MAY AT A GLANCE
DON’T FORGET THESE AMAZING SHOWS IN MAY.
BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW!
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
29 Apr – 3 May | NETheatre York | £20 – £24
Award winning NETheatre York brings the world’s most loved musical to the theatre.
STEVE CASSIDY BAND & FRIENDS
4 May | The Steve Cassidy Band | £10 – £17
Returning to their favourite venue with special guests sure to delight and entertain.
THE GEORGE HARRISON PROJECT
10 May | The George Harrison Project | £22 – £24
The perfect tribute to a Beatles legend!
FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL
15 – 17 May | May York St John Musical Performance Society | £12 – £15 Directed and performed by students from York St John University.
SISTER ACT: THE MUSICAL
21 – 24 May | May York Musical Theatre Company | £18 – £20
The heavenly musical that’s joyous and uplifting in equal measure.
FUNDRAISING FILM SCREENING:
CHICKEN RUN (2000) & WEST SIDE STORY (2021)
25 May | Joseph Rowntree Theatre | £5
Re-visit these fantastic films on the big screen at the theatre.
♥ A fundraising event for the Joseph Rowntree Theatre.
01904 50 1935
A VIBRANT COMMUNITY FACILITY OPEN TO ALL
WELCOME
from Dan Shrimpton, Chair of Trustees
As we head into the next season of our momentous 90th birthday year, we’re delighted to bring you another programme of quality and engaging performances at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre.
Aiming to entertain, educate and inspire, the theatre welcomes individuals and groups, both professional and amateur, from local communities and touring national shows. As a charity (registered: 1098329) run by volunteers, each show contributes to the theatre’s future.
Kicking off the next season in June is a hat trick of dance shows and music nights including the return of the hugely popular Irish tribute One Night in Dublin and, as part of the celebrations for the theatre’s birthday, the Joseph Rowntree Theatre Company is bringing their fundraising concert, 90 years in 90 minutes.
We’re also thrilled to have adaptations of sensational, fun-filled family musicals, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Guys and Dolls, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and The Little Mermaid. All of these will bring a riot of colour to our stage.
Award-winning illusionist and magician, Michael Jordan brings fast paced thrills. There are also thought-provoking plays, The Watsons, King Harold’s Mother and Much Ado About Nothing & Macbeth, that bring history to life. Tribute nights Taylor Made and Seven Wonders: The Spirit of Fleetwood Mac will have you dancing in the aisles.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience live theatre. Discover what’s on and more inside.
SCAN the QR CODES with your mobile device, to visit the What’s On page on our website and to book tickets!
En Pointe Dance School
TOP OF THE POPS
Sat 31 May – Sun 1 Jun: 19:00 Sat 31 May – Sun 1 Jun Matinee: 14:00
A spectacular celebration of pop classics brought to life on stage. With dazzling performances in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary and more, this show promises something for everyone. Experience the energy, passion and artistry of En Pointe Dance School’s talented dancers as they perform to iconic tunes you’ll love.
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Get easy access to information about all of our shows and book tickets via our new app. Available to download on Apple and Android devices. ENTER NOW
Standard
£16 18 & Under £10
Perform with Emma Bassett
EPIC PERFORM
Sat 7 Jun: 19:00 Sat 7 Jun Matinee: 15:00
Dynamic dances, sensational vocals and captivating acting scenes from the talented cast of York’s Perform with Emma Bassett, in Epic Perform. A fusion of dance, acting and singing sensations for all the family to enjoy. A feel good show, which will leave you dancing in your seats!
York School of Dance and Drama
NARNIA
Sun 8 Jun: 18:30
Join the York School of Dance and Drama for Narnia, a new choreo-drama adapted from the story The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. With stunning dance, dynamic drama and surprising props, together with a blend of different styles and genres, this family-friendly show celebrates performers of all ages and abilities.
£2 OFF each ticket when you buy 5 or more!
Standard
£16 18 & Under
£15 Family £60
£2 OFF each ticket when you buy 5 or more!
