Posted on: 6th November 2025

Carol of the 7 Hills, A Story of the Bradford District’ is a specially written play, using a cast of actors from local churches, and highlighting the talent in each venue.

Written by Jonathan Hall (Radio 4) and directed by Julia Smith (RSC, Bradford Theatres), it forms a key moment for Christians in Bradford’s City of Culture year.

The Rt Revd Toby Howarth, Bishop of Bradford, said: “We felt, in 2025 especially, there was a particular story for the church to tell, and we hope that in the coming together to tell it, we will provide an ‘invite a friend’ evening, for gentle outreach. I’m especially pleased to see us taking the production to three of our BDAT senior schools and working with the young people there, giving them both a voice and the opportunity to work with professionals on this unique project.”

The main narrative tells a fast-paced story of the district from the Industrial Revolution to the present day. 

In each scene there is an intriguing un-named stranger.

At each venue, interspersed through the main narrative, are three different performances from local people, particular to that place, giving each night a very localised flavour. 

Bishop Toby said: “This will mean the performance will be different in Bowling as it will be in Keighley, for example. Our hope is these short community performances will also give the audience thinking time to work out who the mysterious stranger might be and what his constant presence may mean for them.”

Co-producers the Revd Marianne Clough and the Revd Kate Butler are also producing follow-up materials on the subject of ‘I am with you’ to be used through the Advent period, including 24 short thoughts and four Advent Bible studies.

The performances are all at 7pm, and are as follows:

• Thursday, November 27: Immanuel College, Idle
• Friday, November 28: All Saints Church, Ilkley
• Saturday, November 29: St Andrew’s Church, Keighley
• Thursday, December 4: Forster’s Academy, Bowling
• Friday, December 5: Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College
• Saturday, December 6: Fountains Church Bradford

For more info, click here