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.
Ever-evolving Leeds music hotspot TESTBED is making its grand return to Leeds city centre with an impressive launch party lineup.
Recognised as a cultural venue for bringing people together via music, TESTBED has hosted a variety of club nights in its warehouse location since 2024.
Back in April, it was announced that the team behind this rave-centric club were transforming this space from it's 'Phase 1.3' to 'Phase 2.0'.
Now, TESTBED has released the full lineup for its upcoming launch party which will show off some of the venue's latest features like its 360-degree DJ booth, improved acoustics and 5,000 sq ft mezzanine and balcony area.
Annie Mac is headlining the TESTBED Leeds launch party joined by Horse Meat Disco / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Previous performers include Liverpool dance music duo Camelphat, house music DJ Alisha, Netherlands-own Chris Stussy and more, so it will come as no surprise that this relaunch features an equally-stellar lineup.
Fronting the bill for the TESTBED Launch Party is none other than EDM connoisseur and influential figure Annie Mac, who's hosted a variety of radio shows across the BBC as well as curating a set or two herself.
Also in attendance is Horse Meat Disco, a group who put disco and queer culture at the forefront of each and every high-energy set.
Irish selector Shee is also showing off his music expertise and already having collaborations with the likes of A-trak and Karma Kid, expect to hear some tunes.
Shee and Junior Simba will be taking to the decks to wow the crowds over at TESTBED Leeds / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Seasoned club DJ and presenter Marcia Carr, known for playing live sets with vinyl records, will also be soundtracking the night too, playing out everything from Afrohouse to dubstep.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Leeds-based party without some local talent courtesy of Junior Simba who's quickly become a key player in the house music scene.
And if that wasn't enough raving for you, TESTBED has already announced even more insane nights of music madness featuring ROSSI., Interplanetary Criminal and Obskür.
TESTBED's opening party is taking place on Saturday 3 October from 2pm til 12am and you can grab tickets from as little as £20 HERE.
Major plans announced for Leeds Christmas Markets 2026 – food, drinks, stalls and more
Thomas Melia
Leeds Christmas Markets is returning to the city centre in just two months' time and some major plans and changes have been announced.
Although Pop Princess Zara Larsson might want us to believe "Summer isn't over yet", it's safe to say that the recent downpours we've had across West Yorkshire disagree.
Leeds Christmas Markets are also ringing in the new season with a jam-packed video posted to social media announcing all the current plans and changes for its 2026 schedule.
This year, outdoor events company Thor’s Tipi are stepping up as the all-new operators of this Christmastime spectacular and are organising a celebration where 'even if you’re not from Yorkshire, you’re going to leave being from Yorkshire'.
Leeds Christmas Markets are returning to Leeds City Square from Thursday 19 November with plenty of Yorkshire-centric stalls / Credit: The Hoot Leeds
Although Leeds locals already know that Yorkshire is 'God's Own Country', the Leeds Christmas Markets team are making sure that the county is represented through its food, drinks and wider stalls.
In a video uploaded to its social accounts, foodie expert and Little Bao Boy Founder James 'Jimmy Chews' Ooi was given the honour of revealing all these exciting plans.
Informing everyone that "You best come hungry", Ooi noted that some of the phenomenal vendors taking part include La Grassa and The Savvy Baker.
Real Markets Yorkshire and Stump Cross Caverns are also getting into the Christmas spirit and setting up their own stalls at Leeds City Square this November.
La Grassa is just one of many familiar foodie faces returning to Leeds Christmas Markets / Credit: The Hoot Leeds
Rated restaurants and bars are contributing to the festive frenzy too, like Cabaret Thursdays at Italian restaurant Bibi's and beer garden destination Green Room are hosting singalongs at Leeds Christmas Markets.
There will be plenty of activities for families happening all around the unofficial capital of West Yorkshire like elf-themed scavenger hunts, various elves on various shelves and lots of live music.
If it wasn't apparent already, in the words of Jimmy Chews himself, there's about to be "So much Christmas that Mariah Carey is going to look like the Grinch".
Leeds Christmas Markets are returning to Leeds City Square from Thursday 19 November and there will be plenty of exciting announcements to the upcoming celebrations ahead of the big day.
Declan Kelly -
9th April 2025 
