Bed - a performance piece across Leeds

An opportunity to engage directly in theatre which promises to evoke curiosity and concern from passers-by.

Beds will soon become stages for progressive performance across Leeds as part of Leeds Playhouse’s Open Weekend celebrations with The Performance Ensemble.

The Performance Ensemble is a programme partner for the Engaging the Modern City module, which places postgraduate students at Leeds within cultural organisations.

Devised by London-based Entelechy Arts, Bed has toured cities and festivals throughout the UK and recently visited Japan. It is now being brought to Leeds for the first time by Beeston-based older artist Alan Lyddiard.

“These will be the stories of Leeds,” Alan explains. “They will be stories of lives lived now; from Seacroft to Hawksworth Wood, from Holbeck to Chapel Allerton, from Chapeltown to Beeston and everywhere in between.”

When approached by passers-by, stories from Leeds-based performers will reveal the surprising life experiences of many isolated and overlooked members of society.

It will be performed by an ensemble of 1000 older people, who will ask the world to consider what it means to age in the 21st century.

Bed is taking place at the following locations:

• Friday 11 October: Playhouse Garden, Central Bus Station and Kirkgate – 11am to 1pm & 2pm to 4pm. Kirkgate Market Food Hall – 12pm to 2pm & 3pm – 4.30pm.
• Saturday 12 October: Playhouse Garden, Central Bus Station, Kirkgate Market Food Hall and Kirkgate – 11am to 1pm & 2pm to 4pm.
• Sunday 13 October: Playhouse Garden, Central Bus Station, Kirkgate and the Corn Exchange 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm.