NEWS: FIRST LOOK AT REHEARSALS FOR THE GRINCH MUSICAL AT LEEDS PLAYHOUSE

The company of Dr Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical in rehearsals. Photo: Johan Persson.

The streets of Who-ville are beginning to come to life at Leeds Playhouse, where rehearsals are now underway for Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical.

The festive production opens in the Quarry Theatre on 19 November 2026 and runs until 16 January 2027. West End performer Joel Montague leads the cast as the Grinch, with Leeds Playhouse Artistic Director Tom Wright directing the brand-new UK production.

Produced by Leeds Playhouse in association with Running Subway, the musical features a book and lyrics by Timothy Mason and music by Mel Marvin, with additional music and lyrics by Albert Hague and Dr. Seuss.

Grinch Musical Rehearsal Photo Gallery

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Rehearsal photography: Johan Persson.

Who-ville Comes to Life in Rehearsals

The cast and creative team have gathered in Leeds to bring the whimsical world of Who-ville to the stage, combining music, comedy, choreography and festive storytelling.

Director Tom Wright said: “Rehearsals are where Who-ville stops being drawings on a page and starts being real. Within days, Joel’s Grinch had found his sneer, our young company had found their voices, and the room was full of the kind of chaos that only a Dr. Seuss world can produce.”

He added that he was looking forward to families across Leeds experiencing the production when it opens.

Meet the Cast of The Grinch Musical

Joel Montague stars as the Grinch, with West Yorkshire actor Jack Arnold making his stage debut as Young Max and Yorkshire performer Matt Sutton playing Old Max.

The Who-ville family includes Alison Fitzjohn as Grandma Who, Luke Latchman as Papa Who, Sharon Wattis as Mama Who and Timothy Speyer as Grandpa Who.

The ensemble features Tom Ansell, Sèyí Awe, Kathryn Barnes, Emily Barnett-Salter, Jessica Barton, Jack Campbell, Zephaniah Gould, Harumi Maeda, Cara Gabrielle Thomas and Jacob Whawell.

Fourteen Young Performers Join the Company

Fourteen young performers have been selected following an open casting call that invited hundreds of young people from across the North of England to audition.

The Young Company comprises Aba Batista, Lulu Barker, Jack Booth, Rudy Bragg, Zane Chaba, Minnie Day, Issa Leach, Ellie McArdle, Oliver Maurice, Karis Musongole, Cole Nicholson, Harper Philpott, Haiden Sihapanya and Isabel Zhang. They will help bring the children of Who-ville to life throughout the festive season.

The Creative Team

Joining director Tom Wright are set and costume designer Simon Higlett, assistant designer and costume supervisor Rachael Griffin, choreographer Tinovimbanashe Sibanda, wigs, hair and makeup designer and supervisor Alice Hardy, lighting designer Jai Morjaria and sound designers Rob Bettle and Sam Clarkson for Sound Quiet Time.

The music team includes musical supervisor Nick Barstow, musical director Livi Van Warmelo and assistant musical director Jonathan Mitra. Other creatives include associate director Gitika Buttoo, video designer Gino Ricardo Green, adult casting director Annelie Powell CDG, casting associate Charlotte Agnew Fox, and Young Company casting directors and general managers Keston & Keston.

Extra Performances and Accessibility

Due to demand, additional performances have been announced for 3 and 10 January at 12.30pm. Leeds Playhouse will also offer a range of accessible performances during the run, including audio described, British Sign Language interpreted and captioned shows.

A relaxed performance is scheduled for 6 January at 11am, with a dementia-friendly performance on 12 January at 12.30pm. Educational workshops will also be delivered by the Playhouse Connect team.

How to Book Tickets

Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical runs from 19 November 2026 to 16 January 2027 in the Quarry Theatre at Leeds Playhouse. The age guide is 4+.

Tickets and the full performance schedule are available at https://leedsplayhouse.org.uk. Alternatively, contact the box office on 0113 213 7700.