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York Theatre Royal Events Guide

28/04/2010

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York Theatre Royal is one of the oldest producing theatres in the country. Positioned in the historical city centre of York, the location is ideal for both residents and visitors to the area to enjoy top quality entertainment. With two performance areas; the Main House seating up to 840 and the intimate Studio Theatre with 102 seats, the Theatre Royal offers a great variety of drama, music, comedy, dance and musical theatre.

 

There is also a cafe bar providing a peaceful haven for passers by and audience members, serving a selection of meals using locally sourced ingredients and freshly baked cakes.

 

The theatre has a strong commitment to its local community, providing an area for Yorkshire's amateur drama groups to perform and also runs one of the largest youth theatres in the country.

What's happening in 2010:

Catcher: 13 May - 5 June

This spring renowned international touring company, Pilot Theatre present their latest co-production with York Theatre Royal, CATCHER.

In a hotel room on December 7, 1980, Mark Chapman opens The Catcher in the Rye and reads as the books hero Holden Caulfiled brings an escort to his hotel room...to talk. Mark picks up the phone and does the same. Twenty-four hours later John Lennon is dead.

The story of Mark Chapman and John Lennon has been told many times, but no one knows what took place in that hotel room on Mark's last night of anonymity. Catcher invites the audience to step inside that room and for the first time approach those final hours through fresh eyes. What happened on the 8 December, 1980 still lives on in our cultural history, however there is a whole character whose story never ended and yet we know nothing about. In Catcher the woman finally comes forward and the story of John, Holden and Mark is remixed, re-lived and re-imagined.

 

The Wind in the Willows: 22 July - 21 Aug

This summer nature is taking over York Theatre Royal and four new friends of ours would love to meet you. The foyer will become a grassy woodland, trees will sprout up from the floor and you can even enjoy a leisurely picnic on our indoor lawn! Join us as we transform the theatre into The Wind in the Willows.

Join Mole as he introduces you to his friends; amiable Ratty, wise Badger and infamous Mr Toad and escape into a world of river boating and adventure as you enter Toad Hall. Together they will take you on an action packed story where they battle weasels, venture in to the Wild Woods and have the odd mis-hap with motor cars.

The same creative team that brought you The Railway Children have come together once more to create a magical world for all the family to enjoy. Our main house will be like nothing you have seen before, as a new stage is built allowing the audience to sit all around the action at Toad Hall.

 

The Railway Children in London: 4 July - 4 September

York Theatre Royal's production of The Railway Children is transferring to London this summer, sponsored by Welcome to Yorkshire. Moving into a brand new theatre space to be created at the old Eurostar terminal, it's set to be THE summer event for 2010.

The Railway Children tells the story of Bobby, Peter and Phyllis, three children whose lives change dramatically when their father is mysteriously taken away. They move from London to a cottage in rural Yorkshire with their mother where they befriend the local railway porter and embark on a magical journey of discovery, friendship and adventure. But the mystery remains - where is Father, and is he ever coming back?

 

Mike Kenny's adaptation of E. Nesbit's novel was first created by York Theatre Royal in association with the National Railway Museum in 2008 and its London transfer will coincide with the 40th anniversary of the Academy Award nominated film.

Little Feet: Festival of Children's Theatre - w/c 14 June, 2010

This is a first for York Theatre Royal who are working together with theatre company, tutti frutti to bring some of the best children's theatre currently available in the UK, France & Italy to York. Every space in the building will be given over to children and their families to engage with wonderful stories and theatre.

Shows will include:

  • Bob, the Man on the Moon (ages 3+)
  • The Colour of Water (ages 1-4)
  • Looking for the Rainbow (ages 18months-3)
  • Who's Been Sitting in my Chair? (ages 3-7)
  • Echoa (ages 7+)

 

TakeOver Festival - 1 wk in Oct 2010 & 2 wks in Feb 2011

Work with young people has always been central to York Theatre Royal's work. Consequently the theatre has reduced ticket prices for Under 25s (just £5), has a budding youth theatre, works extensively with schools and colleges and has, following an Arts Council grant (part of the A Night Less Ordinary initiative) pioneered the development of a completely youth-led festival, TakeOver. Now entering its second year, TakeOver sees the venue completely handed over to young people for a period of three weeks as they manage, programme, market, produce and curate a festival programme for all ages. TakeOver was not only a first for York, but a groundbreaking festival for the theatre industry, with over fifty under 26 year olds involved in the running of the theatre. York Theatre Royal has already been asked to report on the festival at Arts Council events and the model has been held as an example of good practice nationally with other theatres interested in replicating the winning formula.

Jack and the Beanstalk: 9 Dec - 29 Jan 2011

Expect spectacular sets and costumes. Expect laughs galore and slapstick in abundance. Expect mad-cap mayhem and lunacy. Above all, expect the unexpected as Berwick Kaler wreaks his zany anarchy on his 32nd panto for York Theatre Royal.

  • Tickets are already on sale and selling fast

 

ENDS