In Conversation With... Handshake's Stuart Littlewood: News Views Stories: Leeds Heritage Theatres

Stuart Littlewood smiling at the camera and point at a poster for ABBA Mania.

Monday 12 Jan 2026

Shows

On this page:

Back to Top
Jump to:
Stuart Littlewood
Career highlights
Book tickets
Support
Posts you may also like

At Leeds Heritage Theatres, we work in partnership with a wide variety of producers and promoters to host their acts and shows at our venues. One of our regular promoters is Handshake Ltd. who will bring A Night to Remember: Motown Show, A Country Night in Nashville, The Legend of Barry White: Let the Music Play and Emilio Santoro as Elvis to City Varieties this year. We spoke to Stuart Littlewood about his role as Managing Director of Handshake and about life in the entertainment industry.

Written by Stuart Littlewood. Edited by Ellen Carnazza

Stuart Littlewood

Tell us about yourself and Handshake Ltd.

Handshake Ltd. are producers and promoters of live entertainment, mainly music and comedy. We produce and programme live bands, as well as TV and recording stars, in UK theatres and concert halls.

How did you get into the entertainment industry?

I got into the entertainment industry by booking bands in my local youth club in Saddleworth, which is mid-way between Manchester and Leeds. In 1964, one band asked me to be their manager and I said “Yes”, even though I did not know what a manager was responsible for or what the future would hold.

Stuart Littlewood smiling at the camera. He wears glasses and a dark jumper over a collared shirt. — Stuart Littlewood, Managing Director of Handshake Ltd.

Describe a day in the life of a promoter.

We programme between 400-500 shows per year, so my week begins by reviewing the previous week’s ticket sales for our current shows, events and concerts. I communicate with my office team to decide which events need attention and further advertising which we do via multiple marketing channels. Then we may also discuss booking further dates or return dates for shows, which could be anything up to 18 months ahead.

You’ve worked in the entertainment industry for 50 years. How have things changed in that time?

Many changes have taken place during that period. The live business was originally driven by record sales, radio plays and appearances on TV shows like Top of the Pops. As artists became more famous, they toured live venues including pubs, clubs, universities, town halls, concert halls and theatres, which would typically hold between 100 – 1000 people. Many towns and cities now have huge arenas with a capacity of up to 20,000. Football stadiums have up to 100,000 people attending and, in the summer, outdoor festivals like Hyde Park and Glastonbury can sell up to 250,000 tickets. The digital world has also changed things significantly. Bands and live performers were originally promoted by record companies, agents, managers, and PR people. Now, kids can record a track in their bedrooms and put it out on the internet and social media within a few hours.

Career highlights

You must have some amazing stories from all the artists you’ve worked with. What have been some of the highlights?

There have been many highlights over the years, including my first Number 1 single with a band I represented called MUD with a song called Tiger Feet; a Number 1 album by Welsh comedian Max Boyce, which is in the Guinness World Records for being the only time a comedian has topped the chart; and promoting numerous artists including Marvin Gaye, Tina Turner, Tom Jones and Katherine Jenkins. The biggest highlight was the opening night in London’s West End of a production which I had conceived and produced, titled Oh! What a Night, which starred American singer and actor Kid Creole, and went on to tour the world for over 10 years.

How do you find artists/projects and what do you look for when choosing who to work with?

When searching for new artists and productions, we look for talent, star quality and longevity. For instance, one of our shows, MANIA: The ABBA Tribute has been touring the world for the last 25 years. It is also important to find the right people to work with who have a passion, attitude and commitment to the their craft. I have represented Max Boyce for over 50 years, who shows all these qualities.

A poster for Oh What A Night featuring a pink hued image of a man in a disco-themed suit, hat and glasses. Text reads: International Artistes Ltd presents Kid Creole Will Mellor Oh! What a Night! Featuring Nigel Roche. Director/Choreographer Kim Gavin. Producer Stuart Littlewood. Palace Theatre Manchester. Thurs 23rd Nov - Sat 30th Dec. — The poster for Oh! What a Night.

Any favourite gigs/shows from over the years?

Every artist and show we work with is my favourite! But the most exciting project was The Buddy Holly Story which opened in London’s West End in 1989 and ran for 15 years.

Handshake is a regular at City Varieties. What is it about the venue that keeps you and your artists coming back?

City Varieties is a fantastic example of a variety theatre and has played host to many of the UK’s biggest TV and variety stars. It has a special place in Britain’s theatrical history alongside the London Palladium and the Royal Albert Hall. It also has a very strong management team with whom we have enjoyed a successful working relationship for many years.

The album cover for Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, featuring an image of a singer as Buddy Holly playing guitar and singing into a micstand, over lots of blue and black images of the band, and text reading 'The Man, The Music... The Legend. Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story Original London Cast Recording. — Album cover for Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story.

Book tickets

What can audiences look forward to in Leeds this year?

2026 is an extremely exciting year for Handshake productions at City Varieties. Look out for A Night to Remember Motown Show, A Country Night in Nashville, The Legend of Barry White and Emilio Santoro as Elvis.

Find out more