Red Ladder

Red Ladder is acknowledged as one of Britain’s leading national touring companies producing new theatre that champions northern voices and compelling, underrepresented stories.

Founded in 1968, the company has a colourful history rooted in the radical socialist theatre movement in Britain known as agitprop. Born into an era of riots, demonstrations and revolts, Red Ladder has grown up, kicking and screaming, into the 21st Century, where it continues to fight, to entertain, and to agitate in as equal measures as possible.

They go wherever the audience is: from pubs and clubs to housing estates and theatres with plush velvet seats, taking Red Ladder productions as well as partnering with national theatre makers to tour their work to local venues. Red Ladder also supports and empowers writers and theatre makers through their artist development and training, enabling artists to tell stories that start on their own (often Northern, often working class) doorsteps.

Red Ladder is a charity funded by Arts Council England and Leeds City Council.

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A group of actors in white costumes poses around a circular stage set with a colorful geometric light above. One person stands in front, gesturing, while others sit or stand behind in expressive poses with outstretched arms

Sanctuary (© Robling Photography)

3 St Peter's Buildings, York Street, Leeds LS9 8AJ

Three women talk in front of a banner reading “COAL NOT DOLE.” Two are seated, holding mugs and wearing gloves and casual clothes; the third stands, wearing a teal jacket and floral skirt, looking concerned.

We’re Not Going Back (© Lian Furness)

A group of six actors in colorful, vintage costumes perform on stage; one man gestures dramatically at the front, while others stand behind with musical instruments and expressive poses under theatrical lighting

Big Society (© Tim Smith)

A man in a suit sits on the floor looking distressed, surrounded by scattered papers, while a woman stands in the background in front of a bulletin board labeled THE WEEK IN NEWS. The scene is lit with blue lighting

A large cast stands on stage in costume, with the front row dressed as soldiers and civilians. Behind them, more performers dressed as soldiers stand on raised platforms under dramatic lighting. The backdrop is a muted, abstract design.

Member category

Performing arts Theatre