VERSA Leeds Studios Hosts First of its Kind Immersive Theatrical Experience

This Christmas following a year of exceptional cultural experiences VERSA Leeds Studios is proud to welcome the directors that brought you the Leeds opening ceremony - The Awakening, Making A Stand, The WOW Barn, Moon Palace, and many more- to a very special Leeds Culture 2023 closing show, The Gifting. 

Drawing from the magic of the darker winter nights and the dawning of a new year - The Gifting which runs from 22nd to 31st December is a story-telling ceremony in which the past collides with the present and welcomes in the future - with original music by Rash Dash, and design by Keith Khan, this is a rare theatre experience hosted in VERSA Leeds Studios.

Gather outside the UK’s leading Film, TV and Live Event Studios, VERSA, put on headphones and enter into a surprising world to experience 12 stories inspired by the Year of Culture. A final event that promises beauty, joy and hope in equal measure. 

Wearing headphones, ‘The Gifting’ audiences will be taken on a magical journey through the 12 individual but connected tales. Stories from a new bookfrom LEEDS 2023 and the British Library, entitled Northern Dreaming, that will be 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.

The Gifting’ is co-produced by LEEDS 2023, Slung Low and the British Library and is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England.

VERSA Leeds Studios offers over 130000sq ft of state-of-the-art production facilities encompassing four sound stages close to the city centre.. The stages are accompanied by flexible facilities including workshops and multi-use store rooms with shutter access, hair, make-up and wardrobe facilities and an art dept / production centre, accessible adjacent to the stages. VERSA Leeds Studios’ complex also features unit base hardstanding in front of the stages and multiple adjacent car parks for over 100 cars, and an on-site studios house which provides open plan production offices for up to 120 on each floor.

Most recently, VERSA Leeds Studios have supported productions including Netflix British crime thriller Bodies, Marvel Studios’ Secret Invasion, BBC thriller Boat Story, ITV’s seven-part drama The Long-Shadow and Feature Film Typist Artist Pirate King.

Kully Thiarai, co-director of The Gifting and creative director of LEEDS 2023 said, “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.”

Alan Lane, co-director of The Gifting and artistic director of Slung Low said, “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.”

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive, ember for Economy, Culture and Education, said, “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.”

Charlie Ingall VERSA Studios executive producer and founder comments, “VERSA Studios continues its run of engaging and memorable immersive experiences with a one of a kind theatrical debut brought to life in our Leeds Studios. We welcome audiences to our Stage 4 to experience The Gifting and are proud to work closely with our clients to bring cultural firsts across the UK at our London, Manchester and Leeds Studios.”

You won't want to miss it!

For tickets, visit here.