News.
MUSIC HOUSE BRINGS COMMUNITY TALENT TO THE STAGE AT LEEDS PLAYHOUSE
4th June 2026
Music House will bring the transformative power of community arts to Leeds Playhouse on the evening of 13 June as performers whose lives have been shaped by music take to the stage for its annual Be in the House (BITH) showcase.
The event will bring together emerging performers, community voices and their amazing Gospel Choir in an uplifting evening of music and performance, showcasing the extraordinary talent being nurtured through grassroots creative programmes across Leeds.
At a time when access to creative opportunities remains out of reach for many, the showcase highlights the vital role community arts organisations play in nurturing confidence, wellbeing and aspiration. Supported by Arts Council England, Music House continues to create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to develop confidence, creativity and connection through music and the arts.
Music House continues to play a vital role in communities across Leeds, creating inclusive creative opportunities and safe spaces where people can grow in confidence, develop new skills and thrive through music and the arts.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said: “West Yorkshire is rightly recognised around the world as a culture and creative crucible, giving people the skills and opportunities they need to build international careers. This showcase is supporting people to grow their confidence and find their voice, and it’s vital that we continue to create the spaces and opportunities for talent to be seen and celebrated. It’s fantastic to see the impact this continues to have across our region as we work to build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire for everyone.”
Behind every performance is a story of growth, resilience and transformation. One young participant, Alicia, discovered a renewed sense of confidence and direction through her journey with Music House. During lockdown, Alicia struggled with confidence and uncertainty, but through music she gradually found her voice, developed her skills and began to flourish creatively. Last year, Alicia performed both a vocal and piano piece as part of the Charity’s annual Leeds Playhouse showcase – a milestone moment in her development. She is now actively pursuing music as part of her future ambitions.
Stories like Alicia’s demonstrate the lasting impact of sustained creative support and the importance of accessible community arts programmes that nurture not only artistic talent, but personal growth and self-belief.
Alongside these individual journeys, collective talent continues to flourish. The Music House Gospel Choir, formed just two years ago has quickly established itself as a powerful and uplifting musical force, embodying the energy, unity and spirit of the community it represents.
Christella Litras, Creative Director at Music House, said: “Everything we do is rooted in people — their stories, their creativity and their potential. This showcase brings that to life on stage in a really powerful way. It’s about opening doors, nurturing talent and creating something meaningful with and for our communities. We’re incredibly grateful to Arts Council England for supporting this work and recognising the value of creativity within communities.”
Staged at one of the region’s leading cultural venues, this year’s showcase marks another significant milestone for Music House as the organisation continues to strengthen its presence within Leeds’s cultural landscape.
By bringing together creativity, community and opportunity, Music House is championing a model of work that is inclusive, forward-thinking and deeply rooted in lived experience — proving what can happen when communities are properly invested in and creatively empowered.
Be in the House
Date: 13 June 2026
Venue: Leeds Playhouse
Book tickets here.
Tracy Brabin has also sent her support via a video message.