What's On This Week: Monday, 6 April 2026 to Sunday, 12 April 2026
What's On This Week: Monday, 6 April 2026 to Sunday, 12 April 2026
This week in Leeds promises an exciting array of events that cater to all interests and ages! Dive into the whimsical world of "Shrek: The Musical" at The Grand Theatre & Opera House Leeds, where you can join your favorite fairy-tale characters on a heartwarming journey. If you’re in the mood for something thought-provoking, catch the critically acclaimed play "Punch" at Leeds Playhouse, telling a gripping true story of transformation and redemption. For families, the Leeds City Museum is hosting engaging musical crafts and a sensory installation called "Play the Room," perfect for children and adults alike. Plus, don’t miss the Aardman: Morph Making Workshop at Hyde Park Picture House, where you can unleash your creativity with clay. Jazz lovers can enjoy Dudley Nesbitt at Seven Arts, while Ruby Wax brings her unique blend of humor and storytelling to the City Varieties Music Hall. If live music is more your style, T'Pau will be performing their hits on their UK tour. For those seeking thrills, Europe’s Strongest Man returns to the First Direct Bank Arena, showcasing incredible feats of strength. Families can also catch the educational and entertaining "Exciting Science" show at City Varieties Music Hall. Wrap up your week with Al Murray’s hilarious new stand-up show, promising laughs and insightful commentary on today’s world. With such a vibrant lineup, there’s something for everyone this week in Leeds—be sure to check out these fantastic events!
Shrek: The Musical at The Grand Theatre & Opera House Leeds
Tuesday, 7 April 2026 at 7:00 pm
Join Shrek, Fiona, Donkey and all your favourite fairy-tale characters on a heart-warming and hilarious journey through the swamp and beyond. Packed with spectacular sets, colourful costumes and beloved songs including I’m a Believer and Freak Flag, this feel-good musical brings the magic of the much-loved DreamWorks film to life on stage. Perfect for audiences of all ages, Shrek: The Musical is a joyful celebration of friendship, self-acceptance and finding your own happily ever after.
Punch at Leeds Playhouse
Tuesday, 7 April 2026 at 7:30 pm
Following sold-out runs at the Nottingham Playhouse and Young Vic, and simultaneous openings on Broadway and in the West End, Punch comes to Leeds Playhouse for one week only. Don’t miss your chance to see this critically acclaimed play in a ‘powerhouse of a production’ (WhatsOnStage). From Olivier Award-winning writer James Graham (Dear England, This House, BBC’s Sherwood), Punch brings Jacob Dunne’s extraordinary true story to the stage in a gripping, high-energy and deeply moving production directed by Adam Penford. Jacob Dunne, a teenager from Nottingham, spends his Saturday nights seeking thrills with his friends. One fateful evening, an impulsive punch leads to fatal consequences. After serving prison time, Jacob finds himself lost and directionless. Searching for answers, Joan and David – the parents of his victim James – ask to meet, sparking a profound transformation in Jacob’s life. A powerful true story of hope, humanity, and the possibility of change. PUNCH is dedicated to the memory of James Hodgkinson and all victims of one punch.
Musical Museum Crafts at Leeds City Museum
Tuesday, 7 April 2026 at 10:00 am
Join us this school holiday for musical crafts set to a soundtrack of Leeds music! We'll be creating colourful artworks as we respond to how music makes us feel. There'll also be musical activities and games at 1pm-2pm on the Tuesday and Wednesday: Tuesday 7 April - Join a pianist from Leeds International Piano Competition for fun games and musical demos. Drop in 1pm-2pm. Wednesday 8 April - Join Yorkshire Young Musicians for a drop in session of Sound Steps – our popular interactive music class for 5-8 year olds, exploring the foundations of music through games, singing and learning. Drop in 1pm – 2pm.
Play the Room - a Sensory Installation at Leeds City Museum
Tuesday, 7 April 2026 at 10:00 am
An interactive multi-sensory sound and video installation designed for people of all abilities and ages. Come play the room with your sound and movement, immersed within giant projections and speakers in every corner. This will be a relaxed, uplifting experience for everyone to enjoy. This sensory experience has been created by local artist and musician Napoleon IIIrd. Drop-in sessions will run from 11am - 3pm and will be open to everyone. If you think a quieter, more controlled environment would be more suitable then there will be ticketed sessions at 10am and 10.30am each day, where places will be limited to 10 people per session - tickets available soon.
