2011 Events

Ballet Theatre UK’s new production of the classic ballet, Cinderella, tells everyone’s favourite rags-to-riches story.

Cinderella is tormented by her spiteful stepsisters and would do anything to attend the Prince’s glamorous ball. Rejected, upset and alone, Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother intervenes and transforms her into a glittering Princess who shall go to the ball.

Join Cinderella on her adventure of daring magic, hansom princes, glass slippers, and see if she can find her ‘happy ever after’…

Prokofiev’s uplifting score together with sumptuous costumes and sets conjure up the magical fantasy world of Cinderella perfectly.

Ballet Theatre UK promises to enchant you with this fairytale production of breath taking beauty and delight, showcasing a company of young and talented international dancers.

This ALL NEW production promises to be a highlight on the calendar of any dance fan.

With songs taken from such classic shows as Anything Goes , Oklahoma, Guys and Dolls together with contemporary numbers from Hair , Into The Woods and Rent, I ♥ MUSICALS brings together some of the best loved songs from across the years.

So join the Musical Theatre Students from York College ably supported by the Music Department as they sing and dance their way through ten decades of musical favourites.

A Guy. Three Girls. One Ring.

The '50s for Billy Fisher are far from hip. He’s still living at home in Leeds and doing a dull job at the local undertakers. But Billy has his dreams, and they’re not just of becoming a movie star or winning the pools – he’s invented a whole country. Back in the real world he’s less successful and has managed to get himself engaged to two girls simultaneously, neither of whom he likes, and is currently sharing one engagement ring between them. When Liz, the girl he really cares for, returns from London, Billy’s lies all start to catch him up and it’s time to think fast or finally face up to the truth.

Northern England 1964. Four unwed pregnant tearaways are brought together at St Saviours, a church run home. Over 2 months we share their fears, hopes and aspirations, in their unforeseen and unforgettable circumstances.

Surrounded by the music of the Dixie Cups, the Shangri-La’s and of course the Ronettes, this play couples tragedy with humour resulting in an unforgettable evening of drama that will stay with you for ever.

The modern hits and reworked classics made famous by Michael Buble performed live with the Bridge Rats Big Band, with support from the Kate Peters Band

York St John Musical Production Society Presents Sweet Charity, a musical with music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields and book by Neil Simon. It is based on Federico Fellini's screenplay for Nights of Cabiria. However, where Fellini's black-and-white Italian film concerns the romantic ups-and-downs of an ever-hopeful prostitute, in the musical the central character is a dancer-for-hire at a Times Square dance hall.

The musical boasts huge hits such as Big Spender and If My Friends Could See Me Now as well as many more well known songs.

The main character Charity works at a dance club where she has seen only the dark side of life through bad relationships. One day she meets Oscar and believes her luck has changed. When things turn sour, Charity stays sweet and hopeful that someday her ideals will materialize. The show has been created by our creative team: Director – Michael Peck; Choreographer – Naomi Prescott; MD/Conductor – Jonathan Rees; AMD - Lauren Smith

It’s a musical for every one of all ages. So grab your tickets, warm up your vocals and come join us for what will be a fantastic show!

For ticket enquires please email phil.tottie@yorksj.ac.uk or call on 07929 241795. Tickets also available at the students union on selected days

Whether it's the patter of I am the very model of a modern Major-General, the triumphant shouts of Oh, better far to live and die ...I am a pirate king or the classic comedy policemen in When the foeman bares his steel there can't be many people who haven't heard and loved a song from Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance. A hit with audiences since it's premiere 131 years ago, the tale of Frederic, an apprentice pirate, who falls in love with Mabel, the daughter of Major-General Stanley, is returning to York this March with a twist.

Sing-a-long-a-Pirates of Penzance will provide an evening of entertainment for everyone. Performed by Jorvik Gilbert and Sullivan Company, this semi staged production, with narration encourages audience participation with all the choruses. Song sheets will be provided but if you have your own score you are welcome to bring it along. An excellent way to enjoy this popular production, suitable for all ages.

The scene is set in Boston Massachusetts 1959. Jessica Cranshaw, the wholly untalented leading lady of the new musical Robbin Hood, collapses after the final curtain of the opening night, later to be pronounced dead. The question Lt. Frank Cioffi of the Boston Police Department needs to answer is WHO-DUNNIT?!

