Leeds theatre companies Red Ladder and Wrongsemble team up for exciting new partnership

Two of Yorkshire’s most popular theatre companies are joining forces to take a double bill of Christmas shows on tour across the UK later this year.

Red Ladder Theatre Company and Wrongsemble, both based in Leeds, will bring Red Ladder’s new play, A Proper Merry Christmess, alongside Wrongsemble’s family show A Town Called Christmas, to audiences in November and December.

With the same cast appearing in both productions, it is an innovative way of pooling resources and showing that regional theatre still has an important role to play in our cultural life, bringing entertaining stories to local communities up and down the country.

Red Ladder has previously worked on co-productions with the likes of Leeds Playhouse, Liverpool’s Royal Court and Park Theatre in London, but this is the first time the theatre company has used the same cast in two different shows that are touring together.

Red Ladder Theatre Company’s artistic director, Cheryl Martin, said: “I’m delighted that Red Ladder and Wrongsemble are teaming up and showing that regional touring theatre is very much alive and kicking.

“Both theatre companies are passionate about supporting local actors and writers and bringing entertaining stories and quality shows to local audiences, which is why this partnership is a no-brainer.

“It not only shows what can be achieved when arts organisations pool their resources, it’s also an opportunity to showcase the wealth of creative talent we have here in the North.

“This is the first full production that I’ve commissioned since becoming Red Ladder’s artistic director last year which, for me, makes it even more exciting.”

Elvi Piper, artistic director of theatre company Wrongsemble, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be joining forces with Red Ladder – two bold Leeds organisations teaming up to share not one, but two magical festive shows on tour in this innovative model.

“It’s an exciting moment – both productions proudly champion northern artists and voices, and together we’re proving that touring isn’t in crisis, it’s evolving. We’re finding imaginative, joyful new ways to connect with audiences right across the region – and we can’t wait!”

Red Ladder’s brand new A Proper Merry Christmess evolved from workshops with local communities involving one of the theatre company’s local venues BITMO (Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation) and St George’s Crypt, an award-winning charity that supports homeless people in Leeds.

Written by Leeds-based Leon Fleming and Seeta Wrightson and directed by Cheryl Martin, A Proper Merry Christmess is a chaotic Christmas comedy for adults – an honest festive story, featuring the authentic heartbreak and humour that the Christmas movies usually leave out.

It’s Christmas Eve at West Yorkshire’s (almost) favourite garden centre, which means seasonal bonus time. But there’s a problem: only one department can take home the cash. As Team Grotto struggle to keep their dysfunctional festivities under wraps, can they sleigh the competition with Christmas cheer alone? Or will they resort to dirty tricks?

Joining the tour is A Town Called Christmas, written and directed by Elvi Piper with original music by Bay Bryan and Claire O'Connor. This family-friendly show aimed at young children tells the story of Clementine who dreams of a gingerbread village where chocolate coins are currency, and laughter hangs like baubles in the air. The happiest place on Earth. Or at least it used to be.

Undeterred, Clementine, along with a cantankerous caretaker and a malfunctioning robot, sets about generating enough festive spirit to save the day and the town called Christmas.

A Proper Merry Christmess is the debut play by writer and stand-up comedian Seeta Wrightson, who was commissioned by Red Ladder after being talent-spotted during one of its free writing workshops in 2024.

Seeta said: “Writing for the stage has been a real step change from writing and performing stand-up, and it's been a great experience. Working with Leon has been a great way to really get stuck into theatre writing as well. I can’t wait to see our story being brought to life.”

Leon Fleming, co-writer of A Proper Merry Christmess, said: “I’ve wanted to work with Red Ladder for a long time, and it’s great that I get to do that on a show that I know people are going to love. It’s full of mayhem and laughter, and everything I think we all need to counteract the sentimentality of the usual Christmas fare.”

Full tour details will be announced later this summer.

For more information visit Red Ladder Theatre Company and Wrongsemble | Award-winning Family Theatre Company

A Town Called Christmas is a show for adventurers aged 3+ and their grown-ups

A Proper Merry Christmess age guidance: 16 +