March Events 2009

Cab-it Engineers at the National Railway Museum
7th and 8th March 2009
Free admission but ‘Diesel Driver for a Fiver' costs £5.
Enjoy this popular annual event offering open cab access to the locomotives and hands-on engineering and educational displays. Don't miss ‘Diesel Driver for a Fiver' - a chance for anyone aged 16+ to have a go driving a full sized diesel locomotive under supervision (first come, first served)! This event is part of York Festival of Science and Technology 2009 and National Science and Engineering Week.

Discovery Day at the National Railway Museum
14th March 2009 
Free Admission
Join us for this wonderful, free, interactive science exhibition featuring a host of hands on, practical activities. Learn how we hear and why our ears never sleep, you can also take part in interactive demonstrations including the chance to look into your own ear using a video otoscope and see a magnified ear drum!

Help save the planet -Make the bubble bath of the future! Join the University of Yorks Green Chemistry Team and Boots the Chemist on a journey of discovery to explore and 'green' your bathroom. Funded by the EPSRC in collaboration with Glasgow and @Bristol Science Centres.

With loads of activities on offer and the chance to win a netbook laptop and a telescope, the Discovery Day at the National Railway Museum will be an educational family experience, proving that science can be fun!
Discovery Days is part of the York Festival Science Technology 2009.

Public contact: www.nrm.org.uk Tel: 08448 153139
Press contact: Roy Gibson, Marketing and PR Assistant, Tel: 01904 686262 Email: roy.gibson@nrm.org.uk

York Minster
Events at York Minster during March include:

Organ Recital
4th and 11th March, 1.10pm
Free event, no tickets required

Church Universities and Colleges Choirs Festival 2009.
7th March, 7.30pm
Tickets cost £6, Concessions £4, available from the Visit York Box Office, T:01904 550095 or at York Visitor Information Centres at York Station or at the De Grey Rooms, Exhibition Square. 

Chapter House Choir
14th March, 8pm
£12 (£10 concessions) tickets from York Minster Box Office: 01904 557208, boxoffice@yorkminster.org www.yorkminster.org 10-14 Ogleforth, York, YO1 7JN

University of York, Misse Solemnis
18th March, 7.30pm
£17 - £8, concessions available tickets from York Minster Box Office 01904 557208, boxoffice@yorkminster.org www.yorkminster.org 10-14 Ogleforth, York, YO1 7JN

Mickelgate Singers
21st March, 8pm
£10 (£6 concessions) tickets from York Minster Box Office 01904 557208, boxoffice@yorkminster.org www.yorkminster.org 10-14 Ogleforth, York, YO1 7JN

Gervase Phinn
24th March, 7pm
£15, £12, £10, £8 concessions available from children tickets from York Minster Box Office 01904 557208, boxoffice@yorkminster.org www.yorkminster.org 10-14 Ogleforth, York, YO1 7JN

YMS St Matthew Passion
28th March, 7pm
Tickets from York Minster Box Office 01904 557208, boxoffice@yorkminster.org www.yorkminster.org 10-14 Ogleforth, York, YO1 7JN

Public contact: For more information please visit www.yorkminster.org or telephone the Box Office on 01904 557208.  Press contact: Kendal Chalk, Communications and Marketing Officer, Tel: 01904 557248, Email:kendalc@yorkminster.org

York Literature Festival
1st -15th March 2009

The third York Literature Festival will be a celebration of reading and story. The Festival provides a stage for York based literature organisations, writers and artists to showcase their work to new audiences and to encourage people to take part in a wide variety of events, with something different taking place every day across York. Special events planned for 2009 include a readers day, writers fair, storytelling mini-festival, creative writing taster sessions, poetry readings and author events in over 20 different venues across the City including, York Libraries, York Theatre Royal, York St John University and the Dean Court Hotel to name but a few.

The York Literature Festival is coordinated by Read Write York and supported by York Libraries.   Public Contact: Read Write York 01904 554316 / read.write@york.gov.uk Press Contact: Claire Johnston Tel: 01904 551068 e-mail: Claire.johnston@york.gov.uk

York Festival of Science and Technology
6th - 15th March 2009
A 10 day festival ‘bringing science to life'; celebrating the amazing world of science and technology, and showcasing the best examples of research and business on offer in and around York. 