Standard £20 18 & Under £12 Family £58
The Searchers and Hollies Experience
THE SEARCHERS AND HOLLIES EXPERIENCE
Fri 13 Jun: 19:30
The Searchers & Hollies Experience brings to the stage the magical hits of these two legendary harmony bands, with memories of the most high-energy decade in pop music history. Let the haunting melodies transport you back to that exciting era when millions of records were sold with its incredible back catalogue of hits. This two-hour tribute show is guaranteed to have you in ‘Needles And Pins’ with nostalgia ‘When You Walk In The Room’. It is definitely worth ‘Just One Look’ and you will say ‘Here I Go Again’, I feel that ‘I’m Alive’ when hearing these melodic hits. So, if you are thinking about booking tickets just say ‘Yes I Will’. After all, you do not want to be saying ‘I’m Sorry Suzanne’, I missed it!
Shepherd Brass Band SPRING
CONCERT
Sat 14 Jun: 19:30
This annual Spring Concert features all of the Shepherd Brass Band family. From their Brass Roots through to their Championship section, the evening is a mix of all genres of music and culminates in a grand finale, with all the band playing together onstage. A night not to be missed.
Just
Dance York
THEN VS. NOW
Thu 19 Jun – Fri 20 Jun: 19:30
Just Dance York presents a dance extravaganza featuring popular songs from the past and present. All classes will perform routines backed by music from all your favourite singers and bands. Whether it’s a blast from the past or a current superstar, this showcase has you covered. Come and enjoy an evening of fun, dynamic dancing!
Standard £15 18 & Under £15
Standard £13 18 & Under £13
SHAPE THE FUTURE
Join the team as our Finance Trustee. A great opportunity to continue a legacy and shape the future of the Joseph Rowntree Theatre at an exciting point in its history. josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk/volunteer
One Night in Dublin Ltd
ONE NIGHT IN DUBLIN
Sun 22 Jun: 19:30
Receiving rave reviews for its incredible musicians and great song choices, Middi and his award winning tribute band cover all of your favourite sing-along Irish classics, including ‘Galway Girl’, ‘Tell Me Ma’, ‘The Irish Rover’, ‘Dirty Old Town’, ‘Whiskey in the Jar’, ‘The Wild Rover’, ‘Black Velvet Band’ and many more. Performed by “the best Irish band to never come from Ireland”, the Wild Murphys are an Irish tribute band with live fiddle and accordion. Let them take you to Murphy’s Pub for two hours of music, songs and humour. With songs by the Pogues, the Saw Doctors, the Dubliners, the Fureys, Flogging Molly, The Dropkick Murphys and more, One Night in Dublin is a must see for anyone who loves Irish music. It’s like St. Patricks day every night!
TICKETS: BOOK NOW! Standard £28 18 & Under £28
Joseph Rowntree Theatre Company
90 YEARS IN 90 MINUTES
Fri 4 Jul – Sat 5 Jul: 19:30 | Sat 5 Jul Matinee: 14:30
Join the Joseph Rowntree Theatre Company to celebrate the theatre’s 90th Anniversary. Since its foundation in 1935, the theatre has been home to a wide-range of events, including a variety of musicals. Journey back through 90 years of the theatre’s history, as we share its story and how it has developed, accompanied by songs from the shows performed here over the years. You will also hear from our dedicated team of volunteers and find out why the theatre continues to be a thriving part of the performing and local communities. Celebrate this milestone with us.
♥ A fundraising event for the Joseph Rowntree Theatre.
Joseph Rowntree Theatre in association with Black Treacle Theatre
THE WATSONS
Wed 9 – Sat 12 Jul: 19:30 | Sat 12 Jul Matinee: 14:30
Emma Watson is 19 and new in town. Cut off by her rich aunt and dumped back in the family home, Emma and her sisters must marry, fast. If not, they face poverty, spinsterhood, or worse: an eternity with their boorish brother and his awful wife. Luckily there are plenty of potential suitors. But there’s a problem: Jane Austen didn’t finish the story. Who will write Emma’s happy ending now? Based on her incomplete novel, this sparklingly witty play looks under the bonnet of Jane Austen and asks: What can characters do when their author abandons them?
♥ A fundraising event for the Joseph Rowntree Theatre. £2
Yvonne Hoque Academy of Dance
Sun 13 Jul: 14:30
Yvonne Hoque Academy of Dance proudly presents their annual show, Dance Fever 2025. Take a seat, sit back and enjoy a wonderful showcase of dance, with fabulous costumes and great music, from classical to musical theatre, contemporary and some golden oldies. Dancers of all ages will showcase their many talents through a variety of different dance styles. From ballet to tap, jazz, theatre craft and baton twirling, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this wonderful dance extravaganza.
KING HAROLD’S MOTHER
Sat 19 Jul: 19:30
In 1066, a mother lost four sons. Three were killed at the Battle of Hastings. One was branded a traitor. But these are times of turmoil, where crowns on the head go with swords in the hand. And this mother has lost everything. Two years later in Exeter, King Harold’s mother makes her last stand against the might of the new king, William the Bastard. She is forced to face the consequences of her own actions, to accept the overwhelming might of the Conqueror. And nothing will ever be the same again. Is nothing all she is left with? Is nothing better than this?
Gleowitt Productions
Pick Me Up Theatre
EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE
Tue 22 Jul – Sat 26 Jul: 19:30 | Sat 26 Jul Matinee: 14:30
Jamie New is a sixteen-year-old who doesn’t quite fit in. He’s terrified about the future and has no interest in pursuing a traditional career. He wants to be a drag queen. He knows he can be a sensation. With support from his brilliant and loving mum and encouragement from his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness, into the spotlight. Written by the BAFTA and Olivier award nominated Tom MacRae, and lead singer songwriter of The Feeling, Dan Gillespie Sells, this joyous underdog story is packed with songs that have the wow factor and lyrics with delightful punch. This funny and fabulous multi-award-winning musical is presented by Pick Me Up Theatre.
£2 OFF each ticket when you buy 5 or more!
York Stage
DISNEY’S DARE TO DREAM JR.
Fri 1 Aug: 19:30 | Sat 2 Aug: 14:00 and 16:00
Celebrate 100 years of Disney music with this breathtaking musical revue that follows an eager group of trainees on their first day at a fictional Walt Disney Imagineering Studio. As the group sets out to help each other discover their dreams, they work together to explore the power of dreams to unite, inspire, and make anything possible. Drawing from a century of beloved Disney films, Dare to Dream Jr. features songs appearing for the first time ever in a Disney stage musical, including fan-favorites from The Princess and the Frog, Coco, Encanto and Frozen II. This musical revue is a thrilling mix of contemporary songs, timeless classics and brand-new medleys that are sure to surprise and delight Disney lovers of all ages.
TICKETS:
Four Forty
Theatre
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING & MACBETH
Thu 7 Aug: 19:30
Four Forty Theatre returns for a raucous retelling of Much Ado About Nothing and Macbeth – as a comedy! Both performed in one night by only four actors in forty(ish!) minutes each, “this is an exceptionally special, hilarious, speedy tour of two of Shakespeare’s arguably greatest plays!” In a mere forty minutes each, they distill the essence of Shakespeare’s masterpieces into uproarious performances. “Their inimitable style and charisma definitely set them apart as one of the most playful, ambitious theatre groups around!” Prepare for an unforgettable night of laughter delivered in a way only Four Forty Theatre can!
£2 OFF each ticket when you buy 5 or more! TICKETS:
Seven Wonders: The Spirit of Fleetwood Mac SEVEN WONDERS:
THE SPIRIT OF FLEETWOOD MAC
Sat 9 Aug: 19:30
The UK’s premier tribute to Fleetwood Mac, Seven Wonders, is a 7-piece live band, who have come together to pay tribute to their legacy. The band covers all eras of the Fleetwood Mac collection; from the timeless Peter Green years, through to the 80’s classic ‘Tango In The Night’. Seven Wonders captures the spirit of Fleetwood Mac and they do it with passion and appreciation for this classic band. Be prepared to sing and dance the night away to classics including: ‘Go Your Own Way’, ‘Don’t Stop’, ‘Oh Well’, ‘Edge of Seventeen’ and many more.
£2 OFF each ticket when you buy 5 or more!
UK Ultimate Physiques
Sun 10 Aug: 14:00
Bodybuilding and fitness athletes come together from all over the UK to showcase their physiques and compete for the title of UKUP NORTHERN CHAMPION 2025.
Standard £30 18 & Under £15
Become part of the fabric of our beautiful building with an engraved seat plaque bearing a personalised inscription. For a donation of £200 you can sponsor a seat for five years.
Select your seat online: josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk/support-us
Wyrley Music and Promotions TAYLOR MADE
Sat 16 Aug: 19:30
Get ready to ‘Shake It Off’ and sing along to all your favourite Taylor Swift hits with Jo Lennard and the ultimate tribute show celebrating the iconic music and style of the one and only Taylor Swift! This Taylor Swift tribute show is an unforgettable night of chart topping songs, from ‘Love Story’ to ‘Shake It off’. Performed by a Swiftie herself, Jo captures the essence of Taylor’s voice, style and stage presence. Whether you’re a die-hard Swiftie or just love great music, this is the perfect show to gather your friends, don your best Taylor-inspired outfit and dance the night away! This show features a live band and dancers to make this show an unforgettable experience.
£2 OFF each ticket when you buy 5 or more!
THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ
Sat 23 – Sun 24 Aug: 12:00 and 16:00
Step into the magical world of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in this spectacular theatre production by TF Productions. With dazzling costumes, show-stopping songs and plenty of audience interaction, this production promises fun for the whole family. Expect laughter, adventure and Oz magic as we bring this timeless classic to life like never before. Will Dorothy find her way home? Find out and grab your tickets now! There’s no place like the theatre.
Standard
£20 18 & Under
£16
Family
£65
Become a part of the shows put on at the theatre. From stage crew to box office and more, we’d love to have you on board.
FIND OUT MORE ONLINE: JOSEPHROWNTREETHEATRE.CO.UK/ GETINVOLVED
HEART FOR THE ARTS ♥
As a charity, we rely on your support to make unforgettable theatre available to everyone.
The theatre is now fundraising to provide a new ‘Garden Room’, providing a much-needed meeting place and waiting area to relax in before performances, as well as the inclusion of an in-house bar and additional toilets.
Look out for our next fundraising events coming soon:
♥ 90 YEARS IN 90 MINUTES 4 – 5 July (see p10)
♥ THE WATSONS 9 – 12 July (see p8)
♥ A NIGHT AT THE MUSICALS Date 27 September (see p27)
Donate online at josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk/donate
High Jinx Entertainments Ltd
MAGIC & MARVELS
Sun 14 Sep: 14:30
Step right up and prepare to be amazed by this one-man extravaganza, presented by the extraordinary and multi-skilled performer, Michael Jordan. Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey into the realm of wonder and enchantment as Michael showcases his incredible talents in magic and circus arts. Direct from the iconic Blackpool Tower Circus and the prestigious International Festival de Magie, Michael effortlessly blends mesmerising magic with awe inspiring feats of juggling and daring stunts. With his captivating showmanship, he will leave you on the edge of your seat, gasping with disbelief and cheering for more. So come one, come all, as Michael Jordan takes centre stage to ignite your imagination.
£2 OFF each ticket when you buy 5 or more! TICKETS:
SUPPORT THE THEATRE
FUNDRAISING THIS SEASON
Support our range of theatre fundraising events at various venues around the city and help us reach our target for our Heart for the Arts campaign to improve our front of house facilities All of the events have a social element so bring friends and family along too or come and meet fellow theatre supporters on the day
JUNE TENPIN BOWLING
We’re taking over Tenpin again! Whether you’re a regular bowler or haven’t been for years come and have a fun social evening
JULY INDIAN DINNER WITH A QUIZ
Join us for a delicious three-course Indian meal at one of York’s most popular Asian restaurants with a fun after-dinner quiz and lots of prizes
SEPT CEILIDH
After last year’s hugely successful event the FiddlersWreck Ceilidh band are back hosting a fun night of dancing for novices and seasoned pros alike
OCT
CAFE & TABLE TOP SALE
Enjoy homemade cake lunches and drinks then browse the books and bric-a-brac
OCT PIE NIGHT
Back by popular demand enjoy delicious homemade food including a scrumptious savoury pie with musical entertainment and a post dinner quiz
All proceeds from these events will be donated to the theatre
THE ALL OR NOTHING EXPERIENCE
Sat 20 Sep: 19:30
The Small Faces encapsulated all that was Mod. Sharp, hip, cool, talented, and streetwise, the four charismatic young kids from the East End of London went on to become one of the most iconic and influential bands of the 1960’s. After three sell-out tours and a successful West End run of All Or Nothing: The Mod Musical, writer Carol Harrison and the show’s multi-talented cast, bring you the new and exciting All Or Nothing Experience, charting the band’s rollercoaster journey through their unique and electrifying sound, including ‘What You Gonna Do About It’, ‘Itchycoo Park’, ‘Lazy Sunday’, ‘Tin Soldier’, ‘All Or Nothing’ and many more.
Rock n Roll Productions Ltd
Joseph Rowntree Theatre
Sat 27 Sep: 19:00
Legendary York Musician Don Pears performs A Night at the Musicals, bringing the biggest hits of the West End and Broadway to the Joseph Rowntree Theatre. A great supporter of the theatre, Don will be joined by regulars, York Choir Singphonia, to perform solos, duets and ensemble songs from the musicals you know and love.
♥ A fundraising event for the Joseph Rowntree Theatre.
Main Street Sound
AUTUMN ACAPELLA: THIS IS US
Sun 28 Sep: 15:00
York’s only upper-voice barbershop chorus, Main Street Sound, is proud to present an amazing afternoon of harmony. Singing their own diverse repertoire, they are joined by internationally competing and medal-winning quartets, Limelight, Fortuity and Meridian, each bringing their own flavour and twist to the acapella scene. Let these outstanding performers delight you with their unique blend of voices, style and fun – all on one stage.
Standard £18 18 & Under £12
FAMILY TICKETS
Look out for shows listed with a FAMILY ticket (2 adults and 2 children) to get your discounted tickets.
GROUP OFFERS
Look for the green flashes on individual shows to take advantage of the fantastic groups discounts.
JOSEPH ROWNTREE THEATRE BOX OFFICE
All tickets for shows at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre are sold online through our website, josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk, or through our box office at the theatre on Haxby Road.
However you buy your tickets, there are no booking fees – the price on the ticket is the price you pay to enjoy the show!
• Each listing gives ticket prices for that show. All shows have a standard ticket price and one for those 18 and under. Some shows will also offer a 65 and over ticket option.
• Many shows offer family or group discounts, which will be applied automatically when you add the appropriate tickets to your basket.
• Children aged 4 and over need their own ticket and seat. Children under 4 sitting on an adult’s lap don’t need a ticket.
• To purchase tickets for our wheelchair spaces please call our box office.
• Tickets are non-refundable. Tickets can be exchanged for another show at the theatre or the money transferred to theatre credit for you to spend on tickets for another show in the future – there is no charge for this.*
• Gift vouchers are available online from josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk/gift‑vouchers or call the box office.
• All of our seats have an unrestricted view of the stage. The balcony is reached by 26 steps. There is no lift.
*Please see
BOX OFFICE
Open for visitors to the theatre and for telephone bookings: Mon – Sat, 10am – 2pm and 1 hr before any performance
The Joseph Rowntree Theatre Ltd. Haxby Road, York YO31 8TA 01904 50 1935 boxoffice@jrtheatre.co.uk
HOW TO GET HERE FACILITIES & ACCESS
The Joseph Rowntree Theatre is a mile to the north of York city centre on Haxby Road, next to the Nuffield Hospital. If you are travelling from outside York, follow the brown signs from the York North outer ring road (A1237). The theatre’s postcode is YO31 8TA.
First York bus routes 1 and 5/5A stop outside the theatre. Free car parking is available during performances in the Nestlé car park behind the Yearsley swimming pool.
Neither the theatre nor Nestlé can accept liability for loss by theft or damage to cars or their contents while using the car park.
The theatre auditorium has a seating capacity of 365 on two levels. All seats have an unobstructed view of the stage and generous leg room. A large number of children’s booster seats are available free of charge, on a first come, first served basis.
The theatre is fully licenced and sells a large range of alcoholic and soft drinks, ice cream and confectionery, available to purchase before the show and during the interval.
The theatre is accessible to patrons with disabilities. There are two dedicated wheelchair spaces at the rear of the stalls with seats for accompanying carers. Please advise at the time of booking if a wheelchair space is required. Step-free access to the auditorium is available. The front of house stewards will be pleased to provide guidance and assistance where necessary. An induction loop for the hard of hearing is provided, covering the stalls seating. This is accessed by setting hearing aids into the “T” position. josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk
