Malorie Blackman’s widely taught and celebrated is brought to the stage by a plethora of theatre companies; York Theatre Royal, Pilot Theatre, Belgrade Theatre Coventry, Derby Theatre and Mercury Theatre Colchester co-produce this evocative theatrical adaptation by Sabrina Mahfouz, directed by Esther Richardson. Continue reading
PMac Productions presents a delightfully tactile version of Alfred Shaughnessy’s adaptation of Reginald Arkell’s 1950 novel Old Herbaceous, carefully cultivated in a raised-bed greenhouse in which Herbert Pinnegar (Peter Macqueen) reminisces on vignette memories of people he’s met, kept alive through his love of gardening; the remarkable, the formidable and the enchanting. Continue reading
Emma Rice brings her unique, exuberantly impish vision to Angela Carter’s great last novel, Wise Children, launching her new theatre company of the same name. Fans of either portfolio won’t be disappointed; you’ll find here all the magic, colour and mischief both Rice and Carter are known for. Sumptuously aesthetic as ever, this fresh adaptation is a love letter to theatre, in all its sparkling glamour, vulnerability and unparalleled intimacy. Continue reading
Through the narrow, raised doorway at Merchant Taylor’s Hall, settling in under the exposed roof timbers, the cast of York Shakespeare Project’s latest production assemble in the bright glow of the Great Hall chandeliers, in front of the grand empty fireplace crowned with the London Drapers Company Armorial Bearings (painted on wood before 1668). The smell of a thousand dead fires sits in the fabric of the room, the air is achingly dry and footsteps muffled. The honouring of the traditional pomp and ceremony of early theatre here in this space feels almost religious – the auditorium emanates a sense of worship and respect for something old and dusty. This is Shakespeare exactly as you would expect it. Leave your revolution at the door, because if you thought The Taming of the Shrew was heavy content… well, buckle up. Continue reading
Two Destination Language (“intercultural dialogues in theatrical forms”) present their second run of this tale about belonging, nationhood, identity and politics at York Theatre Royal Studio. Writer-director Katherina Radeva turns her unique energy to a playful, moving and colourful jigsaw of narratives ranging from the personal to the international, intertwined beautifully under the dramaturgy and direction of Alister Lownie, framed perfectly with sound by Tim Blazdell and lighting by Vince Field. Continue reading
Just shy of four hundred years since its first performance, York Shakespeare Project turn their hands to Cymbeline, one of Shakespeare’s lesser-known works, for their thirty-fifth production since their formation twenty years ago. Director Ben Prusiner takes us back to Shakespearean roots with full Renaissance costume, live music and duelling rapiers while challenging Original Production values with gender-blind casting. Continue reading
York-based writer Teresa Stenson scoops right to the unreachable corners of the psyche in prose both delicate and precise. Here, we review four short pieces that explore love, loss, identity and consent. Continue reading
Known for producing unique, intimate theatrical experiences in non-traditional venues, York-founded company The Flanagan Collective are teaming up with two local charities this month to make its immersive dining adaptation of A Christmas Carol extra special. The company has commissioned St Mary’s Church in Sheffield and York Nurturing Community to provide the two-course meal which takes centre-stage during its rousing rendition of the timeless classic. Continue reading
Music, magic and mistletoe sprinkle the action of Wrongsemble’s brand new family show; a trio of fairy tales with a twist of Christmas spirit. A tight, resourceful cast put their many talents on display with happy harmonies, mischievous mouth-made foley and merry musical interludes. Continue reading
This party is anything but little. Greeted warmly with York gin and tonic and Long Island accents, the cast and crew make themselves available to you from the moment you step over the threshold of the John Cooper Studio. Enigmatic suits and skirts of the American twenties beckon you around the building, now transformed into bars, dance halls, lounges and boudoirs. No corner is untouched, no person unwelcomed. Continue reading