Underpaid and overworked, any one of the cast and crew of the critically reviewed show, Robbin Hood, may be considered a suspect. How did Christopher Belling, the show's flamboyant director, get them to agree to perform?

Could the murderer be Carmen Berstein, the tough, ruthless co-producer, needing to rid the show of the talentless leading lady and save the show? Or her philandering husband, Sidney Bernstein, eager to give his step-daughter Bambi a boost into the lime-light?

Does too-good-to-be-true Niki Harris, Jessica's understudy, want to leap into the leading role? Is her blossoming romance with Lt. Cioffi a way to put him off the trail?

Perhaps it is one of the divorced songwriting team of Aaron Fox and Georgia Hendricks, each having their own reasons for Georgia to be cast as the lead?

After another murder is discovered, the race is on for Lt. Cioffi to solve the case and ensure there is a cast left to re-open the show!

Unforgettable songs and a storyline to keep you guessing up until the final scene make this a must-see show.

Energetic musical about the unlikely romance of famed Western tomboy Calamity Jane and gunfighter Wild Bill Hickok

Two young gentlemen living in 1890's England have taken to bending the truth in order to put some excitement into their lives.

Jack Worthing has invented a brother, Earnest, whom he uses as an excuse to leave his dull country life behind to visit the ravishing Gwendolyn.

Algy Montcrieff decided to take the name Earnest when visiting Worthing's young and beautiful ward, Cecily at the country manor.

Things start to go awry when they end up together in country and their deceptions are discovered - threatening to spoil their romantic pursuits.

Generation Groove Big Band and Singers present a fun filled concert of family favourites to help raise money for Asthma UK. From Big Band to Pop there will be something for everyone so book your tickets now and help us raise much needed funds for this great charity

Down on his luck, Seymour Krelborn spends day in day out slaving in Mr Musnik's Florists, mooning over the glamourous and ditsy assistant Audrey, and dreaming of a way out of downtown Skid Row. Until one day, during a total eclipse of the sun, Seymour stumbles upon a strange and exotic new plant that could change his luck forever.

An overnight success, the newly christened Audrey II offers Seymour a ticket out of Skid Row and perhaps even a chance of a date with the real life Audrey - but this ain't no ordinary shrub!

As Audrey II grows to monstrous proportions and develops unusual tendencies, Seymour gives in to her strange demands. Will Seymour survive Audrey II's plans, and can he grab his chance for a life of fame, fortune and true love?

Featuring music in the 1960's style, think The Ronettes, The Crystals and The Supremes. As featured in the 1986 film, includes Somewhere That's Green and Suddenly Seymour. Little Shop Of Horrors is a mouth-wateringly fun night out for all!

Suitable for children from age 8.

Rebecca will be headlining her own concert at the famous Joseph Rowntree Theatre, in York. Showcasing a selection of her current albums, both operatic arias and musicals, and introducing some new material.

Proceeds will go towards Rebecca's forthcoming album and a cheque presentation to Childline will be made from her fundraising over the past two years.

Her guest tenor for the evening will be the fantastic Ben Thapa, from the hit vocal group G4, along with Rebecca Gardner, a beautiful singer and pianist.

Featuring The Tuesday Singers

Musical Director: Don Pears

Passion, Danger, Intrigue

1588. Elizabeth I is in power and the Spanish Armada is invading.

When country girl Sarah is summoned by the Queen to venture on board the English fleet she has no idea of the battles, espionage and trickery she will find herself in. How can her supernatural talents assist the English fleet? And will she escape her own battles of love she becomes entangled with?

Climb aboard this exciting journey of passion, danger and intrigue set in one of the most exciting periods of history.

Prepare to be swept away...

You can read more in the cast blog

A Celebration of the popular song - a selection of songs chosen by our soloists: George Horne, Alex Papachristou, Nick Briggs, Juliet Waters, Steph Crossley and Jo Pears

Musical Director: Don Pears

Within minutes of this unique show starting, you’ll understand exactly why this musical craze swept across the globe in the 1960s.

Merseymania was the audience and record buyer’s reaction to the music that was played by the beat groups in Liverpool’s Cavern Club. Namely The Beatles, The Searchers, The Swinging Blue Jeans, The Rolling Stones, The Drifters, The Kinks, The Who etc. This is how those groups really sounded LIVE! down in the cellars of Mathew Street .

