore’ is absolutely the record she wanted to make. In many ways the record she had to make.
Thea’s hard-earned reputation as one of the most distinctive, strident and bold singer songwriters of her generation propels her to reach for new ground and this new release feels like a great leap forward into tomorrow.
The veteran of hundreds of festivals, she has sold out shows across the globe. Her music features in numerous films including most recently Olivia Coleman’s film Joyride (2022).
MUSIC THAT'S SIMPLY BREATHTAKING Get Ready To Rock
sat 10 may • 7.30pm
£20/£8
Dubbed “UK’s queen of jazz-fusion”, critically acclaimed vocalist, songwriter and producer, Emily Saunders takes any stage by storm, leading her exceptional band of stellar musicians through her spellbinding set of original songs.
Presenting her most powerful work to date Moon Shifts Oceans - her heady mix of future-jazz inspired melodic hooky basslines and riffs, edges of broken beat, and Brazilian-infused grooves - Emily seamlessly blends virtuosity and adventurous musicianship of the highest order, creating a unique fusion.
Hailing from London, raised in Brixton, Emily’s music has hit Top 10 in international iTunes and Amazon charts in the UK, USA, Germany, France and Indonesia. Emily’s music is a lively and engaging mix of jazz, pop, jazz-fusion, nujazz, funk - full of ear-worms and memorable grooves and melodies.
ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT
Jamie Cullum, BBC Radio 2
MUSICALITY, POISE AND INGENUITY. SAUNDERS IS THE REAL DEAL
The Guardian
fri 7 Mar • 7.30pm
£18
February 2024 saw the release of Katherine Priddy’s eagerly awaited second album: The Pendulum Swing. Greeted by critical acclaim in the press including MOJO who called it “simply brilliant”, the album landed at #1 in the official UK Folk Charts. It saw the likes of Iggy Pop, Guy Garvey, Craig Charles, Mark Radcliffe and Gideon Coe giving it a spin whilst RTE in Ireland added tracks to their recommendations list for 3 weeks running.
With her biggest headline tour to date selling out most cities and her reputation growing, she was asked to perform on the legendary Later..with Jools Holland (25th May) on BBC Two. She now returns for the final run of The Pendulum Swing Tour in March 2025.
A BREATHTAKING VOICE
The Observer
sat 26 apr • 8pm
£21
Roxy Magic are the UK's best and longest-running tribute to Roxy Music & Bryan Ferry.
Formed in 2004, the band lovingly recreate four decades of incredible music: from art school retro-futurism, to classic standards via sophisticated, adult-oriented rock. Their aim is to give the audience a fabulously entertaining evening and with a great combination of high quality musicianship and a wonderful Bryan Ferry look and sound-alike in Kevin Hackett, Roxy Magic will never fail to impress.
sat 17 May • 7.30pm
£21
2025 sees the 60th anniversary of the Beatles 2nd film and 5th album “Help!” and also the 6th album “Rubber Soul”. The Ticket to Ride in ‘25 tour will feature a lot of songs from 1965 including Help, Yesterday, Day Tripper, Nowhere Man, and Norwegian Wood.
This highly acclaimed production brings The Beatles to life, live on stage. Stunning attention to detail – from the original musical instruments and stitch perfect costumes even down to Lennon and McCartney’s on-stage banter – combined with superb vocals and sublime musicianship.
sat 24 & sun 25 may • 2.30pm
£15
StillMarillion, a tribute to classic EMI era Marillion have been performing during the UK Marillion convention since 2013, delving deep into the back catalogue to delight even the most diehard fan.
Returning to The Y theatre in Leicester in 2025 for their eagerly anticipated Saturday and Sunday afternoon shows featuring completely different sets each day.
fri 25 apr • 7.30pm
£15/£10
The BBC Gospel Choir of the Year Winners 2023, and the 2018 Britain's Got Talent Semi-finalists, the Emmanu'-EL Apostolic Gospel Academy (EAGA) present Praise Night 2025
Come and join in this momentous occasion of joyful and expressive singing, jubilant dancing and enigmatic expressions of the arts in worship. Truly, this is a time not to be missed. Book your seat now!
sat 15 mar & sat 7 jun • 8pm • 18+
£18 Balcony
£29 VIP Cabaret (with a free glass of Bubbly) Leicester’s most decadent cabaret and burlesque experience is back!
Harking back to the traditions of variety in vaudeville and music hall, The Peacock Lounge is a sumptuous cabaret environment unique to the city’s oldest surviving theatre.
