The Grinch Brings Christmas Magic to Leeds Playhouse in 2026

Leeds Playhouse is gearing up for a standout festive season in 2026 with the arrival of Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. After smashing records on Broadway, this all‑new UK production is set to bring the mischievous magic of Who‑ville to Yorkshire in an unforgettable Christmas theatre experience.

Presented by Leeds Playhouse in association with Running Subway, The Grinch musical will take over the iconic Quarry Theatre from 19 November 2026 to 16 January 2027, promising spectacular staging, family‑friendly fun, and a must‑see addition to the 2026 Christmas entertainment calendar.

Under the direction of Leeds Playhouse Artistic Director Tom Wright, this vibrant new staging bursts with signature Seussian style, playful humour, and plenty of heart. Audiences are invited into the world of the Whos as they gear up for Christmas, all while the cunning Grinch — with a heart “two sizes too small” — schemes to snatch their festive joy. Guided by the narration of his faithful dog Max, this much‑loved story delivers a powerful reminder that Christmas is about community, compassion, and the moments that bring people together.

Director Tom Wright said: “I’m tickled green with delight to announce Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical as my first Christmas show as Artistic Director of Leeds Playhouse. The big-hearted show is full of humour, mischief, joy and enchantment – exactly what we all need at this time of year. We’re looking forward to working together to bring this festive treat to life.”

Susan Brandt, President and CEO of Dr. Seuss Enterprises said: “Twenty years ago, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical premiered in New York to critical acclaim and record-breaking Broadway attendance. Since that opening, it has captivated over four million audience members in North America. Now, two decades into our journey, we are absolutely thrilled to partner with Leeds Playhouse to introduce this reimagined, beloved holiday classic to audiences in the United Kingdom”

Tickets for Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical will be released to Leeds Playhouse Priority Access, Playhouse Pass Members, and the Under 30 Scheme from 27 January, with general booking opening on 4 February.

Leeds Playhouse will also offer Relaxed and Dementia Friendly performances, alongside a programme of educational workshops led by the award‑winning Playhouse Connect team.

Audiences who book before 31 March 2026 can take advantage of an early bird offer, saving £10 on full‑price tickets in the top three price bands for Monday–Friday performances between 19–27 November.

Details of the full cast and creative team will be shared closer to the production’s launch.

Access Performances

Audio Described: Friday 18 December 5pm; Tuesday 22 December, 7pm; Wednesday 30 December 12.30pm & 5pm; Thursday 14 January 2pm & 7pm

British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted: Thursday 26 November 7pm; Sunday 6 December 12.30pm; Thursday 17 December 7pm; Wednesday 23 December 12.30pm; Thursday 7 January 7pm;

Captioned: Friday 11 December 2pm & 7pm; Thursday 17 December 7pm; Tuesday 29 December 2pm & 7pm; Thursday 7 January, 7pm; Friday 8 January, 2pm

Relaxed Performance: Wednesday 6 January 11am;

Dementia Friendly: Tuesday 12 January 12.30pm;

As excitement builds for this major 2026 Christmas production, Leeds Playhouse invites audiences of all ages to step into the world of Who‑ville and experience one of the most beloved festive stories ever brought to the stage. With spectacular staging, unforgettable characters, and the mischievous magic of the Grinch at its heart, this new UK production promises to be a standout highlight of the winter season.