As part of National Science and Engineering Week, Science City York and its partners, together with businesses from across the city, will be
holding a whole host of special events and activities spanning a variety of talks, exhibitions and hands-on activities for the 12th York Festival of Science and Technology.

Public contact: For further information please contact Science City York, Tel: 01904 870047, Email: science.city@york.gov.uk Visit www.sciencecityyork.org.uk/community  Press Contact: Imogen Foster, Tel: 01904 870044 Email: imogen.foster@york.gov.uk

York Open Studios
27th - 29th March 2009
Artists and makers open their doors to all! Discover what goes on behind closed doors when York Open Studios Weekend sees over 40 professional artists opening up their homes, studios and exhibitions to the public and invites them in to take a look around. Featuring York based, internationally renowned artists and makers the public can tour around the studios, view (and buy!) a range of art work in different media, chat to the artists in informal surroundings and sometimes even watch the artist at work. Public and Press Contact: Ruth King, 01904 470196, Email: info@yorkopenstudios.co.uk or visit: www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk 

Launch of the Sing a Song of Sixpence Exhibition at Castle Howard
16th March 2009
Castle Howard, York, launches a brand new exhibition on Monday 16th March 2009: Sing a Song of Sixpence:  Children's Picture Books at Castle Howard.  This exhibition explores the varied collection of illustrated Victorian children's books at Castle Howard. 

The exhibition will be full of vibrant illustrations by artists such as Edward Lear, Walter Crane, Randolph Caldecott, Kate Greenaway, and even George Howard, 9th Earl of Carlisle (1843-1911); a talented artist, and devoted father, and grandfather, he took pleasure in producing paintings and illustrations for his family. 
 
Sing a Song of Sixpence will be open from Monday 16th March until Sunday 30th August 2009, and entry is included in admission to Castle Howard. 

Public contact: For more information visit www.castlehoward.co.uk or call 01653 648444.  Press contact: Eleanor Course, 01653 648625, press@castlehoward.co.uk.

Re-opening of Merchant Adventurers Hall
Monday 9th March 2009
Merchant Adventurers Hall will be re-opening to the public Monday 9 March 2009 after being closed since 22 December 2008.  Improvements have been made for the 2009 opening including new state-of-the-art lighting, energy efficient boilers, and new, re-vamped informational panels in the Great Hall and Committee Room.

Public contact: For more information, please visit www.theyorkcompany.co.uk or telephone 01904 654818.
Press contact: Molly Robinson, Tel: 01904 654818 Email: hall.manager@theyorkcompany.co.uk

V - Weapons and Tirpitz. Presentations With Bomber Command Veterans at Yorkshire Air Museum
Saturday 14th March 2009
The Yorkshire Air Museum & Allied Air Forces Memorial will be the inspiring venue for two intriguing presentations by historian Jim Shortland. These audio visual lectures will cover the Rise and Fall of the V-Weapons and Tirpitz- The Life and Death, and for this topic, veterans of Bomber Command will be on hand to join in the discussions, in what will be an interactive forum.

Space is limited so don't delay in booking your tickets, which cost just £5 (Museum admission additional). Book online at www.yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk, or send cheque made payable to Yorkshire Air Museum to: Tirptz Event, YAM, Halifax Way, Elvington, York, YO41 4AU. Lectures commence at 11.15am, finishing at 3pm. Lunches and refreshments will be available in the restaurant.

Press contact: Please contact Ian Richardson, Public Relations Manager on: 01904 608718 or e-mail: pr@yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk

Bird Watching for Beginners at Fountains Abbey
28th March, 10.30am
An illustrated talk about equipment and photography followed by a birding walking in the grounds.  Meet at Swanley Grange.
Public contact: For more information, please visit www.fountainsabbey.org.uk
Press contact: Jennifer Taylor, Communications and Activities Assistant, Tel: 01765 643164 Email: Jennifer.taylor@nationaltrust.org.uk
 

National Centre for Early Music
World Music

Mor Karbasi
Thursday 5th March, 7.30pm
Tickets: £12.00 (concessions £10.00; students £5.00)
Described by London's Jewish Chronicle as a purveyor of ‘spine tingling Gypsy music', young London based Israeli singer Mor Karbasi sings in Ladino, Spanish, Hebrew and on rarer occasions, English.  Mor has been winning fans over to Sephardic music with her wide ranging repertoire - from traditional songs dating from or inspired by the Jewish culture of 15th-century Spain to new Ladino-influenced compositions of her own.

