Recently described by the Evening Standard as "Live Comedy's best kept secret" Scott Bennett has been blazing a trail through the stand-up circuit for the best part of a decade. He's written for many high profile acts such as Chris Ramsey and Jason Manford, and recently recorded his debut on BBC Two's Live at the Apollo. In massive demand as a comedy writer and with regular appearances on BBC Radio 4's The News Quiz and The Now Show, Scott is an act on the verge of breaking through into the big time.

Winston Churchill is arguably one of the most famous Englishmen that has ever lived. His inspirational leadership helped win the Second World War, and his parliamentary career of 62 years ensured he was responsible for many momentous decisions. What of Clementine, his wife for 56 years? They say that behind every great man, there is a great woman. Was this true in Churchill’s case? Did he bully her like he did so many other people? Was he as grumpy and irascible at home as he often was in the House of Commons? Given his strength and conviction, did Clem have any influence on him at all? Or was she ‘the little lady at home’? Winston himself said, “my most brilliant achievement was my ability to be able to persuade my wife to marry me.” Liz Grand, whose portrayal of Agatha Christie wowed RTF audiences in 2023, returns with her latest superb, sensitive and informative portrayal. “Her finest hour.” Showtime Event sponsored by Specsavers, Ripon

Catherine is a modern girl in love with Jane Austen’s world. She can’t believe her luck when she meets her very own Mr Tilney. Through passages from Northanger Abbey, songs from musicals and operatic classics, singer Louise Geller relates Catherine’s romantic ups and downs as real life and fantasy collide. Following a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024, celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday festival-style. ‘A must for any Janeite’ Age guide 12+

RTFjoins forces with Ripon Arts Hubs monthlyHilarity Bites Comedy Club to present a special show headlined byLarry Dean. Larrys credits include the Royal Variety Performance in 2024, two appearances on Live at the Apollo (once as host), Mock the Week, House of Games, Roast Battle, Worlds Most Dangerous Roads, The Stand Up Sketch Show, The Comedy Roast for SU2C, and Michael McIntyres Big Show. Larry has also been nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award three times, has had a stand-up special aired on Channel 4, and is currently in the middle of a world tour of his latest show. Joining Larry is the filthy and fabulousLou Conran, who has just returned from performing at comedy festivals in Australia and New Zealand, and supporting her great friend Sarah Millican on her international tour, including opening for her at many big theatres throughout the UK. Lou was winner of the Best MC at the 2020/21 Comics Comic Awards, regularly provides warm-up for numerous TV shows, is a regular voice on BBC Radio 4, and is one half of the award nominated podcast 'Spit or Swallow/ and the new podcast Tough Gig. Note: Line-ups are subject to change in extreme, and unavoidable, circumstances. Show may contain strong language and adult themes.

Agent Blonde has 24 hours to save the world. The only things standing in her way are dastardly villains, an outrageous plot, and... a lack of funding. When Hollywood rejects her script, a frustrated screenwriter invites you, an audience of producers, to a one-night-only presentation of The Greatest Spy Movie (n)Ever Made! From two of the minds behind The New Musketeers (Trinity Theatre) and stars of The Play That Goes Wrong and Peter Pan Goes Wrong, Spy Movie: The Play! is a new hilarious homage to Bond movies and fringe theatre suitable for the whole family. Rollickingly fun and funny… our faces were aching with how much we were smiling Starburst Masterfully Crafted Silliness West End Best Friend

Get ready for an electrifying showcase of Yorkshires finest up-and-coming talent as the Short and Sweet Yorkshire Festival Finalists take to the stage at Ripon Festival 2025! This special event celebrates the very best in local new writing, with a diverse line-up spanning theatre, spoken word, and music. Short and Sweet Yorkshire is an annual festival of 10 minute new writing with previous finalists showcased here for you. Expect a thrilling mix of 10 minute genres and styles, from thought-provoking drama to laugh-out-loud comedy, and from heartfelt storytelling to bold, boundary-pushing performances. Featuring homegrown talent from across Yorkshire, this is a chance to see fresh, original work from the regions most exciting emerging artists. Dont miss the new wave of creative voices bringing their passion and talent to Ripon Festival, 10 minutes at a time! Age guide 16+ A Ripon Theatre Festival [https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org] event

Work as a team to build and operate a giant puppet. A practical workshop creating the puppet from scratch then learning to move it realistically. Once built it will take 12 people to make it work. We will then work on a short performance to take to the Market Place and perform with it to a live audience. Suitable for participants aged of 16 to 90 years! No previous puppetry experience needed. Its all about fun and working together. Led by Mark Edwards from Puppetpower North (familiar to many as a Ripon Operatic Director). Bring a packed lunch and wear clothing suitable for outdoor performance. Workshop session leads into a short performance at Ripon Market Place from 1.30-2pm Age guide 16+

“The White Star Line merged itself out of existence. Those clever little educated boys. ” A one-man theatre show based on the life of Titanic survivor, Edward Dorking. Edward was gay. Openly gay, and on Wednesday, April 10th, 1912, he set sail for NYC on a ticket bought for him by his parents in the hope his American family could put him 'right' THIRD CLASS charts Edward's journey from boarding the Titanic to swimming for 30 minutes towards an already full collapsible lifeboat and how he, upon arriving in New York, would tour the Vaudeville circuit, recreating the stories for a fact-hungry public. But Edward didn't want fame; he wanted revenge. When everyone was talking about the deaths of millionaires and society figures, few were discussing the people who took the lion's share of the losses that night: the third class. Edward was coming for the upper classes. Using music, movement, projection, and historical facts, THIRD CLASS tells the story of an unknown hero from a well-known story.