Get into the festive spirit and swap socks for standing ovations this Christmas!
We’ve got you covered this Christmas, whether you’re looking for some festive (or not-so-festive) entertainment, or searching for the perfect gift for a music and theatre lover.
Our annual Christmas Gala returns to Dewsbury Town Hall with a selection of timeless festive favourites and carols for all to sing. Back in Leeds, Pass the Spoon offers the perfect alternative to the traditional Christmas panto. Served up by composer David Fennessy, artist David Shrigley and director Nicholas Bone, this sort-of opera is set on a cookery show and is a darkly comic feast of words (spoken and sung), music and puppetry, made with decidedly adult ingredients.
Looking for a place to host your Christmas party?
Kino Bar is now open for reservations. Sip amazing cocktails, wines and beers, order in some pizzas and enjoy exceptional service in a warm and welcoming setting. Ideal for team celebrations, festive catch-ups and end-of-year gatherings. For more information, email hires@operanorth.co.uk
Whether you’re looking for a special gift for a close friend, struggling to find something different for a tricky relative or looking for a way to treat yourself this Christmas, take a look at our top five suggestions for festive giving.
With a host of exciting shows coming up in 2026, why not treat someone to a Gift Voucher so they can enjoy whatever they fancy?
Comedy-goers will love our new production of The Marriage of Figaro filled with mischief, mayhem and Mozart’s incredible music. For lovers of crime dramas and tense thrillers, Britten’s Peter Grimes is a must with its sea-soaked tale of a close-knit fishing community under threat – while The Sound of Music will suit any musical theatre fans. Add to that, the world-class performances on offer at the Howard Assembly Room (think jazz, contemporary classical, comedy and more), your recipient will be spoilt for choice.
Ensure you secure a seat at the wedding of the year for your comedy-loving pals by surprising them with a ticket to The Marriage of Figaro.
Romance is definitely in the air as Figaro prepares to tie the knot with the love of his life, Susanna. Before that can happen however, there is fun, mischief and mayhem to be had – with a few surprising revelations along the way. With Mozart’s gorgeous music performed live by the Orchestra of Opera North and a set inspired by a modern country house, this is a gift to delight all the senses.
Help someone celebrate summer in the most joyous way possible by treating them to a ticket to one of the greatest musicals of all time, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music.
When free-spirited Maria joins the household of the rather strict Captain von Trapp and his seven rowdy children, it is the start of a love story which has captured hearts across the world ever since it was first performed in 1965. This is an unmissable chance to hear the classic hits like Do-Re-Mi, My Favorite Things and Climb Ev’ry Mountain brought to life by the Orchestra and Chorus of Opera North.
If you thought a tea towel was a lacklustre gift, think again. Visual artist David Shrigley is bringing his unmistakeable style to the Howard Assembly Room just before Christmas with his ‘sort-of-opera’ Pass The Spoon. With that, there’s also a chance to stock up on some limited edition merchandise featuring his iconic artwork.
Choose from a tea towel or print decorated with his costume sketches for the show – or an eye-catching fridge magnet starring the world weary Mr Egg or the highly-strung Banana with his ‘voice of reason’.
We love making friends! If you know someone who has a passion for opera, why not make their Christmas extra-special by buying them an Opera North Friends membership?
It’s the gift that keeps on giving with special events throughout the year, priority booking for every opera, access to dress rehearsals and newsletters with regular updates on what’s been happening behind the scenes at Opera North and everything that’s coming up. What’s more, you’ll know that you’ve helped to keep music and performance alive for people across the north of England and further afield!
Adrian Dwyer as Brighella, Dominic Sedgwick as Harlequin, Jennifer France as Zerbinetta, John Savournin as Truffaldino and Alex Banfield as Scaramuccio © Richard H Smith
