Breaking into the creative industry is never easy, but last night at Arts at the Arms’ 10th Scratch Night, it was clear that Leeds has a platform where emerging artists can genuinely flourish.
Founded by playwright Chris O’Connor, actor James Underwood, and arts facilitator Lily Craig, Arts at the Arms has grown from intimate beginnings at the historic Cardigan Arms pub to stages such as Leeds Playhouse and Sunny Bank Mills. What’s remarkable is how the vision of these three to give underrepresented voices room to experiment, develop, and be heard comes through in every performance. Being in that room, it was impossible not to feel the energy and care that underpins the organisation.
The evening opened with Sean Webster, performed by Izzie Smith and directed by Rachael Halliwell. This Northern-rooted piece explored the struggles of working-class families during the miners’ strike. Smith’s grounded, emotionally honest performance, combined with Halliwell’s thoughtful direction, made the story feel immediate and deeply human. The piece reminded everyone in the audience why regional storytelling is so vital connecting history, identity, and lived experience in a way that still resonates today.
Images: Sarah Underwood
Comedy followed, with Karen Flowerdew and Mick Tickner delivering sets that had the room roaring with laughter. Their sharp timing and clever observational humour provided a joyful, lighthearted counterpoint to the emotional intensity of the opening piece, showing the range of voices and styles Arts at the Arms brings to the stage.
A highlight of the night was Gamimi Khurana, whose folk-inspired songs explored her move from India to the UK as a student. Her performance was intimate, introspective, and emotionally resonant, weaving personal storytelling with a clear homage to her cultural heritage. The quiet power of her work lingered in the room long after the final note, a testament to the depth of talent nurtured by Arts at the Arms.
Images: Sarah Underwood
What makes this organisation truly special is the dedication of its founders. Chris, James, and Lily have created more than just a showcase they’ve built a supportive, sustainable ecosystem for Northern creatives. Their commitment ensures that emerging artists have a safe space to take risks, experiment, and connect with audiences, something increasingly rare in today’s arts landscape.
Last night’s Scratch Night was a celebration of creativity at its most raw, authentic, and vibrant. Each performance offered something unique, reflecting the diversity and vitality of Leeds’ creative community.
For anyone passionate about new theatre, comedy, music, or poetry, Arts at the Arms is more than a night out it’s an essential experience. Under the guidance of Chris, James, and Lily, Northern talent continues to take centre stage in the heart of the city, and if you ever get the chance to attend, it’s an experience that stays with you long after the lights dim.
Are you a fan of travelling? Got a bit of a competitive streak in your nature? Well, this might just be your calling then.
The BBC is, once again, casting for the next series of Race Across the World.
The BAFTA-winning hit show draws in thousands of viewers each week, and now producers are on the look-out for ‘intrepid duos’ of all ages who reckon they’re ready to take a step into the unknown, and embark on an epic race across land and sea for the next seried – and that includes Yorkshire residents.
With applications for the next series of the massively-popular show now open, nomadic people from Yorkshire are being encouraged to take part.
On a limited budget and away from the luxuries of modern technology and conveniences, those lucky applicants selected to take part in the next series will get the chance to experience life in some of the world’s most beautiful and remote locations.
Adventurous Mancs are needed to take part in the next series of Race Across the World / Credit: BBC
Navigating their way across thousands of miles, they’ll travel through spectacular scenery and dynamic cities, visit ancient wonders, learn local customs, and take part in time-honoured traditions.
But, as producers are keen to point out, ‘the physical journey is only half of the story’. That’s because, as the contestants take on the challenge of travelling across the world, the greatest thing they’ll discover along the way could actually be about themselves and one another.
Putting out a UK-wide casting call on the BBC website this week, producers Studio Lambert wrote: “We are now accepting applications for the next series of Race Across the World. This experience is open to all, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or total novice.
“We want to hear what undertaking a trip like this would mean to you, and with a cash prize at stake, what lengths you would go to to win.”
Fancy it then? Applications for the next series of Race Across the World are now open for anyone over 18 years of age, with a deadline date of 29 March 2026, and you can find out more information and apply via the BBC website.
You may have heard of the funny Star Wars stripper show or even seen clips of it online, but rumour has it that nothing can quite prepare you for the cheekiness of seeing this romp in the flesh.
In case you’ve been completely immersed in the dark side until now, here’s what you can expect:
Now well over a decade into its success and more than 200 Las Vegas shows, ‘The Empire Strips Back’ made its long-awaited transatlantic debut earlier this year.
Getting away at London’s Riverside Studios from May and enjoying a run until this past August, the comedy-driven twist on the classic Star Wars stories and beloved sci-fi characters was an instant hit with us Brits.
It started in Australia way back in 2011 and has gone not only to tour across Europe, but land a coveted residency at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Nevada.
Now set to seek out new padawans and storm-strippers all over the cosmos, and by that we mean the UK, ‘The Empire Strips Back: Burlesque Parody’ is coming to Manchester.
Set to land at TESTBED in February from from Thursday 12 to Sunday 22 specifically, we cannot wait to see how this goes down with Northern crowds.
It’s also worth noting that this two-hour show, including intermission, is a strictly 18+ only event; if you’re interested, you can find out more info and grab your tickets right HERE.
Declan Kelly -
13th December 2025 
