Award-Winning Prison System Drama 'Woodhill' Locks In Yorkshire performances - dates and venues

While regional theatre often relies on standard drama to tackle difficult social issues, campaign-led arts charity LUNG is bringing a stark, urgent reality to West Yorkshire stages this autumn.

Originally founded in Barnsley, the acclaimed company behind Trojan Horse and The Children’s Inquiry is taking its hard-hitting dance-theatre piece, Woodhill, on a national tour.

Developed alongside bereaved families who lost loved ones to suicide at HMP Woodhill, the production merges verbatim accounts voiced by actors with dynamic choreography to expose systemic failures, staff shortages, and institutional negligence inside the British prison system.

The timing of the tour comes amidst heightened national scrutiny, following official Ministry of Justice interventions regarding safety across the male prison estate.

Centring on three families who refuse to stay silent, the show presents a devastating look at lives lost behind bars and demands immediate political reform.

Speaking on the urgency of taking the story on the road, The Woodhill Families said: "Our boys needed help, not punishment. They were given a prison sentence that turned into a death sentence. There is a crisis unfolding in our prisons.

“We are proud to be taking our story across the country and launching this national campaign. We will not stop until our voices are heard."

Addressing the ongoing crisis, Matt Woodhead, Co-Director of LUNG, added: "For our families, it is heartbreaking to read that rates of self-harm are still the highest in the adult male estate. The government's response does not address this in any way. What action is being taken to keep these men in prison safe?"

LUNG Co-Director Helen Monks emphasised that the project has evolved beyond the stage: "Woodhill began as a tribute to those who have taken their lives at HMP Woodhill. Now, it has become a call for accountability. The urgent notification shows this crisis isn’t history - it’s happening now.

“We owe it to these families to keep the conversation alive."

When is Woodhill coming to Leeds and Wakefield?

The production visits two West Yorkshire venues during its autumn run, starting at Wakefield Theatre Royal on September 15 before heading to Leeds Playhouse on November 24 and 25 November.

The performance runs approximately 80 minutes with no interval.

Due to its focus on deaths in custody, systemic negligence, and mental health crises, the production carries an age guidance of 16+ and contains references to self-harm, suicide, and addiction.

When and where can I get tickets to Woodhill?

Tickets for the Wakefield performance will be available via the Wakefield Theatre Royal box office, while the November dates can be booked directly through Leeds Playhouse.

Full box office on-sale dates and performance times for both Yorkshire venues are set to be finalised shortly, with tickets across the national tour priced between £10 and £20 to ensure community accessibility.