York Theatre Royal Spring 2015 Brochure

JANUARY - OCTOBER 2015

AN EXTRAORDINARY

YEAR

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WELCOME Welcome to an extraordinary year here at York Theatre Royal. A year we have been working towards for a very long time. A year where we close our doors in March for eight months, to undergo a major Capital development of our building. And a year when we partner with other key organisations in the city to continue to produce a programme of work whilst the theatre itself is closed.

Our £4.1 million Capital redevelopment project will transform the auditorium and the foyer, creating a far better experience for our audiences and those using the café and restaurant facilities throughout the day. This is the biggest renovation to happen to this historic building since 1967 and we aim to leave a legacy for many years to come. We are still raising funds to make this happen so it’s not too late to support our fundraising appeal by making a donation.

Meanwhile, we have been working with partners across the city to plan an exciting year of theatre. In May we are proud to be collaborating with The University of York and Parrabbola to produce the very first York International Shakespeare Festival, which will

take place in venues across the city. In June we move down the road to the National Railway Museum for two large scale productions that will take place amongst the museum collections and in a 1000 seater purpose built tent. Building on our reputation for large scale community theatre, we’ll once again engage with hundreds of local participants in a new play that takes its inspiration from York’s railway history, In Fog and Falling Snow, and we’ll be bringing back our award-winning production, The Railway Children.

We have also been successful in a bid to take part in an exciting European project, Be SpectACTive!, so more of that to follow later in the year.

We’ll be closing our current building with a public Open Day on Sunday 15th March and our Grand Opening will be in time for the 2015 pantomime. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating the next chapter of this fabulous building, that has served the citizens of York for over 250 years.

Liz Wilson Chief Executive Damian Cruden Artistic Director

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Berwick Kaler, Martin Barrass, Suzy Cooper and David Leonard in

MAIN HOUSE

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DE York Theatre Royal, TongueTied GREY ROOMS and Telling Tales present

OLD MOTHER GOOSE PUSS IN BOOTS Writer Berwick Kaler The York Theatre Royal panto family are back and ready to entertain you this Christmas, with breathtaking scenery, dazzling costumes, spectacular dance routines and the smallest hint of a plot.

‘Kaler is certainly nudging national treasure status.

He is the master of organised chaos’ Yorkshire Post Directors Berwick Kaler and Damian Cruden Designed by Phil R Daniels and Charles Cusick Smith Lighting Designed by Richard G Jones Music arranged and directed by Elliot Styche Choreography by Grace Harrington Cast includes: AJ Powell, Tim Lawrence, Harry Hughes, Hermione Lynch, Danielle Mullan, Jake Lindsay, Lauren Newton, Faye Spooner, Cameron MacDonald

Director Kyle Davies Performed by Richard Kay, Susanna Meese, Robin Simpson and Lizzie Wiggs The creators of last year’s acclaimed show, Cinderella, return to the De Grey Ballroom with a new storytelling performance to ignite the imagination of 5 – 11 year olds and their families.

You’ll feel part of the action as you journey with Puss, meeting colourful characters and visiting faraway places in a comic retelling that includes music and puppetry.

Wednesday 10 December – Saturday 3 January Tickets: £12.50, £8.50 children under 16 Family Ticket (2 adults and 2 children) £37.50 (£1 transaction fee per booking) Some performances welcome all ages

S STILL TICKET BLE A AVAIL

Thursday 11 December – Saturday 31 January Tickets: £28.50 - £11 (£1 transaction fee per booking) Thursday 22 January 7.30pm, Saturday 24 January 2.30pm Friday 23 January 4.30pm Thursday 15 January 7.30pm Saturday 17 January 2.30pm

Tickets for panto 2015/16 will go on sale on Monday 2 March in person from 9am at the Box Office and 8pm online.

Tuesday 3 March from 9am on the phones.

The first panto back in our newly refurbished auditorium.

BUILDING ATHEATRE FORTHE FUTURE From our legendary pantomime to groundbreaking new plays, from our drama projects with young people to our fantastic community productions, York Theatre Royal is the beating heart of the city’s cultural life.

There has been a theatre on this site since 1744, making us the oldest theatre in the UK outside of London. Its story is one of constant evolution in response to the changing needs and expectations of its audiences and of York’s communities.

The theatre will close in Spring 2015 when we will start work to build a theatre for the future.

This project will result in the complete transformation of our Front of House areas and make vital improvements to the audience experience in the main house.

We are excited to be creating a legacy that will benefit future generations for years to come, and we look forward to welcoming you to our new theatre in time for the pantomime in 2015.

How our building will be transformed •

A welcoming new foyer with access for all

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A new café, bar and more toilet facilities

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Enclosing the colonnade, creating more space and new main entrances

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Access to the auditorium from both sides of the building

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A new lift from the foyer to the Dress Circle

And once you’re in the auditorium •

Re-tiered seating in the Stalls, which will be more comfortable and have a better view

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New seats in the Dress Circle and Gallery and new wheelchair spaces

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A new, fully flexible modular stage

SUPPORT US York Theatre Royal has been part of the city’s history for 270 years.

Please help us make sure it is here for the next 270.

So please, if you’ve ever enjoyed a play here, met for tea and cake in our café, or simply admired the wonderful building, support us by donating today.

We still need to raise £500,000 to make the vital improvements to the theatre that are illustrated on the previous page.

Help ensure that York Theatre Royal continues to serve the community of York for many years to come.

We have nearly reached our target but we need your help achieve our goal.

