This summer, indie music fans will have the unique opportunity to experience the evocative world of The Wedding Present like never before. Reception: The Wedding Present Musical, a new production by York-based theatre maker Matt Aston, will premiere at The Warehouse in Holbeck in Leeds, running from August 22nd to September 6th, 2025.
Marking the 40th anniversary of The Wedding Present and their landmark debut single Go Out and Get ’Em Boy, this musical promises to be a love letter to the legacy of Leeds-born David Gedge and his bands, The Wedding Present and Cinerama. Fans can anticipate an eclectic mix of storytelling, nostalgia, and a setlist that spans their remarkable four-decade career, including a brand-new track to commemorate this momentous occasion.
The production is inspired by the raw emotionality and lyrical honesty that have long defined David Gedge’s songwriting. True to the spirit of a Wedding Present song, Reception delves into themes of love, heartbreak, and the kaleidoscope of human relationships. The narrative follows a group of Leeds University friends navigating five years of pivotal life events—from graduation to funerals, weddings, and the titular reception.
Presented in an intimate setting with a mix of cabaret-style tables and traditional seating, the show invites the audience to become part of the vibrant, charged atmosphere that resonates with the energy of a live Wedding Present gig.
For Matt Aston, the idea of bringing The Wedding Present's music to the stage dates back two decades. The spark ignited when Gedge performed with the BBC Big Band for Radio 3, where reimagined arrangements of his songs unveiled the sheer adaptability of his music. Aston recalls this pivotal moment: "David’s lyrical and conversational storytelling still shone through, even in these vastly different arrangements." Years later, performances with orchestras and choirs further solidified the potential for a theatrical adaptation.
Teaming up with Leeds record-label director Tony Ereira in 2019, Aston began shaping this long-held vision into what is set to become a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience.
Formed at Leeds University in 1985, The Wedding Present became a cornerstone of the 1980s indie scene. Their record-breaking 1992 feat—releasing twelve top-40 singles in a single year—secured their place in music history, tying with none other than Elvis Presley. Their distinctive evolution, from the raw indie rock inspired by the likes of The Fall and Gang of Four, to more diverse musical ventures, mirrors the creative versatility celebrated in Reception: The Wedding Present Musical.
On the project, Gedge confessed his initial surprise at the concept of a musical, stating, “I’d never previously imagined my songs being in a musical...but I was intrigued.” A self-confessed ABBA fan, Gedge added that the approach reminded him of the beloved Mamma Mia format—a fusion of beloved tracks and a relatable narrative.
Tickets start from £16.90, with special "Wedding Guest" table packages available. The musical promises to be a spectacular, heartfelt celebration of one of indie rock's most enduring acts. Prepare for an unforgettable evening of storytelling and song, all in the birthplace of The Wedding Present’s illustrious journey.
For booking details, visit Leeds Playhouse.