The Y Theatre provides the perfect backdrop to a glittering soirée featuring award-winning burlesque and cabaret acts handpicked to captivate you; from the sublime and beautiful to the outrageous and downright ridiculous this show will leave you feeling mesmerised and eager for our next instalment!
sat 22 mar & sat 14 jun • 6.30pm
£24 / under 16
£12.50 / standing & restricted view
£15 / Family of 4
£60
Art, theatre and wrestling collide!
Experience the thrills, spills, comedy, drama and excitement live, as the men and women of Wrestling Resurgence tear it up in this unique performance spectacle! Suitable for wrestling fans of all ages. Featuring many of world’s leading wrestling stars.
Audience feedback:
INCLUSIVE, ACTION PACKED, FUN-FILLED WRESTLING EVENTS
WHAT AN AMAZING EVENT
Mon 7 Apr - Wed 9 apr • various times
£20/£18/£16
Dickens Theatre Company are back on tour in Spring 2025 with two classic English literature GCSE texts brought alive for the third year on stages across the UK.
Adapted & directed by Ryan Philpott, DTC present their acclaimed adaptations of both Macbeth and Dr & Jekyll & Mr Hyde, two mustsee productions for all GCSE English students, teachers, parents & lovers of classic literature alike!
AT LAST! DTC HAVE FINALLY GIVEN GCSE STUDENTS THE STAGE ADAPTATIONS WE HAVE BEEN CRYING OUT FOR. AS MY YEAR 11 SAID, “NOW I GET IT!
English Head of Department, Carshalton College.
A SUPERBLY ENTERTAINING WAY TO PRESENT CLASSIC PLAYS
The View From The Stalls
Optional FREE Q&A sessions after matinee performances & discounted rates for school groups.
Tue 28 Jan, tue 25 mar, Tue 27 may • 7.30pm FREE
We love new stuff. We can’t get enough of it. From gut-wrenching theatre to side-splitting comedy, melodic music to punchy poetry, and all those arty bits in between, we love seeing all the new and exciting things that fall out of those creative brains. But more often than not, the first stumbling block when making something new is getting it seen, finding out if it works, and finding people to help you make it. Put together by a handful of Leicester creatives, Rough Draft is a platform for artists to do just that.
Bi-monthly, we hold our scratch nights, each artist getting fifteen minutes to share their work, be that script in hand or something more polished, and get feedback from fellow creatives.
tue 1 apr • 7.30pm
£25
Three of the country’s favourite television personalities from the world of antiques entertain you with tales from the saleroom, television and beyond. The enormous variety of their experiences range from selling chickens and cattle to priceless Chinese artefacts and to multimillion-pound cars.
Hear how Philip Serrell started out on his auctioneering career and how Charlie Ross ended up flying across the world to sell ‘old bangers’. The two of them will (we hope) be kept in check by the delightful and effervescent Christina Trevanion.
sun 11 may • 6pm
£26
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic Bollywood film, Sholay
This spectacular music and dance show will transport you back to the heart of Bollywood's golden era, honoring the legacy of a movie that has captivated audiences for half a century.
Featuring mesmerising dance performances choreographed to the film's legendary soundtrack, bringing to life the energy, drama, and romance that made Sholay a timeless classic.
Third tuesday of every month (21 Jan, 18 Feb, 18 Mar, 15 apr, 20 May, 17 Jun) 7.30pm FREE
Pinggg...K! is a lively spoken word event based in Leicester, and founded by Bobba Cass, Leicester's gay, grey poet, and Carol Leeming.
Pinggg...K! welcomes "metrosexual verse", and values our diversity, including gender identity and sexual orientation. They meet each month for a writing prompt, open mic and key performance. Performers in 2024 have included Colleen Molloy, Karuna Mistry, Bobba Cass, Carolina Rodrigues, Scott Coe and Kerry Gallagher.
Wed 19 FEB • 3pm
£12/£10
Join Live At The Apollo’s Ignacio Lopez (aka Juan Solo) on a daring journey through the galaxy, in his rust bucket of a ship, the Millennial Falcon!
Expect sarcasm, stand-up comedy, and silliness, in this chaotic, interactive adventure show.
UNIQUE & HILARIOUS BUZZ Magazine
sun 16 feb • 3.30pm • 4+
£10/£8
Hey kids and kidults, cool cats, and dancing dogs, Jarred and Hobbit are back with an all-new action-packed beatboxing and comedy hoopla!