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Donate online: visit www.justgiving.com/yorktheatreroyal/donate

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Text YTRC15 £(amount you wish to donate) to 70070

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Organise a fundraising event with your friends, colleagues or school: visit www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/page/ get_involved.php or email fundraising@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk for ideas

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Name a seat in our newly decorated auditorium – look out for leaflets featuring our own Berwick Kaler, or visit our website.

Please help us bring this amazing building into the 21st century.

Photos: Colin Richardson

Ways you can help:

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Charity Fundraising Gala Performance

York Light presents

York Theatre Royal, The Royal Shakespeare Company and York High School present

ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA

SOUTH PACIFIC

THE HEADTHAT WEARS A CROWN

Director George Costigan

Music by Richard Rogers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, book by Oscar Hammerstein II and Joshua Logan adapted from the prize winning novel Tales of the South Pacific by James A Michener

York High School, Acomb Primary, Applefields School, Poppleton Road Primary, St.Barnabas CE Primary, Westfield Primary Community School and Woodthorpe Primary present scenes from Henry IV Part 1, 2 and Henry V. All schools are part of ‘The Learning and Performance Network’ (LPN) that aims to change the way that young people experience and engage with the work of Shakespeare.

William Shakespeare’s

A rehearsed reading featuring a host of famous actors; Niamh Cusack, Paterson Joseph, Sally Bretton, Charlie Covell, Alex Gianinni, Niall Costigan, Kieran Hill, Matthew Kelly, Finbar Lynch, Danny Miller, David Neilson and James Norton.

Helping raise funds towards the refurbishment of York Theatre Royal.

Sunday 22 February Time: 7pm Location: Main House Tickets: £25 - £14 (£1 transaction fee per booking)

York Light once again brings its critically acclaimed talents to the York Theatre Royal stage for a show that will have you whistling tunes all the way home.

An amateur performance by arrangement with R&H Theatricals Ltd

Tuesday 3 – Saturday 14 March Times: 7.30pm & 2.30pm Sat matinees Location: Main House Tickets: £24 - £6 (£1 transaction fee per booking) Audio Described: Thu 12 Mar 7.30pm, Sat 14 Mar 2.30pm

Monday 16 March Time: 6.30pm Location: Main House Tickets: £5 adult £2 children

Sunday 1 February

RESIDENT’S FESTIVAL BACKSTAGETOURS Tours start at 12 noon and run half hourly until 4pm. Tickets are free but must be booked via Box Office.

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Landesbuehnen Sachsen and Bodytalk present

tutti frutti and York Theatre Royal present

Rosie Kay Dance Company in association with York Theatre Royal presents

ADAM’S APPLES

RAPUNZEL

5 SOLDIERS

Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to see a leading German Theatre company present their highly acclaimed show here in York. Based on the 2005 German-Danish black comedy film, Manuel Schöbels staging stays close to the plot of the film, focusing on the theme of the Book of Job.

Written by Mike Kenny

5 Soldiers is a moving, dramatic and unique work that looks at how the human body remains essential to war, even in the 21st century.

The central character, as part of his rehabilitation, chooses the small but significant task of making an apple pie live on stage, amongst dialogue spoken in German, an English chorus and physical theatre movement.

A very accessible piece of theatre for non-German speakers.

Wednesday 8 Thursday 9 April Time: 7.30pm Location: De Grey Ballroom Tickets: £12 Full Price, £10 Concessions (£1 transaction fee per booking)

This is a story about a girl. The story happened in a once upon a time, and in a once upon a place. The girl was called Rapunzel.

Told in an inventive, visual and physical style with live music and magical design, Rapunzel is a delightful production for children about the curiosity and joys of growing up, risk taking and discovering who you are.

Directed by Wendy Harris

Wednesday 6 Friday 8 May Times: Wed 1.30pm & 6.30pm, Thu 11am & 1.30pm, Fri 11am Location: De Grey Ballroom Tickets: £10 adults, £6 under 16s (£1 transaction fee per booking)

Sunday 15 March 11am – 4pm

OPEN DAY Before we close our doors for a major Capital redevelopment, we’d like to give you the opportunity to explore our buildings in their current

A visceral ‘tour de force’ of the senses, 5 Soldiers provides an intimate view of the training that prepares our soldiers for the sheer physicality of combat, for the possibility of injury, and the impact conflict has on the bodies and minds of everyone it reaches.

Friday 5 - Saturday 6 June 5 Soldiers will be performed off site in a Military Venue to be confirmed please see website for updates and information about how to participate www.rosiekay.co.uk

configuration. The free open day will be a chance to find out about the work that will be done during 2015, a chance to meet our staff, go back stage, try on costumes, leave your memories in a time capsule and help us give parts of the building a good send off.

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YORK INTERNATIONAL SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

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Saturday 9 – Saturday 16 May The York International Shakespeare Festival is a major new cultural venture for York and for the North. It emerges from a productive and ambitious partnership between York Theatre Royal, The University of York and Parrabbola, drawing in many other city, regional, national and international partners.

As a member of the prestigious European Shakespeare Festivals Network, the York International Shakespeare Festival has good access to various forms of international exchange with other Shakespeare Festivals across Europe.

Here’s a selection of the work on offer and full details will be published in a festival brochure in January 2015.

FESTIVAL OPENER

THESIR JACKLYONS CONCERT HALL, UNIVERSITY OFYORK

Silents Now (University of York) presents

HAMLET: DRAMA OFVENGEANCE Starring Asta Nielsen (Germany: dirs. Svend Gade and Heinz Schall, 1921) Gala screening with a score composed by Robin Harris Performed live by Robin Harris and Laura Anstee Screening introduced by Professor Judith Buchanan Hamlet not just performed by a woman but Hamlet as a woman?

The sheer daring of this silent film’s central premise is as brilliantly pursued as it is entertaining and the film constitutes a remarkable moment in the performance history of Hamlet. In 2005 a colour-tinted print of the film was rediscovered in Germany. This print has been beautifully restored by

the Deutsches Filminstitut and will be screened at this special gala performance which opens the festival.

Cast: Hamlet, Asta Nielsen; Ophelia, Lilly Jacobson; Claudius, Eduard von Winterstein; Gertrude, Mathilde Brandt; Horatio, Heinz Stieda.

Robin Harris’s memorable score helps bring the film to life in fresh and thought-provoking ways.

Saturday 9 May Time: 7.30pm Tickets: £12 Full Price £10 Concessions (£1 transaction fee per booking)

@yorkshakes

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The Flanagan Collective in association with York Theatre Royal

ST OLAVE’S CHURCH

ROMEO & JULIET Full of music, dancing and a healthy dose of chutzpah, The Flanagan Collective turn their hand to one of the best-loved stories ever told. Performed in the beautiful surroundings of St Olave’s Church you can expect a candle-lit, foot-stomping and heart-wrenching telling of Shakespeare’s homage to young love and tragic romance. Infused with live music, soaring harmonies and good, honest storytelling.

Thursday 7 – Saturday 23 May Times: 7.30pm with 2.30pm Saturday matinees Tickets: £18 Full Price £16 Concessions, £14 under 16s (£1 transaction fee per booking)

FRIARGATE THEATRE

Parrabbola in association with Hamletscenen from Helsingoer Denmark

PRINCE H. UNIVERSE Written and directed

by Lars Romann Engel In the Hamlet Family Talkshow studio – Prince H.is in the presenter’s chair.

As Prince H. tells stories from his own turbulent life, and interviews his audiences about their experiences, universal issues are discussed warmly and unpretentiously in ways that connect both with Prince H.’s world, and with that of the audience.

This is the English language version of a series of European productions in various languages – under the framework of the

European Shakespeare Festivals Network.

Particularly suitable for 13-16 year olds.

Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 May Times: 5pm Saturday, 1pm Sunday Tickets: £10 Full Price, £5 under 18s (£1 transaction fee per booking)

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ST PETERS SCHOOL

Companyia Pelmànec

HAMLET DIAGNOSIS Who would like to be Hamlet?

NATIONAL CENTRE FOR EARLY MUSIC

Opera Restor’d in association with Hand Made Opera

PYRAMUS AND THISBE A comic opera by John Fredrick Lampe Early Opera specialists Opera Restor’d make a welcome return to the stage with their acclaimed production of Lampe’s Pyramus and Thisbe.

A lugubrious moon, a cowardly lion, an obstreperous wall and two bumbling Roman lovers.

Shakespeare’s comic reworking – in A Midsummer Night’s Dream of Ovid’s Pyramus and Thisbe story is one of the best-loved comic episodes in theatre. Set it to the late Baroque music of John

Fredrick Lampe, parodying the pomposity of the Italian opera of the day, and the result is a scintillating early English comic opera, full of musical and theatrical fireworks.

“Unpretentious charm, musical rigour and aesthetic honesty”.

The Times Musical Director and reconstruction Peter Holman Directed by Colin Baldy from an original production by Jack Edwards Original designs by Ashley Shairpe and Andrea Mason recreated by Jack Edwards With Jane Streeton, Mark Chaundy, David Heathcote and Colin Baldy

Sunday 10 May Time: 4pm Tickets: £22 Full Price, £18 Concessions (£1 transaction fee per booking)

Max wants to be Hamlet. He wants Shakespeare to make decisions for him, speak for him, liberate him from his pain and his fear through the words of his most complex and analyzed characters. Because of this, day after day, he recreates the illusion of the life as a producer, encouraging and controlling his nightmares as a puppeteer. But the brain is perverse and sooner or later we must face the great truth: life is uncertainty.

Presented in Spanish with English projected subtitles

Monday 11 & Tuesday 12 May Time: 7.30pm Tickets: £12 Full Price, £10 Concessions (£1 transaction fee per booking)

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TFTV MAINSTAGE, UNIVERSITY OFYORK, CAMPUSEAST

Northern Broadsides present Shakespeare’s

KING LEAR

“Northern Broadsides have a vigorous aesthetic, a way of doing Shakespeare that is revelatory.”

The Independent on Sunday “Northern Broadsides can bring Shakespeare to life as gripping, accessible theatre for today simply by making the words sing.”

The Guardian

Directed by Jonathan Miller King Lear is the story of a family at war with itself. Lear, an aging and deeply flawed individual, wrecks his relationship with his three daughters and in doing so, loses all he has. What is there left? This question, which is Lear’s predicament and Shakespeare’s genius, invites us all to think upon what we might gain when nothing is all we have.

Miller famously described King Lear as “The most interesting play Shakespeare ever wrote”. With his keen eye for the subtleties of human behaviour and a sharp focus on the emotional power of the story, be prepared for a ‘Lear’ stripped back to its heart and soul; intimate, moving and utterly believable.

This is Miller’s second collaboration with the multi award-winning Northern Broadsides; a company whose trademark vigour, simplicity and down-to-earth performance style has won over a whole new generation of Shakespeare fans.

Designed by Isabella Bywater Lighting by Guy Hoare

Times: 7.30pm with a 2.30pm Saturday matinee Tickets: Tues – Thurs eve £22 Full Price, £15 under 18s Fri – Sat eve £25 Full Price £18 under 18s Sat Matinee £18 Full Price £14 under 18s Concessions £2 off Full Price, Schools £10 (£1 transaction fee per booking) Post Show Talk with Barrie Rutter: Wednesday 13 May Audio Described performance: Saturday 16 May 2.30pm British Sign Language performance: Sat 16 May 2.30pm

YORK INTERNATIONAL SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Tuesday 12 – Saturday 16 May

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TWO SHAKESPEARE HEROINES

YORKSTJOHN UNIVERSITY

A solo performance by Aki ISODA Acclaimed Japanese actress, and Shakespeare interpreter, Aki Isoda brings to York her presentations of the two heroines of Shakespeare on the same stage in Lady Macbeth (in a Western style) and A Vision of Ophelia (in a Japanese style).

Aki Isoda is a pioneer of the solo performer play in Japan, and has won numerous national and international awards, including the Shakespeare-in-Japan Award from the Shakespeare Globe Trust in London, and the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Award.

Thursday 14 & Friday 15 May Time: 8pm Tickets: £12 Full Price, £10 Concessions (£1 transaction fee per booking)

THE DEGREY ROOMS BALLROOM

York Shakespeare Project present

TIMON OF ATHENS Thursday 14 – Sunday 17 May Times: 7.30pm with a 2.30pm Saturday & Sunday matinee Tickets: £12 Full Price, £10 Concessions (£1 transaction fee per booking)

FRIARGATE THEATRE

YORK INTERNATIONAL SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

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A Two Gents production

THETAMING OFTHE SHREW A topsy, turvy examination of gender roles, marriage and oppression.

Two Gents Productions is a cross-cultural, touring theatre company, whose adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays highlight issues of migration and displacement in the Bard’s works. This production is presented in the company’s signature bare-boned style, which has been praised as “uproariously entertaining” The Guardian.

Friday 15 & Saturday 16 May Times: 7.30pm with a 12noon Saturday matinee Tickets: £12 Full Price, £10 Concessions (£1 transaction fee per booking)

Rich beyond measure, Timon of Athens loves feasts, friends and flattery. Yet when financial crisis hits, he finds his friends disappear, leaving him alone in the ruins of his extravagant lifestyle. With his creditors closing in, Timon prepares a final party to make his farewells. And what a farewell this will be...

For their twenty-seventh production, York Shakespeare Project presents this dark tale of the dangers of greed, following sell-out shows at York Theatre Royal (Othello, Twelfth Night).

Set up in 2001, the Project's goal is to produce the complete plays of William Shakespeare in York over 20 years.

OTHER FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS Teatr Strefa Otwarta of Wroclaw

H (2) O

A York Theatre Royal co-production with Landesbühnen Sachsen

An interactive performance playing six times in three days, in six very different locations.

SHAKESPEARE IN HIS CUPS

The HandleBards present

THE COMEDY OF ERRORS A madcap, 4-strong, all-male troupe of players are cycling to York to perform.

Come, raise a glass (or three) with us and celebrate how many of the Bard’s plays have some drink in them!

The full Festival brochure and details of how to purchase weekend Festival Passes will be available in January.

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York Theatre Royal at the National Railway Museum During 2015 York Theatre Royal will be closing for a major refurbishment. Over this period the National Railway Museum will become our theatrical home. We’ll be installing a 1000 seat, purpose built tent at the museum. This large scale partnership, between two of the city’s major attractions, will include a number of projects and events which will build upon the success of the award winning The Railway Children – which will also return as part of the partnership. We are delighted to be using the locomotive from the 1970 film on loan from The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.

At the heart of all this activity will be another large-scale production to follow the successful achievements of the York Mystery Plays 2012 and Blood and Chocolate. In Fog and Falling Snow will explore the importance of the Railways to York and its citizens over the last 200 years. The project will be a collaboration between York Theatre Royal, The National Railway Museum, Pilot Theatre and The University of York.

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Make a Day of it at the National Railway Museum

Playing Trains

Throughout our residency there will be surprising things happening at the museum, from workshops and storytelling to Youth Theatre performances and exhibitions.

If you’re coming to see some of our theatrical work, why not make a day of it at this world class attraction, with free entry to the museum and unique cafes and restaurants on site.

20 March - 4 September 2015 (free entry)

Family exhibition at the National Railway Museum

Why do children love trains so much?

Turn your theatre trip into a family day out. Our immersive and playful new exhibition explores childhood fascination with trains and railways.

Discover what makes them so enthralling through interactives which will trigger memories and reminisces in older visitors, and excite and inspire our younger visitors.

Find out more at nrm.org.uk

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In Fog and Falling Snow Written by Bridget Foreman and Mike Kenny

Mid 1840s. York. The British nation sets a course to dominate the world, driven by the sweat of the people and the power of steam.

Dragon-like, the hot engine forces steam through valves and pistons. The train races into the night, whilst snow falls thick and fast over the moors. The passengers are thrilled to experience speed for the first time in their lives.

The driver strains to see into the thick night, and no one knows what horrors the future holds.

As George Hudson sets forth on his journey to build the great East Coast rail network at any cost, the people who build it, along with investors and passengers are caught up in the reckless extravagance of his great

adventure. The cost is high for all involved. As they place their bets on the future and the wheel of fortune rolls from the station towards the dark night, only the driver’s daughter sees the danger ahead.

