Showcasing best of brand new theatre in Leeds

Furnace Festival 2017 runs from September 11 to September 23 at the city centre theatre and lets artists test out their new ideas on willing audiences.

The two week-long festival is dubbed an “eclectic celebration of new work, fresh ideas and audacious artistic voices from Yorkshire and beyond”.

Organisers say it “firmly roots” the Playhouse as a “hub for creative excellence and an artistic beacon in the North”.

West Yorkshire Playhouse New Work Producer Gilly Roche said: “Furnace is a vital element of our work at West Yorkshire Playhouse.

“It’s our engine room, where artists test out new ideas, take wild creative leaps and push at the boundaries of what theatre can achieve. Furnace Festival is an eclectic celebration of some of the very best contemporary theatre in the country.

“We’re showcasing a kaleidoscopic programme of new work – from the very first spark of an idea to multi-award winning shows visiting Yorkshire for the first time.”

New theatre includes ‘You’ve Changed’, written by transgender artist kate O’Donnell, which was longlisted for the Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award.

The production aims to shine a light on the ups and downs of transitioning, through song, dance and hilarity.

It takes place on Tuesday September 19 at 7pm.

The Playhouse is also using the festival to launch its Furnace Social Club Night - a new network for local artists. The first ever club night will take place on Saturday September 23 as an informal get-together.

For full details, visit the website www.wyp.org.uk/furnace-festival.