The 2025 UK tour of Dear Evan Hansen arrives at Sheffield Theatres with emotional depth, fresh vitality, and a heart that feels as expansive as ever.
In a time when social media’s influence is ever-growing-both positively and negatively, this production takes a bold step in addressing the greater good.
Directed by Adam Penford, this new staging infuses the Tony Award-winning musical with contemporary relevance, capturing the struggles of a generation wrestling with identity, connection, and the powerful echo chamber of the digital age.
At the heart of the production currently on at the Sheffield Lyceum Theatre is Ryan Kopel’s extraordinary portrayal of Evan Hansen.
Credit: Marc Brenner (supplied)
Kopel brings aching vulnerability to the role, skilfully portraying the anxious tics, awkward sincerity, and internal contradictions of a teenager desperately trying to be seen.
His rendition of 'Waving Through a Window' is not just vocally stunning but deeply emotional, setting the tone for an evening filled with poignant, introspective storytelling.
Lauren Conroy, as Zoe Murphy, delivers a multifaceted performance: tough and witty, yet carrying the weight of unresolved grief. Her chemistry with Kopel is understated but powerful, grounding their relationship in authenticity rather than romanticised idealism.
Alice Fearn’s portrayal of Heidi Hansen is an emotional masterclass in honesty and nuance, vividly expressing the struggles of a single parent trying to reach her son whilst navigating the pressures of everyday life.
Visually, the staging taps into the digital landscape that defines the narrative; screens flicker with scrolling feeds, text messages, and viral videos - both a brilliant design choice and a stark reminder of how online connections can simultaneously unite and isolate.
The minimalist set is cleverly utilised, transitioning seamlessly between homes, schools, and the virtual world.
Credit: Supplied
What makes this tour particularly remarkable is not just the strength of its cast or the polish of its production but its ability to make the story feel profoundly relevant.
Even nearly a decade after its Broadway debut, Dear Evan Hansen continues to raise uncomfortable questions about truth, belonging, and the narratives we create to survive.
The 2025 UK tour of Dear Evan Hansen is a moving, tightly executed production that earns every standing ovation. With its focus on mental health, it offers a thought-provoking reflection of an entire generation.
This captivating and innovative staging shines a light on the message that you are never truly alone. Always remember that.
While some of its themes remain open to debate, it is undeniable that the show leaves a lasting impact-and this tour ensures that impact is felt deeply, city after city.
Get ready for an out-of-this-world experience Leeds.
The mobile planetarium will be popping up at Millennium Square where visitors can explore the wonders of the universe this summer.
Planetarium Go UK will arrive just next month, promising immersive astronomy and science-based experiences using the latest technology to capture the stunning far reaches of space.
The attraction employs high-resolution digital projections all housed within an impressive portable dome structure and will screen a programme of films for visitors of all ages.
Image: Supplied
From Friday 4 until Wednesday 26 September, Planetarium Go UK will host screenings every day between 11am and 6pm Sunday to Friday and 10am to 8pm on Saturdays.
José Jiménez, CEO of Planetarium Go UK said: “Our objective is clear: to bring science to places where it has not reached before.
“We want children, young people and families to enjoy an immersive experience that sparks scientific curiosity and brings the universe closer to everyday life, regardless of where they live.”
Image: Supplied
The planetarium is part of the programme of summer events which have taken place on Millennium Square this year, including another belting series of concerts and performances which attracted audiences of thousands.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, said: “Millennium Square continues to host an exciting and diverse programme of events and activities at the heart of the city centre each and every year and this summer has been no exception.
“Giving families the opportunity to explore the fascinating wonders of space and astronomy will be an incredible experience and will hopefully help to inspire the next generation of young scientists in Leeds.”
Tickets for Planetarium Go UK are priced from £8 and you can find out more and buy your tickets here.
Inside the Leeds factory that makes and supplies classic jukeboxes
Thomas Melia
This Leeds-based family-owned business is famed for supplying pubs, clubs and even ordinary people's homes with classic jukeboxes.
Started up in 1978, Sound Leisure really is a local business like no other, creating and distributing classic jukeboxes to over 40 countries.
This music-machine-making company notes that 75% of the jukeboxes they manufacture and sell throughout the year are bought for everyday homes.
The remaining 25% of orders are for the all-expected hospitality venues like bars, clubs and hotels, with the jukeboxes sometimes bought for company headquarters and retail outlets too.
Although there are other jukebox manufacturers, especially across the pond in the US, Sound Leisure is the only factory in the world that creates jukeboxes to play out across all formats: CD, vinyl and digital.
This jukebox business even runs the world's only 'Custom Shop', which is a design service that offers any music lovers the chance to personalise their pristine player.
So whether you're after a themed jukebox, customisable nameplate or even a bespoke design, this jukebox company's website states: "If you can dream it, we can build it".
One of Sound Leisure's prized products is the music machine inspired Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band-themed jukebox which any fan of The Beatles would dream of being its lucky owner.
And there really isn't anything they can't do, as alongside creating classic jukeboxes, the same team even make pinball machines, football tables, LED signs and more.
With CD and vinyl jukeboxes from £5,000 and digital jukeboxes quoted from upwards of £12,000, we're going to need a fair few rainy days to save up our money.
However, you can still marvel at these magnificent music machines without having to dip into your savings, with guided tours starting from just £15.
If you're up for learning a little bit more about music technology or simply after admiring these classic jukeboxes in all their glory, you can find out more about the factory and book your guided tour ticket HERE.
Declan Kelly -
9th April 2025 
