UK production of Dr Seuss's festive musical, narrated by the Grinch's dog Max, directed by Tom Wright at Leeds Playhouse.
Dr Seuss's How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical opens at Leeds Playhouse on 19 November 2026, running through to 16 January 2027 in the Quarry Theatre. It's a brand-new UK production of the festive tale, and this time it's narrated by the Grinch's loyal dog, Max. The New York Times called it 'joyously wicked and funny' and '100 times better than any bedtime story'.
If you know the story, you've got the gist: a grouchy, green recluse with a heart 'two sizes too small' tries to steal Christmas from the joyful Whos of Who-ville, only to discover the holiday is about more than presents and decorations. The book and lyrics are by Timothy Mason, with music by Mel Marvin and additional material from Albert Hague and Dr Seuss. Susan Brandt, President and CEO of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, says the musical premiered in New York twenty years ago to critical acclaim and has since played to over four million people across North America.
On stage, Joel Montague takes the role of the Grinch, with Jack Arnold as Young Max. The Whos are played by Tom Ansell, Sèyí Awe, Kathryn Barnes, Emily Barnett-Salter, Jessica Barton, Jack Campbell, Alison Fitzjohn and Zephaniah Gould. It's directed by Tom Wright, in association with Running Subway. This is the first Christmas show Wright has staged as Artistic Director of Leeds Playhouse, and it forms part of his inaugural season there, alongside a revival of August Wilson's Fences. Around the production, Playhouse Connect is running educational workshops.
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Evening performances are at 7pm, except for Tuesday 24 November, which is a 2pm matinee. Tickets are £17.00, and the show runs from 19 November 2026 to 16 January 2027 at Leeds Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7UP.
