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York Theatre Royal
York Theatre Royal has brought delight and fulfilment to the people of York and beyond by
offering a rich and diverse programme of creative activity for 270 years.
York Theatre Royal is one of the UK’s leading creative producers and presenters, constantly
building on its reputation for producing high quality and ambitious theatre with highly
regarded productions of new commissions, revivals at all scales and each year delivering a
pantomime of international renown. The theatre serves audiences of all ages – children,
youth, teenagers, adults and seniors and welcomes over 200,000 visitors each year.
York Theatre Royal dates back to 1744. Actors and staff over the years have passed on many
stories and anecdotes, from the spooky to the spectacular, and the theatre is not without its
own resident ghost, the Grey Lady!
Built on the site of a medieval hospital, many original archways are still intact and The Keregan
Room is a great example of this stunning original, 12th century structure. Beneath the stage
lies a well, which is believed to date back to Roman times – just one of the fascinating facts
about this remarkable building.
Over the years, many eccentric characters have made the theatre what it is today. One of the
most famous perhaps is Tate Wilkinson, who became the infamous theatre manager in 1762.
He has gone down in history, not only being a shrewd businessman, but also an extravagant
theatre-lover, ordering lavish costumes that were unsuitable for productions, but gave him so
much pleasure from “the pure enjoyment of the finery.”
This century has seen some great names at the Theatre Royal, particular favourites include
Pierce Brosnan, Honor Blackman, Gary Oldman and last but by no means least, Berwick Kaler –
our much-loved pantomime Dame, who’s been performing on York Theatre Royal Stage for
many years.
York Theatre Royal closed its doors in March 2015 to complete a major capital project, the
first in almost 50 years. During this year the theatre took up residency at the purpose built
Signal Box Theatre at the National Railway Museum. Working in partnership with the NRM,
the theatre produced two large scale productions and its world-famous annual pantomime
also took place in The Signal Box Theatre.
The theatre will re-open in April 2016 with a new roof, an extended and re-modelled front of
house area, a refurbished and redecorated main auditorium and with major improvements
to access and environmental impact. It is intended that York Theatre Royal will be a building
fit for a 21st century audience that will be sustainable and able to thrive into the future.
www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk
Box Office 01904 623568
For further information or to arrange interviews please contact James Ducker,
Communications Manager, Tel: 01904 550149, Email: [email protected]
For any further information and your free guide to York please contact: York Visitor
Information Centre, Tel: 01904 550099, email: [email protected] or visit the website at
www.visityork.org
Press contact: Kay Hyde, Head of Communications- Visit York, Tel: 01904 554451, email:
[email protected] website: www.visityork.org