Told by a cast of over 200, audiences will move through the National Railway Museum’s collections and end up in a new purpose built theatre. Experience an amazing story brought vividly to life by the people of York.

Directed by Damian Cruden, Juliet Forster and Katie Posner

Painting: Joseph Mallord William Turner: Rain, Steam, and Speed (1844) The National Gallery

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Performance Schedule: JUNE FRI 26

7.30 SIF

SAT 27

7.30 SIF

SUN 28 MON 29

7.30

TUE 30

7.30

JULY WED 01

7.30

THU 02

7.30

FRI 03

7.30

SAT 04

7.30

SUN 05 MON 06

7.30

TUE 07

7.30

WED 08

7.30

THU 09

7.30 BSL

FRI 10

7.30 AD

SAT 11

7.30

SIF: See it first bargain nights BSL: British Sign Language performance AD: Audio Described performance

Tickets: £22 - £16 (£1 transaction fee per booking) With Concessions and great discounts available including under 18s, over 60s and families, subject to availability. Book early for the best seats.

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YORK THEATRE ROYAL AND THE NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM PRESENT

Olivier Award Best Entertainment

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ALL ABOARD! The stunning adaptation of E. Nesbit’s classic novel returns to the National Railway Museum for Summer 2015. Set in the new, purpose built 1000 seater venue, this breathtaking show, featuring the original locomotive from the film version of The Railway Children, is a truly unique theatrical experience.

After two sell out seasons in York in 2008 and 2009, our production went on to delight audiences at London’s Waterloo Station and in Toronto and won the Olivier Award for Best Entertainment.

Currently running at London’s Kings Cross Theatre, the show will open in York as part of York Theatre Royal’s season at the National Railway Museum.

Join Roberta, Peter and Phyllis on an adventure of a lifetime as they tell the story of how they became The Railway Children.

‘A glorious adaptation of E. Nesbit’s children’s classic’ The Guardian Designed by Joanna Scotcher Lighting Designed by Richard G Jones Composed by Christopher Madin Sound Design by Craig Vear Tickets: £32.50-£17.00 (£1 transaction fee per booking) With Concessions and great discounts available including under 18s, over 60s and families, subject to availability. Book early for the best seats.

MAKE A DAY OF IT

The Railway Children challenge!

Learn how to become a train guard with whistles and flags, how a steam engine makes steam, the importance of the railways and become a railway child yourself by re-enacting a scene from the play. This workshop will take place in various locations around the museum.

Tuesday – Saturday from 4 August to 5 September 11am – 12pm Price £5 Age suitability 5 – 11 years

Performance Schedule: JULY FRI 31 7.00 AUGUST SAT 01 2.00 7.00 SUN 02 MON 03 TUE 04 2.00 7.00 WED 05 2.00 7.00 THU 06 2.00 7.00 FRI 07 2.00 7.00 SAT 08 2.00 7.00 SUN 09 MON 10 TUE 11 2.00 7.00 WED 12 2.00 7.00 THU 13 2.00 7.00 FRI 14 2.00 7.00 SAT 15 2.00 7.00 SUN 16 MON 17 TUE 18 2.00 7.00 WED 19 2.00 7.00 THU 20 2.00 7.00 FRI 21 2.00 7.00 SAT 22 2.00 7.00 SUN 23 MON 24 TUE 25 2.00 7.00 WED 26 2.00 7.00 THU 27 2.00 7.00 BSL FRI 28 2.00 7.00 SAT 29 2.00 AD/C 7.00 AD SUN 30 MON 31

SEPTEMBER TUE 01 WED 02 THU 03 FRI 04 SAT 05

2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00

7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00

BSL: British Sign Language performance AD: Audio Described performance C: Captioned performance

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YOUTHTHEATRE York Theatre Royal Youth Theatre presents

IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE Written by Danusia Iwaszko Anne Fairfax inherited Fairfax House from her father in 1772. His ambition was for her to raise a family, an heir for him, and live contentedly surrounded by wealth in the bustling centre of York. However, Anne’s life was to take a very different course.

This site specific performance at Fairfax House, by York Theatre Royal’s 14 – 16s Youth Theatre, was commissioned to reflect the history and hidden stories of the house and will be performed in the very rooms where Anne lived.

Tuesday 7 – Sunday 12 April Times: 7, 9, & 11 April: 7pm, 8pm, 9pm 8, 10 & 12 April: 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, 9pm Tickets: £6 adults, £5 under 18s Duration: 40 minutes

FAIRFAX HOUSE

NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM

York Theatre Royal Youth Theatre presents

HERE ONE MINUTE Here One Minute is an original and unique performance created by the 11 – 14 year olds of York Theatre Royal Youth Theatre. We invite audiences to solve the mystery of missing people at train stations, by examining a range of evidence that will be presented to them. The performance will take place around the majestic trains in the museum. But watch how you go, in a train station you never know who is going to be here one minute… and gone the next!

The performance will take place in June, more details coming soon.

York Theatre Royal’s Youth Theatre is one of the largest in the country, with weekly workshop sessions for people aged 5 – 19. Youth Theatre enables young people to develop socially and creatively through participation in excellent theatre making. Each group performs at least once a year in a production that is fully supported by our in house technical team. For more information contact 01904 658162 or email youththeatre@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.

Project Q is a weekly youth theatre session for young people aged 8-13 with learning difficulties and additional needs.

This session is a chance to explore stories, perform and develop creative expression through playful theatre making, in a safe and friendly environment.

Mondays January 12 – March 16 (except 16 Feb) 4.30pm – 5.30pm, in De Grey Rooms Price: £25 per half term Contact Natalie Quatermass on 01904 550 176 or email natalie.quatermass@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk Places are limited.

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HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Part of the National Railway Museum’s ‘A day out with Paddington™ February half-term activities’

WHERE’S PADDINGTON? A National Railway Museum Story Hunt Mr Brown has seen a bear on the station platform.

“Don’t be silly Henry, there can’t be!” Said Mrs Brown Or can there…..?

Mr and Mrs Brown need your help to find Paddington. Meet characters along the way and solve the clues to find where Paddington is hiding. Bring your favourite teddy bear with you on this adventure, especially if they are partial to a marmalade sandwich!

Ages 3-7, Children should be accompanied by an adult

Tuesday 17 – Friday 20 February Times: 10am and 3.30pm Duration: 45mins £5 tickets in advance from YTR Box Office Location: meet at the City Entrance of the National Railway Museum.

TM

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EASTER

MAY HALF TERM

Play in a Day Wednesday 1 April

Acting Out

Age 8 – 11 years Come create, rehearse and perform a well-known story with us in a day!

Performing in our beautiful ballroom at the end of the day you will learn new skills, meet new people and generally have a mighty fine theatrical time!

Tuesday 26 May Age: 8-11 years Come and spend a brilliant morning of doing what we do best: playing silly games, telling amazing stories and making fantastic theatre. An excellent chance to try out drama for the first time, or improve your practise.

Time: 10am - 5pm Price: £15

Storytelling Workshop

The Golden Egg Hunt

Thursday 2 April

Tuesday 7 April

Age 12-18 years Storytelling is the simplest craft of all, we all do it in some way or other. It needs no script but a headful of colourful images and a bit of life experience. And most of the world's great stories are about teenagers.

Spend a day with a storyteller carving out finely crafted stories from some mythic raw material.

Age 5 – 8 years Come and join us for fun and adventure as we go on the hunt for the golden egg. Will the golden egg bring us good fortune or will it only end in misery? What characters will we meet along the way?

This egg-citing Easter activity will include storytelling, role play, dressing up and of course lots of eggs.

Time: 10am - 4.30pm Price: £10

DEGREY ROOMS

Time: 10am - 12.30pm Price: £10.00

Time: 10am - 12.30pm Price: £10

Express Yourself!

Friday 29 May Age 5-8 years This fun drama session is all about expressing who you are. Work with a professional theatre practitioner and learn some cool improvisation and physical theatre skills that will make you feel happy and confident being you!

Time: 10am - 12.30pm Price: £10

BOX OFFICE 01904 623568 yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

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PARTICIPATION Sing & Sign

Storymakers

Developed with the help of speech and language professionals, our multiaward winning baby sign language programme will help boost your little one’s language and speech development through music, signs and fun.

Join Mud Pie Arts to explore a new picture book each week, through crafts and creative play.

Ticket Price: £60 for 10 week course (£75 to include DVD), Siblings free Age Range Suitable For: Stage 1: 6-18 months / Stage 2: 14 months - 2.5 years Dates: Weekly on Mondays from 12 January to 23 March 2015 (no class over school half-term break i.e.

16th Feb) Times: Stage 1 10-10.45am, Stage 2 11-11.45am Location: Keregan

Adult Theatre Workshop Performance Term Spring 2015

We like to make birds nests, mix royal chocolate cakes, train to be a jewel thieves, build space rockets, save grannies, advise lost dragons, bake bread, stick fingers in moon dust, dance, sing and have lots and lots of adventures.

A focused term working towards a performance at the end of 10 weeks.

Be led by your inventive little one. Come and join Storymakers for an hour and a half of fun!

Following the success of Thirty Little plays about Life, York Theatre Royal's Adult Theatre Workshop course are following it up with another performance project employing the same exciting format. Thirty new short plays written especially for the project, thirty actors, hundreds of possibilities!

January 7 to March 11 (exc February 18) Time: Wednesday 10.15 – 11.30am Price: £5.00 per child (£2.50 concessions) Age: 2 – 5 years and their carers Location: De Grey Rooms For details of activity after Easter, please check the website www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Thirty Little Plays about Love and Death

Performances on Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 March at Friargate Theatre, 7.30pm. Tickets £5 Students of the course must have attended at least one previous Theatre Workshop class and should be available for all the rehearsal period, and for the performance dates.

Lamda Examinations Are you serious about Drama? Keen to get your acting skills noticed? Are you ready for a challenge?

Why not embark on this 6 month creative acting course. Successful students will receive LAMDA examination certificates which are internationally recognised.

For more information see www.francessimon.co.uk

Session times: 6:30pm-8:00pm & 8:15pm-9:45pm Location: De Grey Rooms

Course Dates: 15, 22, 29 Jan, 5, 12 Feb – Block 1 26 Feb, 5, 12, 19, 26 Mar – Block 2 23, 30 April, 7, 14, 21 May - Block 3 4, 11, 18, 25 Jun, 2 July – Block 4

Price: £100 for the course Capacity: 15 places per session More information can be found at www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/ theatreworkshops

Thursday 6.15-7.15pm under 11s Thursday 7.30-8.30pm over 11s Location: De Grey Rooms Capacity: 10 per workshop Price: booked in half-term blocks £45 per block. Please enquire about concessionary rates.

Running every Monday from 12 January to 23 March 2015 (excluding 16 Feb)

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ON OURTURF In 2013 York Theatre Royal partnered with four market towns in Yorkshire, to produce work in collaboration with their communities. Each town has curated a successful LittleFest that placed visual arts, storytelling, music, theatre, poetry and dance in spaces across the town, including shops, hairdressers, the back seats of people’s cars, pubs and cafes.

In 2015 On Our Turf will once again present four LittleFests, that will feature free activity for all ages across jam packed weekends plus bespoke ticketed events created by each of the four towns.

Pocklington Friday 24 – Sunday 26 April A weekend full of art trails, exhibitions and pop up performances, alongside the very first community production by the newly established Pocklington Productions.

Following on from the successful and innovative ICARUS, made with award winning Fine Chisel in 2013, Pocklington Productions return to the stunning surroundings of All Saint’s Church.

Selby Saturday 16 May With a rich and varied industrial history, Selby’s LittleFest looks at the town in its past and present.

Fusing together heritage, humanities and the performing arts, Selby will come alive for a day of adventure, time travel, discovering and barrels of entertainment.

JOIN US Helmsley Friday 25 – Sunday 27 October Shhhh, it’s a secret! Head over to Helmsley for a weekend of secret surprises and some bold steps into the unknown. A foray into feasts, fancy and good old fun, you might find yourself in a masque ball, a new adventure or a hearty debate. A weekend full of food, drink, music, theatre, storytelling and a healthy dose of intrigue – join the arts and commerce community of Helmsley for the worst kept secret in 2015.

Easingwold Saturday 3 - Sunday 4 October A version of Lewis Carroll’s much loved story, Alice in Wonderland, will be told by actors, choirs, musicians and dancers across several locations in Easingwold. Go down the rabbit hole and follow Alice into a crazy world of Caterpillars, Cards and Cheshire Cats, culminating in an almighty Mad Hatter’s Tea party. This will be part of a weekend of LittleFest activities. @OurTurf #littlefest

MEMBERSHIP See More Theatre For Less Money Become a Member for £40 per year and receive 2 free tickets to a York Theatre Royal show (excluding pantomime) and 15% off two tickets for every show throughout the year. Plus enjoy 10% off at our café and bar, an annual Christmas party and exemption from transaction and exchange fees.

In 2015, Members can use their free tickets on the first three performances of In Fog and Falling Snow and on the first seven performances of The Railway Children.

Membership is also a great present for theatre loving friends and family. Join online or at the Box Office.

FRIENDS The Friends of York Theatre Royal are an enthusiastic, theatre-loving group: keen to support local theatre, raise funds and meet others who share a passion for the arts. The Friends help to fundraise for projects and also organise a wide range of theatre trips and social events.

For further details and to join please contact: Friends of York Theatre Royal York Theatre Royal, St Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD

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BOX OFFICE 01904 623568 yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

HIRETHE HISTORIC BALLROOM OFTHEYORKSHIRE HUSSARS In the heart of York, the De Grey Rooms house one of the City’s hidden treasures; a beautiful neo-classical Ballroom.

Originally built for the Yorkshire Hussars and restored by York Conservation Trust, the Ballroom with sprung dance floor, and adjoining Cocktail Bar is the perfect location for wedding receptions, dinners, balls and special occasions or conferences. We can seat up to 140 people for a formal dinner and have an overall capacity for 180 guests.

‘We can’t thank you enough for everything you did to make our day so perfect.

You and your staff were fantastic and all worked so hard. Everyone said how warm and welcoming it felt, everyone was so friendly and made us feel relaxed.

So thank you so much for giving us such a happy and stress free day, we really could not have asked for more.‘ Michelle & Andrew, May 2013

Wedding photos: Jim Poyner

For more information, visit our website or contact our Events Co-ordinator on 01904 715455 or email at events@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

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THE DE GREY BALLROOM DANCES

COSTUME HIRE

Burn’s Night Ceilidh

York Theatre Royal’s Costume Hire is a treasure-trove of clothes, shoes and accessories with everything you need from the historical to the hysterical.

Our annual sell-out dance celebrating the life of Robert Burns, returns for its fifth year in the beautiful De Grey Rooms – come along to the biggest Burn’s Night ceilidh in York!

Enjoy a complimentary wee dram of whiskey or Iron Bru to begin the festivities.

Dances are professionally called by the wonderful Great Northern Ceilidh Band.

Our costumes have been handmade by our talented Wardrobe Department, so you are sure to find something totally unique whether you want to be a flamboyant panto dame or a 1940s gangster.

Remember that our range is continually being expanded so whether you are an amateur theatre company, have been invited to a fancy dress party, or are organising a themed school week, we will have something for you.

We also have a sale-rail of exclusive pieces for sale, to which we are adding all the time. Just drop in to have a browse.

Saturday 24 January 8pm-11pm Tickets: £17 (£1 transaction fee per booking)

Contact 01904 715444 costumehire@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Valentine’s Salsa Night Dance

Summer Masked Ball

It takes two to tango. Join us for a night of passionate Salsa and Latin dancing to celebrate the most romantic night of the year. If you’ve never done it before you can even join us for an early beginners class for just £3 extra.

Celebrate summer and dance the night away to Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra, who will perform some big band favourites. With fizz and canapés on arrival and the option to come in full masked ball glamour there’s no better way to enjoy the beautiful setting of the De Grey Ballroom.

With complimentary chocolate fountain.

