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.
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.
Two giant balloon dog sculptures by acclaimed international artist have landed in Leeds
Clementine Hall
A special Pride activation featuring internationally acclaimed contemporary artist Whatshisname has popped up in Leeds.
Marking 20 years of Leeds Pride and 10 years of Victoria Leeds, the exhibition called ‘Two milestones, One Pop of Pride’ is bringing a playful public art experience to the city.
The exhibition, curated by Castle Fine Art located in the Victoria Quarter, features a collection of artworks and oversized sculptures by the artist, whose distinctive creations have earned a global following.
The striking centrepiece of the activation is two of Whatshisname's iconic POPek Balloon Dog sculptures, one is positioned on the central mosaic in Victoria Quarter and the other outside John Lewis in Victoria Gate.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Victoria Leeds centre director, Jo Coburn, said: "This year presents a unique opportunity to celebrate two important milestones for Leeds. As we mark 10 years of Victoria Leeds and 20 years of Leeds Pride, we wanted to create something memorable that reflects the city's creativity, inclusivity and vibrant cultural scene. Whatshisname's work perfectly captures a sense of joy, individuality and self-expression, making it an ideal way to celebrate Pride with our visitors."
Artist, Whatshisname, said: "Bringing the POPek balloon dogs to such a vibrant and culturally rich city as Leeds is an absolute thrill for me. It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade since these playful, cheeky characters first came to life. Over the years, they’ve travelled the world, sparking smiles wherever they go.
“I can’t wait for the people of Leeds to interact with them, feel that sense of nostalgia and humour, and join us in the Victoria Leeds and Leeds Pride celebrations!"
The Whatshisname exhibition will be on display at Victoria Leeds until Monday 27 July.
Declan Kelly -
9th April 2025 