Recapturing those exciting times, and using instruments/amplifiers from the 1960’s, is The Beat Club featuring Steve Quillon. Steve’s from Liverpool and made appearances at the club in 1969. An achievement immortalised in The Cavern Wall of Fame in Mathew Street, Scouseland!

Spotlighting the years 1965 and 1969, you’ll hear all about the groups and characters at The Cavern . You’ll also see how the music and onstage fashion changed in those four years.

The Beat Club features on the July pages of the 2011 MERSEYBEAT LEGENDS calendar along with some of the iconic names listed earlier. The inclusion is an endorsement of just how highly rated The Beat Club is in Merseybeat circles.

This is the show’s first visit to York, is for one night only and definitely NOT TO BE MISSED!!

Be prepared to sing, scream, laugh and cheer!

Based on Tennyson's poem The Princess: A Medley, and written in blank verse, Princess Ida, Gilbert and Sullivan's 8th operatic collaboration, satirizes feminism, women's education and Darwinian evolution, all of which were hot topics when it was first produced in 1884.

Featuring a women's university, soldiers and cross dressing, can Prince Hilarion gain the love of the feminist Princess Ida, or will his love end in tragedy?

The must-see big annual show by York’s favourite contemporary choir who consistently lead the way with fresh new directions for vocal concerts in the city.

Come and enjoy an evening of inspiring music including Eric Whitacre’s 5 Hebrew Songs; Astor Piazzolla’s Libertango and selections from Karl Jenkins’ Armed Man and This Land of Ours.

Every musical taste is catered for by this vibrant 70 strong group, performing musical numbers by Rogers & Hammerstein, Manhattan Transfer, Contemporary Spirituals and a truly international selection of show-stopping pieces.

Musical Director: Ewa Salecka; Pianist: Greg Birch Plus guest musicians.

Two takes place over one night, in a pub, in the North of England. Two people - man and wife - landlord and landlady - a dynamic double act, magnetic hosts of their pub, where they've 'seen it all'. Serving drinks two-by-two to the twosomes in their pub. Each has a story to tell, sometimes quirky, sometimes sad but it's always a tale you identify with. Interwoven with pint-pulling we meet Moth, a man drawn to every flame yet utterly dependent on Maudie; two elderly pensioners; Mrs Iger who simply adores big men; Roy who has Lesley completely under control and two Elvis fans watching TV.

Two takes clever twists and turns before reaching a powerful and unexpected denouement.

Great Music, from Then and Now

Featuring songs from Disney; Wicked; Avenue Q; Abba; Sister Act; South Pacific; The King & I and a whole lot more...

Taken from the book by Gary Edwards, Paint It White follows the life of a Leeds United football fan.

A comedy from the author of Where Are They Now? Life After Leeds United.

All monies taken to buy equipment for York Hospital Neurological & Respiratory Departments, to help people with most kinds of neurological & respiratory illnesses.

Our thanks for sponsorship from White Rose Foresters - for more details contact 01642 653062 or 01904 679939

Two illustrious legends of music, theatre and film, these stylish sophisticates, Noel Coward and Cole Porter, have entertained and charmed audiences the world over.

Coward, an English composer and playwright, is known for his sparkling wit, style and ingenuity in comedy. Cole is one of the most famous American composers whose elegant and sophisticated musicals dominated the Broadway stage in the 1930s and still do to this day. With often parallel careers, these two masterminds of the stage and screen met in the 1920s and remained friends for the rest of their lives.

York Musical Theatre Company brings a selection of Coward and Cole’s brilliance to the stage for an evening of de-lovely, delightful and delectable humour, music and pure entertainment.

Set in 1920s New York City, Thoroughly Modern Millie tells the tale of a young girl, Millie Dillmount, who has just arrived in the city in search of a new job, a new man and a new life.

It's a New York filled with intrigue and jazz - the play captures the feel of a time when social mores are changing forever and when the city is a dangerous place for a small town girl.

The stage musical is based upon the hit film of the 1960s but has been rewritten with a set of brilliant new songs and dance numbers.

Tickets: Thursday Adult / Student; Friday Adult / Student; Saturday Adult / Student

New Earswick Musical Society is proud to present Oklahoma! – a story of rivalries – which was the first musical collaboration between Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein and the first musical to tell the story with music and lyrics.

