Reception: The Wedding Present Musical Premieres in Leeds
Leeds is gearing up for a vibrant new theatrical experience this summer with the announcement of the full cast for Reception: The Wedding Present Musical.
Written and directed by local artist Matt Aston, this world premiere production celebrates the iconic indie band The Wedding Present — formed right here at Leeds University back in 1985. The show will take place at The Warehouse in Holbeck, a creative hub known for supporting boundary-pushing theatre, and runs from August 22 to September 6, 2025.
Set against the backdrop of 1980s Leeds, Reception follows a close-knit group of university friends over five formative years, navigating love, loss, and the complex ties that bind us. The musical weaves the evocative, emotionally charged songs of David Gedge and his bands The Wedding Present and Cinerama into a story that captures the restless energy and raw honesty that made their music so influential. With a fresh cast of talented actor-musicians — including Leeds Conservatoire graduates and local theatre veterans — the show promises a dynamic blend of storytelling and live music.
The cast includes Zoe Allan as Rachel, a recent Leeds Conservatoire graduate bringing depth and vulnerability to the role; Lawrence Hodgson-Mullings, a Leeds native and rising star known for Netflix and Amazon credits; and Matthew Bugg, celebrated West End performer and composer. This ensemble, alongside others like Richard Lounds, Amara Latchford, and Caitlin Lavagna, will bring the streets and spirit of Leeds to life in a way that’s both nostalgic and electrifying.
Reception: The Wedding Present Musical is more than a show — it’s a celebration of Leeds’ rich musical heritage and creative spirit. It shines a spotlight on the city’s vibrant indie scene and the enduring legacy of a band that helped define it. Tickets are now on sale via Leeds Playhouse here.