Saturday 14 February 7.30pm – 11pm Tickets: £17 (£1 transaction fee per booking) Dance class for beginners 6.30pm – 7.30pm, £3

Saturday 6 June 7.30pm – 11pm Tickets: £17 (£1 transaction fee per booking) Dance class for beginners to brush up on your ballroom skills: 6.30pm – 7.30pm, £3

Opening hours: Tuesday 10am – 4pm Saturday 10am – 4pm Thursday (by appointment only) 10am – 2pm Costume Hire is located in the De Grey Rooms Look out for York Theatre Royal on eBay. We often sell off special, one-off pieces of set, costumes, print and exclusive packages via our eBay account – search for Theatre Royal.

BOX OFFICE 01904 623568 yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

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A NEW WAY TO SUPPORT THE NEXT 270 YEARS OF YOUR THEATRE A theatre has been operating on this site since 1744. In 1769 the legendary theatre impresario Tate Wilkinson had the vision to purchase a Royal patent for £500 (£32,000 in today’s money) and the Theatre has been ‘Royal’ ever since.

What stands here today, however, is not a museum; it is a thriving and vibrant space still doing what it did when it first opened – presenting great drama and culture for the citizens of York and beyond. With investment and support from the wider community York Theatre Royal has continually evolved to ensure it remains a dynamic theatre of which the city is quite rightly proud.

BRONZE MEMBERSHIP £20 per month or £250 annually

SILVER MEMBERSHIP £40 per month or £500 annually

GOLD MEMBERSHIP £80 per month or £1,000 annually

As a Bronze Member you will:

As a Silver Member you will receive all the benefits of Bronze Membership plus:

As a Gold Member you will receive all the benefits of Silver Membership plus:

• Invitations to attend dress rehearsals of selected York Theatre Royal productions

• Invitations to the press night after-show receptions for selected York Theatre Royal productions

• Invitations to exclusive events each year • Have opportunities to meet Directors, playwrights and actors • Receive regular newsletters and communication about the impact of your generosity • Be acknowledged on the website and in our programmes

Play your part

• An exclusive backstage tour of a York Theatre Royal production • An invitation to a preview evening of a York Theatre Royal production with an opportunity to meet the cast and Director • A signed programme for a York Theatre Royal production of your choice

• Invitations to attend “Meet and Greets” with the cast and Director of selected York Theatre Royal productions • An invitation to an annual lunch with a York Theatre Royal cast, the Artistic Director and Chief Executive

Over the next five to ten years we have exciting plans to continue the Theatre’s journey and with the launch of our new 1744 Club we would like you to join our next adventure. Your generosity could support our work on stage, provide Youth Theatre membership to a disadvantaged child, offer an up and coming director a placement on one of our productions, or fund a script development workshop for a new play. From £20 per month you can help to shape our future. Your support can help give us the platform on which to build an organisation that continues to offer exciting and relevant theatre to the next generation and beyond. It would make Tate Wilkinson proud.

Please contact Vicky Biles (General Manager) or the Development Team to discuss how you can help us to create a York Theatre Royal for the future: 01904 658162 fundraising@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

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BOOKING INFORMATION Box Office: During the theatre’s closure our main City Centre Box Office will be located in the De Grey Rooms. Box Office will be open 10am -6pm. There will also be a Box Office at selected performance venues during the International Shakespeare Festival and at the National Railway Museum, with extended opening hours on evenings with performances.

How to Pay: We accept cash, cheque, debit or credit cards.

Tickets booked over the phone or online can be posted to you for £1.50. Print at home tickets are also available. All other bookings will be held at the Box Office for collection.

Booking Fees: A transaction fee of £1 applies; including cash sales (Free for Members, Friends and participatory events unless booked online).

Ticket Reservations: We can hold tickets for up to 4 days.

Unpaid reservations will be released for re-sale 30 minutes before the start of the performance.

Tickets for exchange or re-sale must be presented to the Box Office at least 24 hours before the performance date. All sales are non-refundable unless the tickets are re-sold, please note that our own un-sold tickets will take priority. Tickets may be exchanged for future performances of the same show subject to availability. No ticket refunds will be given on the announcement of a subsequent special offer. Re-sales and exchanges are subject to an additional transaction fee (free to members).

Latecomers: May be asked to wait until a suitable break in the performance before taking their seats. On some occasions it may be impossible to admit latecomers until the interval.

Access: We are committed to making our performances as accessible as possible. Please state at the time of booking if a wheelchair seat is required. We programme captioned, signed and audio described performances where possible.

Tours can be booked up to 24hrs in advance of an Audio Described performance.

We have Wheelchair spaces available at The National Railway Museum and lift access to events and performances in the De Grey Ballroom. For all other venues please enquire when booking.

Registered disabled patrons may purchase a half-price ticket for themselves and an essential carer.

Please contact Box Office for details.

Signed performances for deaf and hard of hearing patrons Captioned performance for deaf and hard of hearing patrons Audio Described performances for blind and partially sighted patrons Concessions: Where applicable apply to over 60s, those in receipt of means tested benefits and full time students. Subject to availability.

York Theatre Royal has a customer services policy.

We welcome your feedback, please email us at feedback @yorktheatreroyal.co.uk or fill in a comments card next time you visit us.

Errors and omissions excepted

@YorkTheatre

Registered Charity no. 229396

Facebook.com/YorkTheatreRoyal

BOX OFFICE 01904 623568 yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Painting: Joseph Mallord William Turner: Rain, Steam, and Speed (1844) The National Gallery