Daby Touré
Friday 13 March, 7.30pm
Tickets: £12.00 (concessions £10.00; students £5.00)
This engaging performer has emerged onto the European music scene creating something entirely new and breathtakingly fresh. Daby was part of the Paris jazz scene and pursued the grail of a new Afro-centric pop sound. In 2006 he was nominated for Best Newcomer at the BBC Awards for World Music.

The Téa Hodzic Trio
Friday 20th March, 7.30pm
Tickets: £12.00 (concessions £10.00; students £5.00)
Building on the success of the Balkan super-group Szapora, the Téa Hodzic Trio creates music that is intimate, passionate and irresistible. Téa Hodzic's startling and evocative voice has enchanted audiences from Womad to the South Bank to Sarajevo. With virtuoso musicians Oliver Wilson-Dickson on violin and Luke Carver Goss on accordion, a few instrumental fireworks are inevitable.

Folk Music

Norma Waterson, Martin Carthy & Chris Parkinson
Tuesday 10th March, 7.30pm
Tickets: £15.00 (concessions £13.00)
Martin Carthy is a much loved and hugely influential folk singer and guitarist; Norma Waterson is one of our most accomplished singers, with a wonderfully rich and expressive voice. They are joined by top accordion player Chris Parkinson to perform traditional songs and tunes with consummate skill and genuine passion.

Spiers & Boden
Monday 30th March, 7.30pm
Tickets: £12.00 (concessions £10.00)
These multiple BBC Folk Award winners have made the genre of spontaneous, punky English folk very much their stomping ground. With just fiddle, foot percussion and squeezeboxes they create a multitude of textures around an inspired choice of traditional story songs and dance tunes.

Jazz

Dennis Rollins' Velocity Trio
Saturday 28th March, 7.30pm
Tickets: £15.00 (concessions £13.00; students £5.00)
Award winning trombonist Dennis Rollins presents his new acoustic, straight-ahead jazz outfit, which starts its UK tour at the NCEM. This is a modern driving Trio, taking its influences from Art Blakey and Jimmy Smith to the edgy side of funk and features Bristol based Dan Moore on organ and Glaswegian drummer Alyn Cosker.

Public contact: For more information visit www.ncem.co.uk Tel: 01904 632220 Email: info@ncem.co.uk
Press contact: Melanie Paris, Tel: 01904 647408 Email: hello@melanieparis.com

April Events

India on the Move - portraits of India's railway people at the National Railway Museum
4th April to 7th September 2009
Free Admission
A special exhibition of 100 stunning life-sized photographic portraits and film clips capturing on camera the lives of the millions of people who live and work around India's railways. The portraits were created by renowned photographer, Gerry Troyna, creator of an award-winning BBC documentary about India's railways - which received high critical acclaim. The subjects range from coolies and drivers to hawkers and policemen.

India Festival at the National Railway Museum
4th - 17th April 2009 (Easter school holidays)
Free Admission
Don't miss this unique chance to see Bollywood come to the National Railway Museum! We've given our annual Easter festival an Indian twist this year and they'll be plenty for visitors of all ages with dancing, music, henna hand painting and Indian-inspired craft activities. Plus... there's also lots more happening for kids. Join our friendly Explainer team for a journey of discovery exploring the Indian objects in our collections, and special storytelling sessions and workshops.

Superfield Mumbai Sound Installation World Premiere
16th April 2009
Admission prices apply: Adult £5, Concessions £3. Tickets available from National Railway Museum admission desks or by telephoning 01904 685724.
Take your imagination on a journey to the streets of Mumbai at this unique premiere, performed to coincide with the annual celebrations for the anniversary of the first train run in India. The found sounds from this diverse habitat will be layered and sculpted in real time to create a constantly transforming soundscape, interpreting the culture and presenting a picture of Mumbai. Presented by Sound Artist and Arts Council England Fellowship Winner Craig Vear and commissioned by Bradford Mela in partnership with Mumbai Festival.

