Leeds Arts Centre is a prestigious amateur theatre group which presents a wide variety of plays at the Carriageworks Theatre on Millennium Square in Leeds.
We offer opportunities to all who are interested in becoming involved with any aspect of drama, including acting, directing, stage management, props, design, costumes, lighting, sound, publicity and front of house.
Hangmen
• directed by Spike Marshall
Various Times • Wednesday 26th February – Saturday 1st March 2025
The Carriageworks Main Space
In 1965, Harry Wade rules over his pub like a king, asserting his authority over his motley crew of regulars. Harry enjoys his reputation as one of the best Hangmen in England, and his customers overlook his shortcomings as a landlord to sup a pint poured by an executioner. He’s a local hero, but appetite for executions is waning in Great Britain.
As Parliament rules to suspend executions, Harry grapples with an identity crisis. With his notorious side gig coming to a short and sharp stop, what else can he offer besides poorly pulled pints and indifferent regulars?
When an inquisitive journalist appears on the scene, Harry sees a chance to redefine his legacy beyond being known as the hangman you’d call when Pierrepoint was unavailable.
But will talking to the newspapers solidify his reputation or open old wounds?
Especially when a mysterious individual lurking around the pub seems to possess unsettling information about past crimes and a keen interest in Harry’s daughter.
Hangmen, a captivating dark comedy by Martin McDonagh, promises uproarious laughter and a thrilling story. Taut with tension, brimming with jokes at breakneck speed, and with twists that will make your jaw drop, Hangmen is not be missed.
Get involved
Whether your interests in theatre lie on-stage or off, or even just in the audience, there are opportunities to get involved with Leeds Arts Centre.
In addition to acting roles, our members carry out all of the backstage tasks in our productions. Alongside the main productions, we also organise regular play readings, workshops and social events – and even stage the occasional ‘green room’ production just for fun.
We’re an open group with no auditions to join, and have members from a wide range of backgrounds. New members are always welcome, and you don’t need any past experience in the theatre. If you would like to meet up with us at one of our activities, contact us!
From the archives
In June 1986 we produced Henry the Ninth by Paul Newton. The production, directed by Gordon Carlin, took place in The Civic Theatre. You can find more details – including cast, crew, photos and archive documents – in our archive.
This is just one of the plays that Leeds Arts Centre has staged in our city since the 1940s – memories of many others can also be found in our production archive.
Costume hire
Leeds Arts Centre has an extensive mens’ and womens’ wardrobe, which incudes period and character costumes, suits and evening dress, military uniforms and accessories.
All of these are all available for hire at competitive rates: check our costume hire information if you would like to know more.
The design pictured here was created for Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime in May 2007.
Production photos
The picture at the top of this page is from Charley’s Aunt in May 2018.
Pictures of many of our past productions can be found in our photo gallery.
