SUPPORT THE THEATRE
FUNDRAISING THIS SEASON
SEPT CEILIDH
After last year’s hugely successful event the Fiddlers Wreck Ceiliah band is back hosting a fun night of dancing for novices and seasoned pros alike
OCT CAFE & TABLE TOP SALE
Pop down to St Crux and enjoy homemade cake lunches and drinks then browse the books and bric-a-brac all raising funds for the theatre
OCT PIE NIGHT
Back by popular demand enjoy delicious freshly made food including a scrumptious savoury pie with musical entertainment and a post-dinner quiz
OCT -
DRACULA
See p
We are teaming up with Stage Hammer to bring this new and exciting adaptation of the classic vampire story the perfect production for Halloween
DEC A CHRISTMAS SELECTION BOX
DEC
-
See p
Unwrap the magic of the season with this heart-warming concert by the legendary Don Pears and York Choir Singphonia
CHOIRS AT CHRISTMAS
See p
Featuring four different choirs each night this family-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season All proceeds from these events will be donated to the theatre
A VIBRANT COMMUNITY FACILITY OPEN TO ALL
WELCOME
from Dan Shrimpton, Chair of Trustees
As we head into the autumn and the festive season of our momentous 90th birthday year, we’re delighted to bring you another programme of quality 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.
Opening the new season this October, a spellbinding trio of shows bringing your favourite childhood stories and timeless fairy tales to life on stage, with a generous sprinkle of magic, music and mischief. From enchanted adventures to classic characters, these productions promise fun for all ages. And for something truly delicious, don’t miss The Great British Bake Off Musical – a sweet and savoury symphony of British wit and oven mitts! Just like your favourite TV show, but with more jazz hands, jubilant tunes, and a whole lot of theatrical flavour.
We’re also thrilled to have adaptations of sensational fun-filled family shows through the season, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan, and as we head into the new year, Star Wars: May the Farce Be With You takes to the stage in January.
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!
Somewhere Ltd
SOMEWHERE
Fri 3 Oct: 19:30 | Sat 4 Oct: 18:00 | Sat 4 Oct Matinee: 13:00
Get ready for the spell-binding new fairy tale musical written by Sarah Bishop with music and lyrics by The Dunwells, Melody Reed and Gary Linley. Prepare to be enchanted as you follow the story of Princess Meredith and the shattered Somewhere mirror. Expect a captivating storyline, breathtaking new musical theatre numbers and an array of magical characters taking you deep into the heart of the fictional Kingdom of Bywell. Reviewed as “an all-round dazzling experience”, this is a not to be missed family-friendly show embarking on its first tour since a successful run at The Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
£2 OFF each ticket when you buy 5 or more! TICKETS:
Black Sheep Theatre Productions
THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME
Thu 9 Oct – Sun 12 Oct: 19:30 | Sat 11 Oct – Sun 12 Oct Matinee: 14:30 Tue 14 Oct – Sat 18 Oct: 19:30 | Sat 18 Oct Matinee: 14:30
Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney film, with special arrangement from Music Theatre International. Come and see the amazing combination of Alan Menken, Stephen Schwartz, Peter Parnell and Victor Hugo brought to life for York using some of the best performers Yorkshire has to offer! A larger than life production from the team that brought the UK amateur premiere of Falsettos to the Joseph Rowntree Theatre in 2023. With powerful themes of love, acceptance and the nature of good and evil, together with its sweeping score, this will be a show like nothing you’ve seen before!
£2 OFF each ticket when you buy 5 or more!
And they lived happily ever after. Well...not exactly!
Lane Entertainments
HOCUS POCUS: LIVE EXPERIENCE
Sun 26 Oct: 17:00
A spellbinding, family-friendly Halloween show that promises thrills, mischief and laughter. Join the Sanderson Sisters for a wickedly fun, family-friendly theatre experience like no other! Hocus Pocus: Live Experience brings the beloved movie to life with singing, dancing and all your favourite songs from the film. Packed with games, spooktacular prizes and magical surprises, this interactive show gets the whole audience involved from start to finish. Help the sisters brew their mischievous potion and become part of the spellbinding story! With plenty of laughs, audience participation and a monster dance party finale, it’s the ultimate Halloween celebration for kids, grown-ups and all Halloween lovers, on tour this autumn!
£2 OFF each ticket when you buy 5 or more! TICKETS:
Joseph Rowntree Theatre in association with Stage Hammer DRACULA
Thu 30 Oct – Fri 31 Oct: 19:30
When darkness falls, the legend comes to life. Jonathan Harker, a solicitor from Yorkshire, travels to a castle in the Carpathian Mountains to finalise the sale of property for a reclusive nobleman. When he seemingly vanishes, his fiancée Mina and her closest friend Lucy fall into the grip of a sinister force. Their only hope for survival is a mysterious professor who strives to save them from a fate worse than death. Bram Stoker’s classic vampire story is brought to the stage in this new and exciting adaptation.
♥ A fundraising event for the Joseph Rowntree Theatre.
JOIN US IN THE TENT OF DREAMS!
