This is everything you need to know about Ripon Theatre Festival coming soon in July 2026
Ripon Theatre Festival has unveiled it own top five ‘don't miss this’ moments as the clock ticks down to its launch in just over a week’s time.
This fun-packed feast of drama, street theatre, circus, dance, puppetry, poetry, pop-ups and storytelling is now in its fifth year and has been credited with bringing fresh life to the ancient city of Ripon each summer.
With performances and workshops taking place both indoors and in open-air settings across Ripon from July 5-12, this community-run festival caters to all ages, promising something for everyone.
Ripon Theatre Festival operates as a charity, powered by volunteers and supported through a combination of corporate sponsorship, donations, grants and public funding.
This vibrant arts fixture has already won a reputation for transforming Ripon into a hub of creativity and performance, making it a must-visit event.
Now the volunteer organisers have complied their Festival Top Fives to look forward to this July in celebration of its Five Years in Ripon.
Top Five for Drama
History, horror and real women’s lives feature in a packed programme at Ripon Arts Hub.
1 The Essence of Audrey - Ripon Arts Hub - Tuesday 7 July, 2.30pm
What made Audrey Hepburn into the star we think we know? Glimpse behind the icon in this charming biopic play.
2 Batty! - Ripon Arts Hub - Thursday 9 July, 8pm
Gossip, gay abandon, exquisite tenderness and raucous stories (with a side order of ranting), as Batty and her companion Wildthing explore the magic and power of ageing.
3 One Man Poe - Ripon Arts Hub - Friday 10 July, 8pm
A captivating night of terror, guilt, grief and murder most foul from the renowned ‘Godfather of Gothic Horror’, Edgar Allan Poe.
4 Down to Chance - Saturday 11 July, 8pm
One woman, a radio, and the largest earthquake in US History. Based on an incredible true story, a thriller combining frenetic action and immersive live sound.
5 The Poetical Life of Philomena McGuinness - Ripon Arts Hub - Sunday 12 July, 2.30pm
A funny and poignant story of an Irish nurse and poet, based on true stories from World War II.
Top Five for Families
Stellar companies including Opera North and Illyria help fill a line-up to entertain all ages, both indoors and outside.
1 Dancing with Colours - Harrogate Road Methodist Church - Thursday 9 July, 5pm
A joyful and messy participatory performance for young people and their grown-ups, blending movement, music and most importantly, colour!
2 Little Listeners: Mini Magic Flute - Allhallowgate Methodist Church Hall - Friday 10 July, 5pm
An enchanting musical adventure for little ones inspired by Mozart’s opera. A relaxed and welcoming tea-time treat with Opera North performers.
3 Astro Norma & the Cosmic Piano - Ripon Library - Saturday 11 July, 10.30am & noon
Packed with awesome aliens, rib-tickling robots, and interplanetary puppets, this joyful space odyssey will have you reaching for the stars…
4 The Three Musketeers - Ripon Spa Gardens - Saturday 11 July, 5.30pm
Festival favourites Illyria return with their most swashbuckling show, set in 17th Century France. A whirlwind of excitement, broad comedy and ingenious storytelling.
5 Big Family Weekend – Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July, 10-4pm
Ripon’s open spaces come alive for two days of street acts, open-air theatre, circus, dance, magic and fun.
Top Five Pop-Up Theatre Experiences
Theatre everywhere, for everyone – RTF celebrates quirky spaces, intimate storytelling and up-close comedy and cabaret.
1 Comb - St Mary Magdalen's (Leper Chapel) Sunday 5 July, 3pm & 6pm
Storytelling for grown-ups. A tangled ride into Celtic, Slavic and Siberian folklore.
2 Service Please - The Water Rat - Monday 6 July, 6.30pm
Lara, a waitress with bigger dreams faces the unforgiving reality of working in the chaotic service industry.
3 Incidents in the Life of an Anglican Slave - Ripon Cathedral - Tuesday 7 July, 7.30pm
Poetic narrative meets ghost story in a moving and challenging piece exploring slavery, resistance, and religion.
4 Pub Tales - King William IV Pub and The Ripon Inn - Weds 8 & Thurs 9 July
A sharp and satirical evening of musical comedy. Troublesome and hilarious experiences of working in British pubs.
5 Stitch in Time - Allhallowgate Methodist Church - Friday 10 July, 2.30pm
An award-winning hour of lost wartime knitting songs. Bring your knitting (or crochet) and stitch along to toe-tapping, needle-clicking tunes.