Leeds Playhouse’s Christmas spectacular has arrived, and let’s just say it did not disappoint.
A Christmas Carol has been given a new breath of life, reshaped into something unmistakably Northern. Gone are the sooted streets of London; instead, we’re plunged into the grime and grind of a Yorkshire woollen mill, where Scrooge sits not in a counting house but in the metallic belly of industry.
A glowing clock presides above him, ticking away both the hours and his shrinking compassion. The space is all gantries, grates and smoke, a reminder that Dickens’ moral fable is rooted in labour, profit, and those left out in the cold.
Even with this industrial heft, the production never feels heavy. Amy Leach’s direction, paired with Deborah McAndrew’s adaptation, allows fantasy to intertwine with heartbreaking realism.
Image: Supplied
Music becomes the heartbeat of this world. The familiar comfort of carols mingles with original compositions, played live and used sparingly to deepen rather than dominate.
What truly distinguishes this version, however, is how it listens to its characters. Deaf performers and British Sign Language are woven into the language of gesture; it becomes an emotional fabric across the piece. The Cratchit household offers the most beautiful example.
Stephen Collins and Nadia Nadarajah carry the scene with stunning clarity. At one point, Scrooge watches his present unfold in a fully signed sequence, and a void of silence opens up. Without hearing a word of dialogue, the audience understands every raw emotion on stage. It is captivating, powerful, and profoundly human.
Image: Supplied
Reece Dinsdale steers Scrooge’s journey with striking precision: not just a miser thawing, but a man realising the human cost of his indifference. Around him, the ensemble radiates warmth, wit and seasonal mischief, from playful ghosts to factory workers. The darker realities of industrial poverty are never ignored, yet the show refuses to let bleakness win. These themes feel sharply resonant today, remarkably relevant to the hierarchies and inequalities we still recognise within the UK.
Overall, this production is crafted with care, from its acting to its breathtaking set. But it is its accuracy and attention to inclusivity that allow us to reflect on ourselves and on how easily we take simple things for granted. Leeds Playhouse has once again created a raw and deeply evocative piece of theatre. At times, it leans towards something almost pantomime-esque but after all, it is Christmas.
Image: Supplied
Personally, I believe the show could thrive even further outside the festive season, leaning into darker tones hinted at by its industrial setting and haunting music. Still, as a family Christmas show, the blend of grim reality with whimsical charm is clever and effective, with playful props, colourful costumes, and moments of light-hearted comedy.
That balance is the production’s greatest achievement: it remembers that Christmas is both a celebration and a responsibility. Leeds Playhouse has delivered a festive tale with grit, heart, and a distinctly northern soul, one that encourages us to look more closely at ourselves, our loved ones, and even strangers during the season.
Running until 17 January 2026. Tickets available via the Leeds Playhouse website.
Read more: Stockeld Park is hosting its most magical Christmas Adventure yet and everyone is invited
Featured image - Press images
Christmas
M&S launches massive recruitment drive in Leeds with hundreds of jobs available
M&S has launched a massive recruitment drive across Yorkshire.
With the festive season fast approaching, and most British stores having already unveiled their Christmas ranges for 2026, one of the country’s largest brands has launched a massive UK-wide seasonal recruitment drives to gear up for what is always one of the busiest times of the year for the retail industry.
M&S has announced it will recruit for plenty of new colleagues across the UK.
As mentioned Christmas is one of the busiest moments of the year for M&S, and seasonal colleagues play a ‘vital’ part in delivering that.
Image: Supplied
New recruits will be tasked with helping M&S deliver a ‘brilliant’ service for customers.
Stores with vacancies span the whole of Leeds - including city centre, Moortown, Crown Point, White Rose Shopping Centre and Pudsey.
M&S says the roles are ‘fast-moving and hands-on’, with colleagues required to work together to make sure customers still get the very best of M&S, even at its busiest.
The roles will pay £13.41 per hour, with successful applicants receiving the training, tools and support needed to get up to speed quickly.
“We can’t wait to welcome over 300 new colleagues to our store teams here in Greater Manchester,” commented Zeba Khan, who is the Regional Manager at M&S.
“As we get ready for our busiest time of year, it’s a great opportunity to join us and help bring a magical M&S Christmas to our customers.
“We have a range of opportunities available, whether joining our city centre flagship or our fresh market-style foodhalls. We’re looking for colleagues who are passionate about delivering great customer service and being part of a team.”
Fancy it then? Applications are now open, and you can find out more and apply on the M&S Christmas careers page here.
Leeds Christmas Market is getting two brand-new themed bars for 2026 – including a Scottish Highland Lodge
Clementine Hall
Organisers of the Leeds Christmas Market have announced it will host two new bars for 2026.
Yes, we know it's only October...but is it too soon to be getting excited about Christmas? We think not.
The Leeds Christmas Markets are going to look a little bit different this year, as the owners of Thor's Tipi will be running the festivities at City Square for 2026.
Completely new for this year, the market on City Square will introduce two bars with different themes - a Scottish Highland Lodge and a Folie Ski Bar.
Image: Supplied
Firstly, the Highland Lodge will welcome visitors into a spacious tipi filled with snug seating, twinkling lights, roaring fires and plenty of tartan.
Designed to welcome large groups, the lodge will have space for 280 guests inside and a further 100 outside, whilst the drinks menu will feature Highland favourites including Scottish beers and ales, a selection of whisky and even Iron-Bru.
Over at the Folie Ski Bar on Quebec Street, expect a relaxed festive retreat with the feel of an alpine chalet, complete with rustic wood detailing, fairy lights, faux fur throws and roaring fires.
The bar can accommodate 180 guests inside and 50 outside, serving mulled wine, boozy hot chocolates, Kirkstall Brewery beers and a selection of low and no-alcohol drinks.
Image: Supplied
THORS’s director, Amanda Monaghan said: “We’re excited to bring two new bar experiences to Leeds Christmas market this year. Having hosted THOR’s tipi in the city for many years, we’ve had plenty of practice creating festive spaces and entertainment, so we know what customers love.
“We’ve listened to lots of feedback on what people would like to see at the market and we want to make sure we give visitors and residents of Leeds plenty of reasons to stay with us long after they’ve finished their shopping or a day at the office.
“The new venues have been created to cater for all ages and tastes and will be perfect for passing visitors, after work drinks or planned Christmas get-togethers. From the lively Scottish spirit of Highland Lodge to the cosy alpine atmosphere at Folie, there’s going to be a spot for everyone to settle in and enjoy drinks by the fire and plenty of festive fun.”
Declan Kelly -
6th December 2025 