It tells of the controversy between the cattlemen and farmers, over land and water rights in the Indian territory, played out in the energetic and humorous musical number, The Farmer & The Cowman Should be Friends.

There’s the rivalry between the cowboy, Curly, (played by Steve Padfield) and the farmhand, Jud, (played by Chris Hagyard), for the love of Laurey, (played by Stephanie Crossley), expressed in well loved ballads of Surrey with a Fringe on the Top and People will say we’re in love.

And the rivalry between Ali Hakim, a Persian Pedlar and the cowboy Will Parker, (played by Andy Stone) for the hand of Ado Annie (played by Emily Rockliffe) a fickle, somewhat naive girl who explains herself hilariously in the word of her song, I Cain’t say No!

Will Aunt Eller (played by Carol Richardson) be able to successfully negotiate an end to the feud? Is a ‘Happy Ending’ possible where love triangles exist?

There is a reason why Oklahoma! broke all box office records when it first opened in 1943 and it’s revival in the West End in 1998 received to wide acclaim.

It is a show full of fun, laughter and romance, as relevant today as when first written, packed with unforgettable melodies including the title tune Oklahoma!, and Oh! What a Beautiful Mornin', Many a New Day, and Out of my Dreams.

The Flint Street Nativity was originally a TV comedy produced for Yorkshire Television and aired during Christmas 1999.

The eight-year-old pupils of Flint Street Primary School, all played by adults, perform the nativity play for their parents. The story is based on real events, collected over a period of ten years from members of Tim Firth's family and friends who were teachers.

The Flint Street Nativity takes the simple gimmick of having adults play primary school children preparing for a Nativity play and lets things rip.

Children, as has been said, are just small adults anyway and this is underlined in this comedy/ drama. Just like grown-ups, they have their hang-ups, worries, family problems, personality defects and petty jealousies.

What makes the situation funny in this comedy is that the children are brutally honest in most of what they say. When they have secret thoughts, they are related in adapted lines from well-known carols.

Cheshire writer Tim Firth knows children, knows how they speak and what motivates them.

Prima Vocal Ensemble, York's modern 90 voice choir give you another thrilling night out at the theatre. Be carried away by a carnival of movie themes you love, heard in unique arrangements and performed for the first time in York!

You will hear memorable hits such as The Power of Love (Back to the Future), May it Be (The Lord of the Rings), Nine to Five, Axel F (Beverly Hills Cop), Jai Ho (Slumdog Millionaire), Stayin' Alive (Saturday Night Fever), James Bond themes, Shout! (Sister Act), I See You (Avatar) to name just a few! Great entertainment for families and all generations!

Musical Director: Ewa Salecka; Pianist: Greg Birch

Joined on stage as always by guest musicians.

Proceed from programme sales in aid of York Against Cancer

Legend tells of Robin Hood and his Merry Men's battle to tame the evil Sheriff of Nottingham - but few know of the part played by the Sheriff's orphaned relatives and the children of the forest.

That is until now!!

This year let Rowntree Players take you deep into Sherwood Forest - where with a little help from the woodland Nymph - and some fantastic catering by Sue the Cook and her able (ish) assistant Preston; the Sheriff will meet his greatest challenge yet. Oh - and keep an eye out for the bears - they're causing the villagers no end of problems!

With silly stories, song and dance, re-cycled jokes galore and plenty of audience interaction it will be, once again, a brand new rollocking romp of a panto!

Musical Director: Don Pears

Soloists include: Jo Pears, Steph Crossley, Alexa Chaplin, Richard Blackburn, John Hall and George Horne

There’s a right raucous rumbustious romp going on in jolly old Windsor town and no mistake!

Hold on to your 1950 style hats Oddsocks fans, as two merry wives give that lovable “naughty knight”; that most famous of Shakespearean characters… yes you’ve guessed it: Fatty Falstaff, a shock he’ll never forget, in return for his unwanted amorous attentions.

Laughter, surprises and fun for all the family guaranteed, so hurry along now do and purchase those lovely tickets for an exciting evening of infectious frivolity!

Featuring all Shepherd Group Brass Bands including the newly formed Youth Band.

Early booking is essential for this very popular concert.

Generation Groove - the Haxby based band - return to the theatre for another fast paced concert, including music from Generation Groove and Intro. Prepare for a good time and a few surprises...