Rachel Mars: Your Sexts Are Sh*t Studio

What it is and who goes

Your Sexts Are Sh*t: Older Better Letters is a solo show by the London-based theatre-maker and writer Rachel Mars. She sets love and sex letters from long-dead artists and writers beside modern-day sexts. The names in the programme include James Joyce, Frida Kahlo, Georgia O'Keeffe and Mozart. Mars made the piece with help from two sexologists. It is part of Harrogate Comedy Festival, which Harrogate Theatre runs, and it is presented by Little Wander. It is a public event for theatre and comedy audiences, not a trade show. The age guidance is 18 and over because of the subject matter.

Dates and opening times

There is one performance, on Friday 9 October 2026, at 7.30pm. Press listings give the running time as about an hour. The venue lists the event under Harrogate Studio Theatre, the venue's small flexible space, which holds up to 60 people. Some other listings name Harrogate Theatre without specifying the space. Check your ticket for the room before you set off.

For visitors

Tickets are sold through Harrogate Theatre. You can book on the theatre website or call the box office on 01423 502116. The theatre is on Oxford Street, Harrogate HG1 1QF. It currently has no lift, which is worth knowing if you need step-free access, so ring the box office beforehand if you have access needs. The wider comedy festival runs into the autumn, with other shows at the theatre, Studio Theatre and Convention Centre, so you could make a weekend of it.

Getting there

Harrogate station is about a 10-minute walk from the Convention Centre. LNER runs direct trains to London King's Cross roughly hourly. Leeds is about 35 minutes away by train. Leeds Bradford Airport is about 30 minutes by taxi. Once you are in the centre, most things are within walking distance.

Booking early

Studio shows are small, so seats go quickly, and the festival has had several sold-out nights this year. If you are reading this on the day, contact the box office to ask about any returns. For later festival dates and other events at the Convention Centre or Royal Hall, booking rooms ahead gives you more choice. Our apartments and townhouses in central Harrogate are a short walk from the Convention Centre and the Royal Hall. A flat with a kitchen and space to spread out suits a group, a couple or a longer stay. Several of them are close to the theatre district.

After the show

The show finishes in good time for a late dinner, and central Harrogate has plenty of restaurants and bars within a short walk of the theatre. If you are staying the weekend, the Turkish Baths are a good way to spend the following morning. We are a local family-run company, so ask us if you would like suggestions for where to eat, and we will point you to a few places we like.