Guaranteed LOL’s and interactive fun for the entire family (ok, maybe NOT the cats and dogs!). An inclusive show for wallflowers and show-offs alike; throw some shapes, shake your booty, or keep it firmly in your seat...just get on down and enjoy the party atmosphere. It’s a whole heap of infectious, doozy fun!
Families Edinburgh Magazine
The List
wed 5 Feb• 12.30pm by invitation only
An annual showcase of the comedic talents of primary school children from across Leicester and Leicestershire! We have been working with young people to teach them the basics of comedy performance and sketch writing. In this showcase the participants will take to the stage to show off what they have learnt as we crown "Leicestershire's Funniest School".
Fri 6 Jun• 7.30pm
£20 / £18 / £70 family of 4
Immerse yourself in an evening of exploration, each second meticulously crafted to produce a visually stunning and emotionally charged journey through the cosmos, delivered in a distinctive storytelling style, allowing imaginations to roam free and inspiring minds, both young and old alike.
A wonderful show of inspiring family entertainment for all ages with a stunning soundtrack and presented live by Ian Hall FRAS - Astrophysicist and Charlotte Alexandra FRAS - Exoplanet Research Scientist.
Audience feedback: ABSOLUTELY SUPERB ENGAGING AND INSPIRING
sat 25 Jan 7pm & Sun 26 jan 3pm • 2+ £16
Dance Central is delighted to showcase the talent of our fabulous pupils. You will be entertained by all ages - from the adorable 2.5 year olds in our baby class right through to our adult tappers!
Come and appreciate the array of disciplines that Dance Central offers: ballet, tap, modern / jazz, singing and drama, street / commercial and acro. We promise you an unforgettable show!
Wed 16 apr FREE
We have been digging into the archives, meeting with the people of Leicester and exploring our city to discover and document stories from across our dramatic 124-year life.
Co-produced with residents of YMCA Leicestershire, join us as we present the highlights of the theatre and our cities past; the people, lives and stories we have uncovered through the Hidden Gems project.
If you have a story you would like to add to our exhibition, please get in touch with us at hiddengems@ ytheatre.co.uk
Box office 0116 255 7066
Our box office is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and one hour before a show.
Online www.ytheatre.co.uk
You can book tickets online 24 hours a day and right up until a show starts on our website.
Tickets are non-refundable except in exceptional circumstances. To be agreed with management.
The Y Theatre reserves the right to:
• Refuse ticket holders entrance or ask them to leave the venue
• Introduce or change special offers, ticket prices and fees
• Change seat location of a ticket without prior notice
Concessions
Where a reduced price is given concessions are available for children under 16, full time students, people unemployed and in receipt of benefits, and senior citizens unless otherwise stated.
Please be prepared to show appropriate identification on entry.
We charge a booking fee of £1.50 per ticket, capped at £10 per transaction. Because ticket revenue is split between many different parties, an increase in ticket prices may not benefit the theatre. By charging a booking fee, this directly supports us to stay open and keep bringing you the shows you want to see.
You can now add refund protection for your tickets for £1.50 per ticket. This enables you to get a full refund should you or anyone in your party be unable to attend due to injury, illness, adverse weather, vehicle breakdown, and many other unforeseen instances.
Advance permission should be sought from the venue for the use of flash photography or filming equipment.
Our stalls and bar have step-free access from the street, and there is a loading bay in front of the building that is suitable for drop off. For all shows we reserve seats to suit a variety of access needs until the day of the show or until it is sold out, so you can access our shows no matter when you book.
For our full access information and how to join our access scheme, please visit our website, or contact our box office.
East Street NCP is our closest car park, with discounted tickets available when you book. Please ask for details.
Find out what we can do for you to make your event a success at Leicester’s oldest surviving theatre.
Hospitality and sponsorship packages are also available to help promote your business whilst supporting a local charity.
Get in touch today venuehire@ytheatre.co.uk
As a small independant venue without core funding The Y Theatre shares the current challenges of other arts sector organisations. Your help will ensure this Victorian treasure survives in the long term and also supports our work with residents of YMCA Leicester through our in-house training programme. This training aims to give our young people the opportunity to become the arts professionals of the future.
Donate today!
Scan the QR code or visit www.ytheatre.co.uk
THANK YOU
Grace Petrie, John Helps, Mercer Building Solutions, Jamie, Sam & Arabella Mollart and Rock Kitchen Harris. A special thank you to Stocks Taylor Benson for their hard work and generous support in the creation of our brand.