Public contact: www.nrm.org.uk Tel: 08448 153139 Press contact: Catherine Farrell, Press Officer, Tel: 01904 686281, Email: catherine.farrell@nrm.org.uk

Easter holidays fun at York Designer Outlet
6th - 17th April 2009
Visit York Designer Outlet during the Easter holidays for some exciting children's activities taking place on selected days between 6th April and 17th April. All the activities will be on an Easter theme and take place on the South entrance between 11am and 4pm. Example activities are craft workshops, face painting and hunt games. 
Public contact: More details of the events are available from customer information on 01904 682700
Press contact: Please contact Mammy Kufuor at Citypress on 0161 2350314.

York Minster
Events at York Minster during April include:

York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir
4th April, 7.30pm
Tickets from York Minster Box Office 01904 557208, boxoffice@yorkminster.org www.yorkminster.org 10-14 Ogleforth, York, YO1 7JN

South Wales Male Voice Choir
25th April, 7.30pm
£20, £15, £10, £7: tickets from York Minster Box Office 01904 557208, boxoffice@yorkminster.org www.yorkminster.org 10-14 Ogleforth, York, YO1 7JN

For more information please visit www.yorkminster.org or telephone the Box Office on 01904 557208.  Press contact: Kendal Chalk, Communications and Marketing Officer, Tel: 01904 557248, Email:kendalc@yorkminster.org

Wedding Fair at Merchant Adventurers Hall
Sunday 19th April, 11am - 4pm
Free admission
Due to the success of their first wedding fair in November 2008, Merchant Advernturers Hall will hold its second wedding fair this Spring.  Featuring vendors from variety of wedding categories including photography, catering and dresses in our beautiful, ancient Hall.  This is the perfect opportunity to see the hall and to meet with all of the vendors in one place.

Public contact: For more information, please visit www.theyorkcompany.co.uk or telephone 01904 654818.
Press contact: Molly Robinson, Tel: 01904 654818 Email: hall.manager@theyorkcompany.co.uk

Thunder Day at Yorkshire Air Museum
Sunday 5th April
Normal admission rates apply: £6 adult, £5 Senior Citizen and £4 Children (Family Ticket £18 for 2 A + 3 C.)
Yorkshire Air Museum will be holding one of their very popular ‘Thunder Day's' in April - where visitors can see live power up's of two of their biggest jets - the Blackburn Buccaneer S.2  and the Handley Page Victor V-bomber. This gives a fantastic chance to see - and hear - these mighty aircraft under power. The Buccaneer will perform its display, which includes wing folding, bomb bay rotation and rear airbrake movements and a short taxi in the morning and afternoon, with the afternoon session being followed by the Victor engine run. If possible, there will be additional flypasts of historic aircraft. (Weather and availability depending.) A great event which has quickly become a favourite fixture for many visitors.

Public contact: For further public information on this event and the Museum in general, please contact: 01904 608595 or e-mail: museum@yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk
 
Press contact: Please contact Ian Richardson, Public Relations Manager on: 01904 608718 or e-mail: pr@yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk
 

A Riot of Colour  - Easter School Holiday Fun at Fountains Abbey

Saturday 4th - Sunday 19th April, 11am-4pm
Free trails and drop in self-led activities for children in Swanley Grange.

It's A Monk's Life
Wednesday 8th, Thursday 9th & Wednesday 15th - Friday 17th April, 2pm
Join us for a family tour of the Abbey. Dress in monks' robes and learn about their daily life. £1.50 plus normal admission. Suitable for 7s and over. Meet at the Visitor Centre.

Cadbury Easter Activities
Sunday 12th and Monday 13th April, 11am - 4pm
Face-painting, children's entertainer, Cadbury play area and Easter egg trails. Goody bags £1.

Easter Egg Eggsploits
Monday 13th April, from 2pm
Best decorated egg and egg rolling competitions. Bring your own decorated egg and another egg to race. Prizes for the winning eggs.

Public contact: For more information, please visit www.fountainsabbey.org.uk
Press contact: Jennifer Taylor, Communications and Activities Assistant, Tel: 01765 643164 Email: Jennifer.taylor@nationaltrust.org.uk

National Centre for Early Music

Folk

John Renbourn & Robin Williamson
Wednesday 15th April, 7.30pm
Tickets: £14.00 (concessions £12.00)
Multi-instrumentalist Robin and folk guitar pioneer John both came to prominence with internationally successful late 60s groups, The Incredible String Band and Pentangle respectively. They first performed together in 1993, with the resulting live album receiving a Grammy Award nomination. The magic is sure to be rekindled for this latest joint tour.

Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham
Tuesday 28th April, 7.30pm
Tickets: £15.00 (concessions £13.00)
Aly Bain is Scotland's supreme folk fiddle player with a pure, vibrant and unmistakeable tone that has earned him a worldwide following. Phil Cunningham is one of the most exciting and innovative accordion players of modern times, setting the standard to which younger players aspire.

Public contact: For more information visit www.ncem.co.uk Tel: 01904 632220 Email: info@ncem.co.uk
Press contact: Melanie Paris, Tel: 01904 647408 Email: hello@melanieparis.com

Star Gazing in the North York Moors National Park
4th April 2009, 8pm
The dark skies and clear, unpolluted air around Sutton Bank National Park Centre make it ideal for star gazing. To celebrate 2009 Year of Astronomy, a free Star Party will take place at the Centre on the evening of 4 April from 8pm where there will be telescopes and astronomers on hand to help you make the most of the night sky.
Public contact: Visit www.moors.uk.net Tel: 01845 597426

Eton Beaks Exhibition at The Moors National Park Centre
1st - 14th April 2009
From 1 to 14 April, the Inspired by Gallery at The Moors National Park Centre is hosting an exhibition by Eton Beaks, a group of artists - Ian Burke, Daniel Reid, Susan Sharrard and Emma Stothard - from Eton College who produce pictures, drawings and sculpture inspired by the North York Moors. Emma's work can also be seen in the grounds of The Moors National Park Centre where two giant willow otters enchant children and adults alike.
 
This is just one of several exhibitions by local arts and crafts people taking place in the Inspired by Gallery throughout the year. For more information on other exhibitions go to www.visitthemoors.co.uk
 
Entry to The Moors National Park Centre and the exhibition is free of charge. The Centre is open daily from 10am to 5pm and can be accessed by Moorsbus on Sundays.

Public contact: Visit www.moorsuk.net , Tel: 01439 772737
Press contact: Rachel McIntosh, Communications Officer - North York Moors National Park Authority, Tel: 01439 770657 Email: r.mcintosh@nprthyorkmoors-npa.gov.uk

Dry stone walling workshop at Sutton Bank National Park Centre
Sunday 26th April 2009, 10.30am - 4pm
£12.50 adults, £10 for children - (minimum age 12 and all children are to be accompanied by a paying adult).
Dry stone walls are an iconic part of our countryside but have you ever wondered how they are put together? Find out on our workshop which gives an introduction to the ancient skill of dry stone walling.
 
Bring a packed lunch or treat yourself to some delicious soup or sandwiches from the National Park Centre tea rooms.
 
Public contact: To book, call 01439 772738.
Press contact: Rachel McIntosh, Communications Officer - North York Moors National Park Authority, Tel: 01439 770657 Email: r.mcintosh@nprthyorkmoors-npa.gov.uk

Events running throughout March and April 2009

Workshops at The Quilt Museum and Gallery

Japanese Silk Painting and Dyeing with Katie Chaplin
Friday 6th March 2009, 10.30am - 3.30pm
Museum admission charge applies plus £12 materials pack to be purchased on the day
A whole day workshop in which you will spend the morning learning the basics of this traditional silk painting and the afternoon dyeing your own stunning silk scarf using traditional Japanese shibori techniques.
 
Wool Wonders
Friday 13th March 2009, 10am - 4pm
Museum admission charge applies
A one-day workshop in which you design and make your own Folk Art appliqué panel using ready-made felt. Your fabulous felt design can then be used to produce a bag, cushion or table centre. This workshop is suitable for adults of all abilities.

Mosaic Patchwork
Friday 3rd April, 10am - 4pm
Museum admission charge applies
Using the traditional English Paper Piecing method of patchwork, Kate Smith will show you how to make a perfect patchwork from geometric shapes. Your finished piece could be used for a cushion cover or made larger to become a full-sized quilt!

‘A Thing of Threads and Patches' - A talk by Jean Evans
Friday 20th March 2009, 12pm
Free to all Museum ticket holders
An informative and interactive discussion of patchwork and quilting in its human context, particularly exploring the Lancashire cotton industry and clothing in the 18th and 19th Centuries.