Aardman: Morph Making Workshop at Hyde Park Picture House
Tuesday, 7 April 2026 at 10:00 am
Join us for a fun and hands on Morph model making session. You’ll be able to get creative with clay and make a Morph to take home with you. The session will be run by an expert model maker, who has worked on some of Aardman’s best loved productions. They have lots of great anecdotes and insights into the wonderful world of Aardman to share too! This workshop is designed for all ages: Tickets are required for all adults and children, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Dudley Nesbitt at Seven Arts
Wednesday, 8 April 2026 at 6:00 pm
Dudley Nesbitt is a much loved jazz and calypso pan player- heard here the Jazzleeds house band. Trinidad born Dudley Nesbitt is one of the great steelpan pioneers. He plays Trinidadian calypso, Brazilian samba, Bossa Nova, soul tunes, Rumba Cha Cha and Caribbean Jazz. You’ll be smiling and dancing at the rush hour jazz in the Seven Arts bar.
Ruby Wax: Absolutely Famous at City Varieties Music Hall
Wednesday, 8 April 2026 at 7:30 pm
Ruby Wax smiles widely and speaks into a wireless telephone in a bubbly white bath tub, wearing striking red lipstick and make-up. Glittery red text reads: Ruby Wax: Absolutely Famous. With Clive Tulloh. It’s almost easier to say whom Ruby Wax DIDN’T meet, interview and coax fascinating insights from in her huge TV shows Ruby Wax Meets and Full Wax. Donald Trump, OJ Simpson, Pamela Anderson, Madonna and many more. Her provocative, abrasive, incomparable style was – just about – kept in check by lifelong friend and A-list producer, Clive Tulloh. Together live on-stage they review clips from the extraordinary shows, tell scandalous stories never before heard – and take the audience along for the ride.
T'Pau: Be Wonderful at City Varieties Music Hall
Friday, 10 April 2026 at 7:30 pm
Join Carol Decker and T’Pau on their first full UK tour in a decade playing all their hits, fan favourites and songs from their forthcoming album Be Wonderful.
Ghostbusters 12A Plus Yorkshire Ghost Tours at Hyde Park Picture House
Saturday, 11 April 2026 at 5:00 pm
Join us for a delightfully spooky, family‑friendly Creatures of the Night event, featuring a special late‑ish screening of the iconic classic Ghostbusters. We’ll kick things off with a chilling introduction from our friends at Yorkshire Ghost Tours, who’ll share local ghoulish tales to get everyone perfectly spooked and ready for the film!
Europe's Strongest Man 2026 at First Direct Bank Arena
Saturday, 11 April 2026 at 5:00 pm
Europe’s Strongest Man returns to first direct bank arena Leeds on Saturday 11th April in what promises to be a thrilling strength extravaganza!!! This is the second installment of the Giants Live Official Strongman World Tour for 2026, where twelve of Europe’s most powerful men will come together in the Strongman ‘Mecca of Muscle’ here in Leeds in what will be the 45th edition of Europe’s greatest strength contest. The athletes will compete over five incredible tests of strength with only one winning the title as Europe’s Strongest Man. This is an electrifying show which brings something for all ages and is filmed for broadcast by Channel 5.
Europe's Strongest Man 2026 at First Direct Bank Arena
Saturday, 11 April 2026 at 3:30 pm
Europe's Strongest Man 2026 at first direct bank arena, Leeds, United Kingdom.
Exciting Science at City Varieties Music Hall
Sunday, 12 April 2026 at 11:30 am
This, Exciting & Educational show will amaze & astound all ages from 4 years & upwards, as we put the “Exciting” back into “Science”. With Fun & Fact filled experiments, watch in amazement as we recreate a volcanic eruption; turn a vacuum cleaner into a missile launcher or take aim at you with our smoke blaster! So, stand clear and prepare for action, as this show is full of Wiz, bang, pop …. And splurt!
Al Murray: All You Need is Guv at The Grand Theatre & Opera House Leeds
Sunday, 12 April 2026 at 7:30 pm
Hey cool cats! Hot on the heels of a sell-out 138-date tour of these green and groovy isles, The Guv will be back, baby, with a brand-new stand-up show for 2026. There’s no denying the world’s a mess daddio, but there is a glimmer of hope as the globe’s favourite Pub Landlord returns with his like-nobody-else common sense hot-takes for the masses, offering a much-needed truth tonic (pint for the fella/glass of white wine for the lady) for these whacked out and troubled times. With a fresh and frothing pint to hand, a barrel of laughs to pour from, and a flower in his heart, Guv is all you need. And for the brave, bold, and plain straight crazy cats amongst you who want to be in on the action in the ‘Splash Zone’: book them quick and wear the damn ponchos!
