Cathy and Danny live apart from the world with towering bare-knuckle boxer Daddy, who’s built them an idyll amid the trees on a land “made of myths”. But a great reckoning is coming, led by all-powerful local landowner Mr Price – and it threatens to smash apart everything the trio hold dear.

Javaad Alipoor’s stage adaptation of Fiona Mozley’s Booker Prize-shortlisted novel bursts into life at Loading Bay with grit and guts – like an ancient tragedy reflected in shards of memory. With movement from Deb Pugh (Ad Infinitum) and new music from the BBC Folk Award-winning The Unthanks, this powerful production builds to a jaw-dropping showdown finale.

• Age guidance: 14+
• This play contains subject matter that some audience members may find distressing. Contains graphic violence, including sexual violence.
• Production involves pyrotechnics, haze, flashing lights, loud noises and stage blood, including a firearm and flame.

A Visual Guide for Elmet is available on our website.

Join us on 29 October for a post-show discussion featuring Elmet prize-nominated author Fiona Mozley and Javaad Alipoor, Artistic Director of The Javaad Alipoor Company, in conversation with Syima Aslam, CEO and Artistic Director of Bradford Literature Festival.

Loading Bay is a brand new pop-up arts venue in Bradford City Centre for Bradford 2025.

Join us on Duke Street as we bring a true Bradford 2025 buzz to the heart of the city.

Listen to an audio described flyer for Elmet below – you can read the full transcription here.