International Quilting Day 2009
Saturday 21st March - Fabulous Felt Flowers: Mother's Day workshop for families
Let's spoil Mum this Mother's Day by making her a fabulous felt flower bag charm or colourful corsage.
Time: 10.00-12.30 (bag charms) and 1.00-3.30 (corsages)
Cost: £2.00 per participant per session

Have a go at Quilting
Saturday 21st March, Throughout the day
Come and join the Quilt Museum Quilting Bee and have a go at different quilting techniques whilst surrounded by amazing textiles from the Quilters Guild collection!

York Open Studios
Friday 27th, Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th March
Artist Alison Bramley exhibits and demonstrates her work in raw edged appliqué and stitching in cotton onto photos.
Venue: Quilt Museum and Gallery, Education Room
Time: Friday 6pm-9pm, Saturday 10-6pm, Sunday 11-6pm
Cost: Free access to Education Room, for access to galleries normal admission charge applies

Wednesday 8th April - Easter Holiday Children's Workshops
Fun holiday activities where every participant will learn new sewing skills and make their own fantastic fabric project to take home. Aimed at visitors aged 7-14yrs.
Time: 10.00-12.30 (Crazy Easter Chickens) & 1.30-4.00 (Wooly Sheep Book Bags)
Cost: £2 per participant, per session
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Thursday 9th April - Fabric Fun for Families (tots to ten)
Fun for the whole family - simple craft projects for everyone to enjoy together.
Time: 11.00-1.00 & 2.00-3.30
Cost: Free, bookable sessions - for access to galleries normal admission charges apply

Wednesday 15th April - Easter Holiday Children's Workshops
Fun holiday activities where every participant will learn new sewing skills and make their own fantastic fabric project to take home. Aimed at visitors aged 7-14yrs.
Time: 10.00-12.30 (Crazy Easter Chickens) & 1.30-4.00 (Wooly Sheep Book Bags)
Cost: £2 per participant, per session
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Thursday 16th April - Fabric Fun for Families (tots to ten)
Fun for the whole family - simple craft projects for everyone to enjoy together.
Time: 11.00-1.00 & 2.00-3.30
Cost: Free, bookable sessions - for access to galleries normal admission charges apply

Public contact: For more information about the Quilt Museum and Gallery and a list of forthcoming activities visit www.quiltmuseum.org.uk or email info@quiltmuseum.org.uk Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm until Sunday 21 December 2009
Press contact: Fiona Diaper Tel: 01904 613242 

Stanley Spencer Exhibition at York Art Gallery
24th January to 19 April 2009
Free admission
An exhibition of works by one of the most famous British artists of the 20th Century will go on show in York for the first time in January 2009.
Stanley Spencer, organised by Tate Liverpool, will mark the 50th anniversary of his death by bringing together a wide selection of works from different stages of his life.
These will include oils, watercolours and intimate sketches as well as his last self portrait, painted shortly before he died.
This is the first exhibition of Spencer's work ever to be held in the city.

A Different View: The Changing Landscapes of York
York Art Gallery
27th January - 3rd May 2009
Free admission
Despite the survival of much medieval architecture, the landscape of York is ever-changing - the only remaining record we have of many demolished buildings are the sketches and studies of local artists. In A Different View we explore the York of yesteryear through drawings and prints from our collections.

Public contact: Visit www.yorkartgallery.co.uk Tel: 01904 687687
Press contact: Lee Clark, York Museums Trust. Tel: 01904 687670 Email: lee.clark@ymt.org.uk

Forthcoming events at the Grand Opera House York - March/April 2009
 March kicks off with the award winning comedy classic STONES IN HIS POCKETS, for one night only, see just two actors bring to life over 15 extraordinary characters.  And if that's not enough there's a week run of the deliciously funny SIGN OF THE TIMES, from the writer of Calendar Girls, Tim Firth and starring Stephen Tompkinson, this is an acutely observed human comedy about the art of achieving happiness in unpredictable times.  Comedy continues with stand-up in the shape of ROB BRYDON and JIMMY CARR.  
 
For the girls night out there's HOT FLUSH, an outrageous new musical starring Lesley Joseph and Sam Kane.  But if it's murder, greed, adultery and treachery that you want then there's CHICAGO, the kiss and tell tale of Roxie Hart, a nightclub singer who kills her lover, Jimmy Osmond will be playing the part of slick lawyer Billy Flynn. 
 
Music lovers can enjoy a sensational evening of outstanding musicianship with RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC, or the next best thing to a Bee Gee's concert with JIVE TALKING.
 
