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Celebrating Tony Harrison and Theatre

The third annual Sheppard event will celebrate Tony Harrison’s work in theatre. It will include readings and performance from Tony, and specially invited guests Sian Thomas and Barrie Rutter.

Join us at stage@leeds for the annual Sheppard event celebrating Britain’s leading poet–playwright, Tony Harrison.

For over 50 years, Tony Harrison has been responsible for major innovations in theatrical practice; from the translation of classical drama to the vernacular, to the "kamikaze" site-specific single performance.

Throughout his long and accomplished career, Harrison has worked as a writer, librettist and director, set designer and occasional clog dancer.

Sian Thomas is an actor known for her work in theatre, film and television. She is currently starring in The Ferryman at the Royal Court Theatre.

Barrie Rutter is an actor and the founder and artistic director of the Northern Broadsides theatre company. He retired from National Broadsides in April 2018, but continues to work as an actor and director, and is currently directing The Two Noble Kinsmen at the Globe Theatre.

This is the third in an annual series of events held in memory of the late Chris Sheppard (1947 – 2014), former Head of Special Collections and Brotherton Fellow.

An exhibition of material celebrating Harrison’s work in Theatre runs in the Education Room of The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery from 16 March – 12 June. Opening hours are Monday 1–5pm, Tuesday – Saturday 10am–5pm.

Ticket and event information

This event is free, but requires a £5 refundable deposit to secure a ticket. Please ensure that you give your name to a member of staff on arrival at the event so that your refund can be processed. Refunds will not be processed if you do not attend the event.

Please aim to arrive by 5.50pm to take your seats in time. The event begins at 6pm and there will be no admittance once it has started.

Visitor parking is available on the University campus from 5pm. Please refer to Parking at Leeds for further information and tariffs.

Photo of Tony Harrison
Photo of Tony Harrison
Photo of Tony Harrison