Leeds will end its Year of Culture on a high with The Gifting, an original new show this festive season. The cast includes Leeds Conservatoire Musical Theatre Senior Lecturer Matthew Bugg, and Acting graduate Linda-Ray Ndlovu.
Matthew Bugg
With over 25 years spent in theatre, Matthew has written and directed productions like Miss Nightingale and appeared in West End shows such as Zorro and Sherlock Holmes. He has worked as an actor, choreographer or composer on seven other West End shows.
Linda-Ray Ndlovu
Linda-Ray is a Leeds-based actress, artist, producer, and activist. She was born in Zimbabwe and grew up as a British citizen raised in Manchester and South Africa. A member of the conservatoire’s Acting Class of 2023, Linda-Ray will bring an exciting, original approach to her performance.
From the imaginations of co-directors Kully Thiarai and Alan Lane, The Gifting will be the final chapter of LEEDS 2023, running from Tuesday 26 to Sunday 31 December (preview Friday 22 December). This hour-long live performance combines stage illusion, song and story and will take place at Versa Studios.
“In January the Poet Laureate started our year of culture by reminding all of us in Leeds that we had gold in our veins and diamonds for brains. It was the start LEEDS 2023 needed. As we head towards the year’s end, we let our dreams grow and celebrate the power of the stories we make, the myths we harness and the imagination we unleash. Together, powerfully making and concluding a year like no other.”
Kully Thiarai, Co-Director of The Gifting and CEO and Creative Director of LEEDS 2023
“It’s such a privilege to work on a new show to mark the end of this year of culture. A magical ceremony that celebrates the power that we all have to tell stories to shape the world we want to live in. We’ve been lucky enough to assemble the best team of artists and performers to sing farewell to the old year and welcome in a new one, full of promise and hope. A piece of magic in the dark days of winter.”
Alan Lane, Co-Director of The Gifting and Artistic Director of Slung Low
Wearing headphones, The Gifting audiences will be taken on a magical journey through 12 individual but connected tales. Stories from a new book, Northern Dreaming, gifted to all babies born in Leeds in 2023, will also be brought to life. This memorable celebration of new myths will feature dance, music, song, performance, and a touch of magic offering audiences a unique experience at Christmas-time.
“This past year has seen culture in Leeds come to the fore like never before, and it’s been truly inspiring to see our city and communities unite in celebration of all the things that make Leeds such a unique place.
“This compelling final chapter of LEEDS 2023 will mark the end of that year of celebration, but the start of our efforts to build on the legacy of this remarkable year and ensure the enthusiasm for culture as well as the many new bonds and friendships which have been forged continue to flourish all across the city for many years to come.”
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy, Culture and Education at Leeds City Council