Join PAUL MERTON as he screens hilarious extracts from the very best silent comedians in some of their funniest films.

Public contact: Visit www.grandoperahouseyork.org.uk Tel: 01904 678700 or to book by telephone call 0844 8472322
Press contact: Celestine Dubruel, Press Officer, Tel: 01904 678711 Email: Celestine.Dubruel@LiveNation.co.uk

Forthcoming shows at the York Theatre Royal - March/April 2009

Café Caberet
3rd-4th March
An evening exploring the fabulous world of French Chansons Populaires.

Script Factor: All Winner Final
5th March, £5
Four short plays written by local playwrights group Script Yorkshire and presented by York Settlement Players

Tony and Twizzle
5th-7th March
Anthony Chalmers and Isobel (Twizzle) Trilling - (stars of Celebrity Wheelie Bins) are red carpet favourites.
In a "warts and all" look back at their showbiz careers, Tony and Twizzle perform clips from their fabulous film and TV triumphs, notably Whistle Down your Blouse, Wednesday Night and Thursday Morning and Yorkshire Dales classic Some Vets Do ‘Ave ‘Em!

Subterranean Homesick Yorkshire Blues
6th-7th March
This is a unique celebration of the life and works of Bob Dylan. Combining poetry, live music and humour, five York-based writers and musicians, Helen Burke, Miles Cain, Oz Hardwick, Paul Coleman and Dave Gough, celebrate one of the great figures of modern culture.

Lucky Sods
17th - 21st March
A hilarious lottery- winning comedy from BAFTA award-winner John Godber!
A satirical and outrageous comedy about a family who have nothing on Friday and £2 million on Saturday.
Don't miss this opportunity to see the acclaimed Hull Truck Theatre company. 

Dinnerladies
24th- 28th March
Take one huge hit sitcom from BBC TV; place on a stage in a first national tour with
Andrew Dunn and Shobna Gulatii from the original cast of the TV series.
Blend in Victoria Wood's writing, undoubtedly some of the funniest on TV, and whip into a play, based on the second series.

Twelfth Night
25th April - 16th May
Cross dressing, mistaken identity, love, romance, infatuation, confusion, revenge, madness. Twelfth Night has all the elements of a classic comedy.

York Theatre Royal is also showing Carbon Detox, Tue 3rd March, a hilarious evening of comedy related to climate change. English Touring Theatre present Where There's a Will, Tue 10th- Sat 14th March. Future Me, Thu 12th- Sat 14th March, is the controversial contemporary play that tells a story about ordinary monsters. Old Bomb Theatre Company present On the Shore of the Wide World, Tue 17th- Sat 12th March, a contemporary tale of family frailty in the aftermath of a tragedy.

Public contact: For more information and to book tickets for York Theatre Royal, please telephone the Box Office on 01904 623568 or book securely online at www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk .  Press Contact: Kathrin Treacy, Tel: 01904 550149 Email: kathrin.treacy@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk 

Guided walks in the North York Moors National Park
Throughout March and April 2009
Spring is a wonderful time to be outdoors so pull on your boots and join one of the free guided walks taking place in the North York Moors National Park. From short rambles around picturesque villages to longer treks through woodland and moorland you'll pick up facts about the area's industrial and natural heritage as well as enjoying some of the best landscape this country has to offer.
 
Soak up the ‘finest view in Yorkshire' on a walk at Sutton Bank on Sunday 1 March or look out for reminders of the past on an easy walk around Sinnington on Wednesday 4 March.
 
Find out more about the peaceful village of Grosmont which was once a hive of industry on a 4 mile walk on Wednesday 1 April or step further back to a time of glaciers, snowfields and lakes on a walk at East Ayton near Scarborough also on Wednesday 1 April.
 
Public contact: Call 01439 772738 for more details or to book a place.
Press contact: Rachel McIntosh, Communications Officer - North York Moors National Park Authority, Tel: 01439 770657 Email: r.mcintosh@nprthyorkmoors-npa.gov.uk

Visit York Press Contact Details: Kay Hyde, PR Manager, Visit York Tel: 01904 554451 Email: kh@visityork.org, Katie Porter, PR Executive, Visit York Tel: 01904 554436 Email kp@visityork.org

Public Contact Details: York Visitor Information Centre Tel: 01904 550099 or visit www.visityork.org for details of all events happening in and around York.