Highlights including new staging of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman and Pilot Theatre's award-winning Lord Of The Flies and finally the hotly anticipated new pantomime from legendary dame Berwick Kaler, who this year will be celebrating his 30th glorious year at York Theatre Royal's legendary pantomime with his version of the story of York's favourite highwayman; Dick Turpin – The Panto. York's exciting autumn season offers a host of great events for all the family that are not to be missed and promises to have some of the hottest tickets in the region.
The season kicks off in late August with Pilot Theatre making a welcome return to the stage after their critically acclaimed production of Looking for JJ with one of the most disturbing and celebrated novels of modern times, Lord of The Flies. Vividly brought to life in Pilot Theatre's award-winning own distinctive way, the tale tells the story of what happens when a group of young boys are stranded alone on an island. Left to fend for themselves, they must take on the responsibilities of adults, even if they are not ready to do so. Inevitably, two factions form: one group (lead by Ralph) want to build shelters and collect food, whereas Jack's group would rather have fun and HUNT; illustrating the difference between civilisation and savagery. Lord of the Flies is directed by Pilot Theatre's artistic director, Marcus Romer and runs in the main house from 12-27 September.
Fans of Hull Truck will be delighted to know that the York Theatre Royal favourites are back with their latest hilarious production, Ladies Down Under, Amanda Whittington's sequel to the smash-hit Ladie's Day, which follows fish-filleting foursome, Peal, Jan, Shelly and Linda as they embark on the trip of a lifetime after hitting the jackpot at Ladie's Day at the races in York. From Ayer's Rock to the bright lights of Sydney follow the four pommies as they venture down under for a trip they will never forget. Ladies Down Under runs in the Main House from from 30 September- 4 October.
Making their debut in the main house at York Theatre Royal will be Lifeblood Theatre Company and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre with award-winning poet's verse of Anatole France's novel Les Dieux ont Soif in Liberty from 9-11 Oct. Set at the height of the 'Reign of Terror', the play tells the story of Gamelin, a Revolutionary magistrate who turns from being a radical idealist to a fanatical apologist for state violence, and the effect on the lives of the girl he loves, his best friend and the people they know.
Late October sees York Theatre Royal's Artistic Director, Damian Cruden returning to the main house after summer's success with The Railway Children, with the York Theatre Royal production of Arthur Miler's timeless classic, Death of a Salesman. The play tells the story of Salesman Willy Loman as his life is in a crisis. He's about to lose his job, he can't pay his bills, and his sons Biff and Happy don't respect him and can't seem to live up to their potential. He wonders what went wrong and how he can make things up to his family. In the role of Willy Loman will be award-winning George Costigan, best known for his performance as Bob in the much loved film Rita, Bob and Sue Too as Bob, as well as appearing in Calendar Girls, Prime Suspect and Doctor Who. The play runs from 31 0ct – 29 November.
Music, dance and comedy also feature strongly in the season in mid October. Firstly, Phoenix Dance Theatre make a welcome return to the theatre will a new mixed bill from 15-16 Oct. This is followed by two nights of Jazz featuring Cuba's latest jazz export, Billy Cobham and Asere (17 Oct), and one of the country's best jazz singers Clear Teal and her musicians (18 Oct). From 21-25 October local amateur company, York Opera, return to the theatre stage to perform Gilbert and Sullivan's much loved classic The Yeomen of the Guard. On the 25th October York Railway Institute also make a return when they perform combining the traditional and the modern in a light-hearted setting for an afternoon concert. Finally throughout the season the theatre will be hosting its successful comedy nights, with acts including, amongst others, Paul Tonkinson.
From the team that brought you last year's sell-out production Keys to the Kingdom in York's Museum Gardens, comes another exciting piece of site-specific theatre. York Theatre Royal Youth Theatre welcome you to York's most iconic building- York Minster. Explore the four corners of the Minster after dark, its stones, its stories, its secrets.
Last, but by no means least, the great dame is back! Berwick Kaler returns to York Theatre Royal with a very special pantomime , as this year the great man celebrates 30 years at the theatre with his version (which might not be factually true) of the life of Dick Turpin in the much awaited new pantomime Dick Turpin – The Panto. Tickets for this very special event are now on sale. It runs from 11 December 08–31 January 09. Book early to avoid disappointment! -- www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk
