Interplay Theatre

Performances at Interplay Theatre in Armley, Leeds, are not just watched: they are designed to be experienced. On a mission to create family-friendly theatre that puts the audience at the heart of the show, this very special theatre creates immersive, sensory environments where you enter the world of the play through colour, light, sound, smell, and one-to-one interactions. It is here that, for a very reasonable price, you can not just watch the world of a play unfold but literally feel the rain on your face. 

The sensory theatre has a 50 year long history of engaging marginalised young people with the performing arts, and specialises in working with a variety of ability and age ranges. From its home in West Leeds it hosts regular interactive, fun performances that encourage young people to get involved, to tell their own story, and so realise their own potential. Its performers and staff are also trained in working with young people with a range of complex needs and disabilities, making it a great choice for families who may face barriers in accessing traditional theatre. Whether creating spell-binding, immersive journeys through time, or teaching and telling stories through original songs and one-to-one interactions, there’s always something guaranteed to entertain adults and children alike here. 

As part of its community engagement work, the theatre also runs alternative education programmes designed to guide people towards their creative strengths: be that writing, directing and starring in their own film, performing and recording their own music, or organising cultural events. It hosts a number of youth theatre sessions for 8-19 year olds on Thursday evenings, all of which are free to attend and suited to all abilities. Performances here are also very affordable, and many are free to book with the option to give a voluntary donation on the door – making Interplay Theatre accessible to all. 

As well as hosting performances and workshops throughout the year from its home in Armley, Interplay also tours the UK annually with a new show every year. Inspired by a belief that everyone should get to experience high quality theatre, this annual tour seeks to help remove barriers to the arts for communities around the UK.