Alys Williams' The Light House credit Robling Photography

About Red Ladder Local

Red Ladder Local

Red Ladder Local brings professional theatre to the doorstep of our local communities.

As our mission states:

We challenge the idea of theatre and who it's for!

Theatre is not just a building, and we know that traditional theatre buildings don’t always signify a comfortable environment for people. That’s why we bring performances to your local community centre, or church hall; on a suburban council estate, or out in the countryside, or in the middle of an ex-mining community. The idea is that the surroundings are familiar, local folk don’t need to travel far (and worry about the last bus home…) and will pay no more than £5 of their hard-earned cash.

“Some agencies come and go, often pushing a short-term agenda. Red Ladder are consistent, have worked alongside us for many years and always put their knowledge, resources and contacts at our disposal. We recognise that they know so much more than we ever will about theatre, and they recognise we know more about what would work in Belle Isle. It is a pleasure to work with them for the benefit of our community.” Peter Sutton – Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation

Four women singing and dancing on stage in a large event space — We're Not Going Back at The Grove Hall credit Robling Photography

The productions are presented exactly as they would be in a theatre – with the same cast, same lighting, sound and video – but somewhere much closer to home. Local transport is one of two main reasons residents have given for not travelling to see shows in theatres, but currently 63.8% of audience members travel under 5 miles to Red Ladder Local shows. Audiences frequently comment on the friendly, relaxed atmosphere and offers of a welcome cup of tea at performances.

“Having Red Ladder come to us has helped expose our members and members of our local community to an alternative theatre experience that they wouldn’t normally be exposed to.” Susan Childs – Hawksworth Older People Support Services (HOPS)

An audience watching a play in front of the stained glass windowns in an 18th century church — Rubbish Shakespeare Company's The Story Forge at St. Bart's

Access

We're a work in progress

We are working closely with our venue partners to try to highlight as many of their accessible features as possible so artists and audiences feel truly welcome.

Click on the venue name in the Accessibility folder below to read their accessibility document or watch their roll-through video with two of our favourite local artists, Zoe Lack and Lara Wilson.

Accessibility Documents including plain text and audio versions

St. Bart’s roll-through with Zoe

Queen’s Mill roll-through with Zoe

Zoe in her wheelchair with the Rubbish Shakespeare Company wielding cardboard weapons — Zoe Lack and the Rubbish Shakespeare Company at St. Bart's Church

It's not just shows

Locals can get onstage too

As well as high-quality performances, local communities can engage in professionally run creative participatory courses like stand-up comedy, acting and clowning.

“I’ve loved taking part and going on this journey with people I wouldn’t usually cross paths with, and just want to say thank you for the opportunity you guys are providing for people to shake off the cobwebs and get laughing with some strangers, and for making it so inclusive by being free so that anyone can attend.” Comedy course participant.

Sometimes this has led to people pursuing professional careers in the arts or continuing to perform in their own time. Look out for announcements about our courses on the Participate page.

If you are an artist with touring work and would like to find out more about presenting your show on Red Ladder Local, please email alice@redladder.co.uk with your tour pack and period.

A man holding a microphone and leaning on a mic stand smiling. — Stand-up Comedy with Alex Chisholm credit Robling Photography

Our amazing Red Ladder Local partners

Red Ladder Local also means that these brilliantly warm and friendly community hubs welcome new people which gives them a chance to showcase their amazing facilities and what else they have to offer.

Thank you:

Belle Isle TMO Leeds, Hawksworth Older People’s Support Service Leeds, Queen’s Mill Castleford, St. Bart’s Church Armley, St John’s Parish Hall Staincross Barnsley, The Cluntergate Centre Horbury, The Grove Hall South Kirkby for ALL you do.

We couldn’t do this without you!