Preview: What’s coming up in Leeds over summer

-       Royal Harewood: Photographs form the Royal Collection – Harewood House (31^st Mar – 17^th June)

To commemorate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, Harewood House will be hosting a special collection of photography by royal photographer Marcus Adams, lent by the Queen from the Royal Collection. Expect intimate portraits from the pre-war years, striking works offering a unique insight into the life of Royalty alongside a short film screening featuring the very young Princess Elizabeth.

-       Creatures of the Night – Hyde Park Picture House (14^th April – 2^nd June)

Creatures of the Night is a celebration of cult films, forgotten masterpieces and, in their own words, ‘the best worst movies ever made’. Each Saturday night at 11pm will see a different classic of cinematic oddity, from forgotten gore to neo-noir.  Dark City is on the bill for tomorrow night, 5^th May, and the season culminates with The Evil Dead on 2^nd June.

-       The Family by Jocelyn Bain Hogg – White Cloth Gallery (19^th April – 7^th June)

The Family is the opening exhibition of the new White Cloth Gallery and builds upon Hogg’s successful yet controversial 2002 book The Firm, which explored the London underworld and those who made their names in it. Amongst them was The Family’s subject, Joey Pyle, and this new exhibition documents the contrast in lifestyle since those earlier, wilder days through candid and intimate images of his family life.

-       Fright Night at the Museum – Thackray Museum (18^th May)

Advertised as a ‘night of terror’, Fright Night promises a visit to the medical museum like no other. Over-18s only and not for the faint of heart, the night will explore the museum’s gruesome history of the paranormal, amputations and murder most foul. This promises to be an interactive experience of medicinal history and a special Bloody Mary inspired tipple even awaits if you manage to make it through the night…

-       Dirty Dancing – Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House (29^th May – 23^rd June)

You know the story; you know the songs – they now come gloriously to life in Dirty Dancing’s first ever National Tour. The show has attracted some really positive reviews so far, and will undoubtedly prove to be a feel-good hit for summer. As it’s right at the end of exam season it’s the perfect time to get out and indulge in this (admittedly a little bit cheesy) classic – you know what they say about putting Baby in a corner!

 

-       Michael McIntyre: Work in Progress – City Varieties Music Hall (1^st – 2^nd June)

Returning to the venue in which he wowed last year, the Work in Progress tour will be a great chance to see him at his best as he warms up for his arena tour this autumn, which will be his biggest to date.

-       Outdoor Theatre: Macbeth – Harewood House (19^th July)

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men bring Shakespeare’s famous thriller to the open air this summer in the picturesque grounds of Harewood House – toil and trouble guaranteed. This should be a great treat for summer, but as it’s an outdoor performance make sure to come prepared for all weather – picnics are encouraged!

-       Sarah Lucas: Ordinary Things – Henry Moore Institute (19^th July – 21^st October)

Ordinary Things will explore Young British Artist Sarah Lucas’ questioning of sculpture and will show works from 1993 to the present day. Locating her work squarely in the history of sculpture, this exhibition is not to be missed.

-         The Phantom of the Opera – Grand Theatre and Opera House (8^th August – 15^th September)

The Phantom is Broadway’s longest running show and its most recent production hits Leeds this August. Bringing new design and staging to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic musical, this is sure to sell out so get tickets while there’s still a few available.

-       Ondine – West Yorkshire Playhouse (8^th- 15^th September)

The West Yorkshire Playhouse will be hosting the premiere of Northern Ballet’s Ondine this September – a tragic tale of the doomed romance between a mortal man and a beautiful water nymph. Choreographed by David Nixon and featuring original music by Hans Werner Henze, this promises to be a magical rendition of a heart-wrenching fairy tale.