Decades: 1970s/1980s/1990s/2000s/2010s/2020s

More Information on Decades: 1970s/1980s/1990s/2000s/2010s/2020s

Decades: Stories from the City 
 

Six characters, six new plays, six directors, six compelling stories from the heart of Yorkshire.   

Commissioned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Leeds Playhouse, from writers with strong links to the theatre, these new monologues feature characters firmly rooted in the North telling stories set in each of the decades.  

Powerful and insightful with biting Yorkshire wit, these are tales that reflect the spirit of the people, the city and the region, showing us who we are and how our lives have been shaped by the place we call home. 

Decades: Stories from the City will be an unmissable event that can be enjoyed live in the Courtyard Theatre at the Playhouse or online At Home. 

Decades: Stories from the City
1970s / 1980s / 2000s 

The Bodyguard 
by Simon Armitage
directed by James Brining 

“We’ve got a new Prime Minister.  She’s got big blonde hair that lifts up at the front like a curl of butter on the blade of a knife.” 

It’s 1979 and the air is thick with fear. 13 year old Wilf can’t stop listening to the news; it’s filled with reports of murder.  He’d rather stay home, but his Dad says he has to go and meet his Mum off the bus.  He ties his Docs up really tight so he won’t trip while he’s running down the lane and sings Anarchy in the UK under his breath.  So Jack doesn’t hear. 

Nicer than Orange Squash 
by Alice Nutter
directed by Evie Manning 

“Gaz says the government only give people dole to stop ‘em from rioting.” 

Loz has just moved to the big city from a small town, she’s trying to find herself, carve out a new identity as a woman, as a punk, as a radical. And her perfect new boyfriend might not be all he seems. 

The Unknown 
by Leanna Benjamin
directed by Amanda Huxtable 

“Majestyk is going to be rammed. Yeah, I know I’m too old for clubbing.” 

Since moving to Leeds, Sophia has had to adapt, in more ways than one. Now, as the new millennium arrives, she has to confront what the future holds and find a new way forward with her family. 

Decades: Stories from the City
1990s / 2010s / 2020s 

Don’t You Know it’s Going to be Alright 
by Maxine Peake
directed by Amy Leach 

“Spice Girls? Give me a break. I like Mel B though. Mainly cause she’s from Leeds and I reckon she’d be a right laugh.” 

What a year it’s been. Princess Diana’s gone and New Labour are riding high. Danny opens a can and remembers club nights, illicit partying and her family loyalties. What a trip.  

and after we sailed a thousand skies
by Kamal Kaan
directed by Sameena Hussain 

“Is this the city for me?” 

In this beautiful, poetic monologue, Layla remembers the motherland she left behind and asks if the city she has adopted will ever truly embrace her. ‘Where is home?’ she asks. 

Pie in the Bus Stop
by Stan Owens
directed by Tess Seddon 

“What kind of grown adult doesn’t know how to make beans on toast?” 

It’s a good place to sit and think. The bus stop. That’s what Jamie says, with his Mum demanding his constant attention. He’s her carer. 22, living at home and holding down two jobs. But the lockdowns have got him questioning when he might have a bit of independence. 

DOWNLOAD the DECADES: STORIES FROM THE CITY programme

Please note – Due to the demolition of the northern bridge on the Regent Street Flyover, the A61, A64(M) and A64 will be closed from 8pm Friday evening to 5.30am Monday morning over the weekends:
• 21-24 May
• 28-31 May
Diversions will be in place. However, the disabled parking bays for blue badge holders at Playhouse Square remain open for use.

If access is required, please talk to the traffic marshal on duty. Please allow extra time for your journey.