Baking battles, singing sponges, and a sprinkle of hilarity - it’s The Great British Bake Off Musical! A sweet and savoury symphony of British wit and oven mitts, this performance will have you craving more than just the next act. It’s like your favorite TV show, but with more jazz hands and jubilant tunes.
Join our band of bakers as they mix, roll, and rise to the top under the watchful gaze of the iconic judges. You’ll be tapping your foot to original songs that capture the essence of the tent - from nerve-wracking technical challenges to triumphant showstoppers. Prepare yourself for an emotional rollercoaster ride, where cakes crumble, friendships form, and dreams become delicious reality. It’s a show that proves baking isn’t just about the final product, it’s about the journey and the joy that comes from sharing that journey with others. So, if you’re ready for a taste of the theatrical, this musical is the perfect recipe.
5 – 8 november 2025
Tickets from £18.00
NETheatre York
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Sat 22 Nov – Sun 23 Nov and Tue 25 Nov – Sat 29 Nov: 19:30 Sat 22 Nov, Sun 23 Nov and Sat 29 Nov Matinee: 14:30
A scrumptious fudgemellow-delight of a tale full of joy. Award winning NETheatre brings you Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Musical. It’s the devilishly delicious tale of young golden ticket winner, Charlie Bucket who goes inside the scrumptious chocolate factory and meets the mysterious confectionary wizard Willy Wonka. Along with five other children and his grandpa Joe, he has an adventure like no other. This musical will take you to a world of pure imagination.
Rowntree
Players
THE PANTOMIME ADVENTURES OF PETER PAN
Sat 6 Dec and Tue 9 – Sat 13 Dec: 19:30 | Sun 7 Dec: 18:00 Sat 6 Dec*, Sun 7 Dec and Sat 13 Dec Matinée: 14:00
A rollicking romp of a traditional family panto! Join Wendy, John and Michael as they fly with Peter Pan to the fantastical world of Neverland. Cling onto your seats as Peter and the Lost Boys do battle with the rather nasty Captain Hook and his even nastier bunch of pirates. But fear not as Nanny McFlea and her ever eager apprentice Barkly, are on hand to assist in the most ridiculous of ways! Silly jokes, sillier slapstick, song and dance are the order of the day with the obligatory song sheet and lots of audience participation!
*The Matinee performance on Sat 6 Dec will have a BSL interpreter and live captioning.
GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE PAY £15 A TICKET for select performances†
Joseph Rowntree Theatre
A CHRISTMAS SELECTION BOX: A MUSIC NIGHT PRODUCTION
Sun 14 Dec: 19:00
Unwrap the magic of the season at A Christmas Selection Box, our much-loved annual music night packed with festive favourites, timeless classics, and a sprinkle of surprise! This heartwarming evening, in support of the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, features legendary York musician Don Pears and the vibrant voices of York choir Singphonia. Together, they’ll bring to life the joy, nostalgia and sparkle of Christmas.
♥ A fundraising event for the Joseph Rowntree Theatre.
£2 OFF each ticket when you buy 5 or more!
Joseph
Rowntree
Theatre CHOIRS AT CHRISTMAS
Tue 16 – Thu 18 Dec: 19:30
Choirs at Christmas is a festive fundraiser celebrating the season in perfect harmony. Join us for a heartwarming concert series filled with festive favourites, joyful harmonies and the spirit of togetherness all in support of the theatre and its community work. Featuring four different talented local choirs each night, this family-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. Whether you love traditional carols, modern Christmas classics or simply the joy of live music, there’s something for everyone. Bring your family, invite your neighbours and help us make this Christmas truly special through music and giving.
♥ A fundraising event for the Joseph Rowntree Theatre.
Shepherd Brass Band GALA
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Fri 19 – Sat 20 Dec: 19:30
A night of festive fun and fantastic music featuring all five bands from the renowned Shepherd Brass Band family. Known for their show-stopping performances and loyal following, each group will take to the stage to share seasonal favourites and spirited brass arrangements. The evening ends in spectacular style with a massed band finale you won’t want to miss.
Did you know there are some great ticket offers on shows?
3 SHOW DISCOUNT
Book ANY 3 SHOWS in the season together and SAVE 10%!
Just add the tickets to your basket and the offer will automatically be applied. www.josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk Or call the box office: 01904 50 1935
Standard £15 18 & Under £15
Deadpan Players
STAR WARS: MAY THE FARCE BE WITH YOU
Fri 23 Jan – Sat 24 Jan: 19:30 | Sat 24 Jan Matinee: 14:00
The Dark Web threatens Galactic freedom – but what’s the password? In a period of deep unrest, rebel forces are fighting for survival. Led by Garth Vader, the Empire has created a sinister network called The Dark Web, through which Vader could travel back in time and crush the rebellion. Plucky Princess Slaya has encrypted and uploaded the password along with a desperate cry for help onto R2Ai, a cute droid. Can Fluke Skywalker decipher the message, find Only One Kenobi, enlist the help of rogue pilot Ham Solo and the legendary (and ather pungent) Gedi Master, the diminutive but powerful ‘Odour’, rescue the Princess and save the Galaxy…? There’s only one way to find out!
£2 OFF each ticket when you buy 5 or more!
HOW TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS
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 terms and conditions of sale for more information.
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
