Ian McKellen On Stage: Because You Would Like It

Defying the wealth of classics quoted and recreated with unearthly perfection upon York’s Grand Opera House stage, words cannot serve what it is to be in the company of Sir Ian McKellen. Opening with a casual reading from Lord of the Rings, he scoops up the full house into a warm embrace immediately, establishing the tone for the evening’s loving, playful ode to theatre. Continue reading

Photons and Phantoms: A York Tour

ot-off-the-press Science Communication company Theatre of Science presents their debut production, Photons and Phantoms: A York Tour. A perfectly paced promenade between several spots in the city centre – “where possible, avoiding both tourists and the smell of wee” – company founder and teacher-performer Lara Stafford leads a growing crowd of curious minds of all ages through the streets, illuminating secret historical facts and anecdotes to delight and inspire the whole family. Continue reading

The Rocky Horror Show: Car trouble? Make a pit stop at Frankenstein’s Place

Since its first appearance at The Royal Court Theatre in June 1973, Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show has become the world’s favourite rock ‘n’ roll musical. It has been performed worldwide in over thirty countries in every continent and has been translated into more than twenty languages. To celebrate the fortieth anniversary, Director Christopher Luscombe created a brand new production for a year-long UK National Tour. Continue reading

Love Deadline (Desdemona): Love is like the moon

Love Deadline (Desdemona) is a gorgeous one-woman show performed in English by Korean actress Ji Young Choi. Its minimal, elegant aesthetic accompanies a strongly evocative performance which tackles domestic violence, the changeability of love relationships and the sacrifices one is prepared to make for love. Continue reading

The Alchemist: a raucous romp

No, The Alchemist isn’t that obscure Shakespeare play you forgot existed. Bronzehead Theatre’s wild and funny contribution to 2019’s York International Shakespeare Festival is a comedy from Shakespeare contemporary Ben Jonson. Continue reading

Wise Children: Master-Mistresses of play

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

Fallen Fruit: the comfort of oppression, the chaos of change

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

Gypsy Queen: theatre review

Set in the boxing ring and exploring what it means to be gay in the sport, Gypsy Queen, which played in the Theatre Royal studio on Wednesday and continues on tour, is a powerful piece of theatre in more ways than one. Continue reading

Grease is the Word: musical review

Grease needs no introduction. Those expecting to see the 1978 film adaptation acted on stage may be surprised by York Light’s latest production, which more closely follows the lesser known original stage show. Never fear, however – cheesy songs, lovable characters and the happy ending we all know (and perhaps question) are still the staples, with just the right sprinkling of comedy to boot. Continue reading

The Flanagan Collective presents A Christmas Carol

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