Leeds Playhouse has announced its first show of Autumn/Winter 2026 working with pioneering theatre company Headlong on a brand-new production of August Wilson’s Fences directed by award-winning Daniel Bailey
Leeds Playhouse has announced its first show of Autumn/Winter 2026 working with pioneering theatre company Headlong on a brand-new production of August Wilson’s Fences directed by award-winning Daniel Bailey (Red Pitch). This is a co-production with Leeds Playhouse, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and HOME Manchester, and marks the first major revival in over a decade of this American blockbuster. The production will play in the Playhouse’s Courtyard Theatre from 11 – 26 September ahead of a UK Tour.
Director Daniel Bailey said: “It’s an enormous privilege to be bringing August Wilson’s Fences to the stage this year, a play that is a barometer for our time. I have such huge admiration for the productions that came before but I hope we’re able to create a new idea of what this play is for a new generation.”
August Wilson’s landmark play set in the 1950s returns in a vital new production. From one of America’s most influential 20th century writers, this is a story of ambition for our time. Troy Maxson has cheated death once, but the past keeps closing in. On Pittsburgh’s streets, he cracks jokes and spins stories, yet at home, the pressure is building. His wife, Rose, holds the family together. She sees a changing world and hopes their son Cory might step into it with more freedom than Troy ever had. But when dreams collide, and tempers flare, the Maxsons edge towards a reckoning that could reshape everything they know.
The creative team for Fences includes Set & Costume Designer Lily Arnold, Casting Director Heather Basten CDG, Composer & Sound Designer Khalil Madovi, Lighting Designer Jai Morjaria, Fight Director Kev McCurdy and Design Associate Emily King.
Headlong and Leeds Playhouse have forged a highly successful Associate Partnership, collaborating on a string of critically acclaimed productions including Henry V, The House Party, A Raisin in the Sun, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and August Wilson’s Jitney. Fences signals the start of an exciting new chapter in their creative relationship, with Wilson’s masterful writing warming the house for Tom Wright’s forthcoming season of new work at Leeds Playhouse.
Leeds Playhouse Artistic Director Tom Wright said: “Fences is an exhilarating way to open my first season at Leeds Playhouse and the next chapter of our partnership with Headlong. August Wilson is one of the great modern playwrights, and this landmark play reminds us that every classic was once a brave new work. As we look to champion original voices and new writing, it feels right to start with a play of such power, humanity and enduring relevance.”
This production also sees Headlong and Leeds Playhouse reuniting with long-term tour de force collaborators the Lyric Hammersmith after their joint success in 2024 with A Raisin in the Sun, and with HOME in Manchester after their hit The House Party.
Tickets are on sale to Leeds Playhouse’s Priority Access, Playhouse Pass Members and Under 30 Scheme from 21 January, with tickets on general sale from 28 January.
