Audiences are in for a hat-trick of feelgood fun, family entertainment and fabulous footie from 31 May – 3 June when Football Freddie kicks off in our Bramall Rock Void before heading out on a two-week Community Tour of neighbourhood venues across Leeds from 5-17 June.

As these premier league images show, families are going to have a ball when the starting whistle blows on this funny, inspiring story of a little girl with a big heart, who loves the beautiful game, presented by Leeds-based Fidget Theatre.

Walking – running, kicking and tackling – in the footsteps of her professional footballer Great-Great-Great Uncle, young Freddie learns valuable lessons in teamwork and the joy of joining in. She also enjoys a good old fashioned kickabout.

Uncle Fred – based on real life footballer Freddie Farren who played for Bradford City in the early 1900s – takes his namesake Great-Great-Great Niece on an unforgettable adventure back in time to relive his glory days, inviting the audience to join in the fun too with chants, cheering and even a few keepie-uppies.

Ruth Cooper and Andrea Heaton, Co-Artistic Directors of Fidget Theatre, said: ‘We can’t wait to share Freddie’s infectious love of the beautiful game with children and families as we gear up for a summer of football fever supporting the Lionesses at the Women’s World Cup. Come and join Freddie’s friendly team!’

After it’s run in the Bramall Rock Void, the Playhouse is taking the show to community venues across the city, giving their friends and neighbours the chance to see a fun family show by a professional company.

The Community Tour is heading to:

Week 1

Monday 5 June, Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Holbeck

Tuesday 6 June, Chapel FM, Seacroft

Wednesday 7 June, Harehills Labour Club

Thursday 8 June, Hawksworth Wood Older People Support (HOPS), Kirkstall

Friday 9 June, The Old Fire Station, Gipton

Saturday 10 June, Hillcrest Academy, Chapeltown

Week 2

Tuesday 13 June, New Wortley Community Centre

Wednesday 14 June, Hamara Centre, Beeston

Thursday 15 June, Temple Newsam Halton Primary School

Friday 16 June, St Agnes Church Hall, Burmantofts

Saturday 17 June, Middleton Parochial Hall

This magical new show features playful storytelling, friendly audience participation and integrated audio description alongside original sound design and vibrant set and costumes. The production was developed with the support of Furnace, the Playhouse’s renowned artistic development programme.

Photographs by David Lindsay