York Stars
Up until the end of June 2009, York Stars was known as York Rising Stars and had been running out of York Railway Institute for the previous 13 years. Before that, the group was known as York RI Players, for people who worked on the Railway, and was run by the director Tom Stanton. After having run the group for many years Tom sadly passed away and Charlotte Gray took up the reins. The groups membership was down to only 6 people and so a new lease of life was injected into it. The group was made open to anyone, regardless of a railway connection or not, and the name changed to York Rising Stars incorporating 'RI' in the word 'Rising'.
Since then the group has gone from strength to strength and there are now over 70 members in the group. Due to the rapid expansion and popularity of the group, the decision was taken to take the group forward and form an independent company, The York Stars and we are now at the exciting stage of applying for charitable status. The group continues to be run totally by volunteers.
We are the only group in York to accept both children and adults and have them all working closely together on stage in all productions. There is no distinction made, and all are treated equally. We accept members from the age of 5 upwards and there is no upper age limit.
The group perform four main shows a year at a variety of venues/theatres and take part in concerts out and about in the local community. The group also has links with St Johns University and charitable organisations and there are always projects on the horizon.
There is no audition to join the group and members are all given an opportunity to be onstage and gain experience and land larger roles as they gain in confidence. For those who come to us with experience wanting to undertake a main role early on, then we are happy to hold an audition, to allow people to show us what they can do, though this is not necessary.
If you are interested in joining, then please visit York Stars website.
| 2010 | |
|---|---|
| Grace Darling - The Musical | 30 June to 3 July |
| 2009 | |
| Platform 9 | 16 July to 18 July |
| 2006 | |
| An Autumn Evening | 15 October |
Grace Darling - The Musical
Worldwide Premier
30 June to 3 July
A new musical written by Dennis Westgate and directed by Charlotte Gray.
The show begins with Grace as a young girl, playing on the rocks in the village of Bamburgh in the year 1826 and follows her through her life, with her love interest, Joseph Swann and the rest of her family at the Lighthouse, where she lives. The show features the life-boat rescue that made Grace famous and what happened in the aftermath. Concluding in 1842, when Grace was 26.
The show has a variety of musical numbers, including Keeper of the Light which Mr Darlings sings, revealing all about his life as a Lighthouse keeper, I care nothing for fame which appears late on in the show with Grace expressing how she doesn't like the attention the rescue has given her and the haunting In your Shadow sung by her love interest, Joe.
This musical is suitable for all ages, whether they have previous knowledge about Grace Darling or not. It offers an insight into this amazing woman's life and portrays what life was like in the 1800's. It's a show with outstanding music, a fantastic cast and is sure to stay with people long after they leave the theatre.
Wednesday 30 June 7:30pm
Thursday 1 July 7:30pm
Friday 2 July 7:30pm
Saturday 3 July 2:30pm Matinée
Saturday 3 July 7:30pm
Platform 9
A new musical by Dennis Westgate
16 July to 18 July
Platform 9 is a new exciting musical written by the very talented North East playwright Dennis Westgate and performed for the very first time by York Rising Stars
Set in 1950's Britain, the show is focused around a day in the life of a platform at York railway station, those who work there and the passengers passing through.
There are key characters — Bobby the steam engine driver, Mike the news vendor and Rosie the tea-lady. There is also the Waiting Girl who has arranged to meet her boyfriend on the Platform underneath the clock, but by the end of act one he still hasn't arrived.
The show also features a trip to the races as well as a ballroom scene.
The show is fast moving with great catchy songs. It begins with Four In The Morning, a truly original number which is sure to remain with you for many years and weaves its way through up-tempo numbers such as Engine Driver and The Locomotion Rock; while at the same time having a beautiful love song with the show title Platform 9.
This show will be performed in monochrome to complement the nostalgic feel of the show
This is an all-round family show which is sure to be a big hit long after its premier.
Thursday 16 July 7:30pm
Friday 17 July 7:30pm
Saturday 18 July 2:30pm Matinée
Saturday 18 July 7:30pm
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