MAY AT A GLANCE
DON’T FORGET THESE AMAZING SHOWS IN MAY.
BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW!
PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT
28 Apr – 2 May | NETheatre York | £22 – £24
Fabulous soundtrack, laugh out loud moments and a heartfelt story.
STEVE CASSIDY BAND IN CONCERT
3 May | Steve Cassidy Band | £12 – £15
A blend of rock and country music curated to appeal to all age groups.
TIME TO DANCE
8 – 9 May | Charlie’s School of Dance | £12 – £15
All manner of styles brought together for a variety showcase.
GREASE: THE MUSICAL
14 – 16 May | York St John MPS | £12 – £15
Are you too cool for school? The iconic, 70s musical is back on stage.
CALENDAR GIRLS: THE MUSICAL
20 – 23 May | York Musical Theatre Company | £24
Musical by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth, based on the true story that launched a global phenomenon.
THE UPBEAT BEATLES
24 May | John Wilson Productions | £23 – £25
With sheer joy and energy, no band does it better than The Upbeat Beatles.
RHYTHM OF EARTH
30 – 31 May | En Pointe Classical Dance School | £11 – £17
Step into a world where movement and nature unite.
A VIBRANT COMMUNITY FACILITY OPEN TO ALL
WELCOME
from Dan Shrimpton, Chair of Trustees
Whenever I write an introduction to our new season, it strikes me just how much fun and entertainment one theatre can cram into a few short months.
This spring sees the arrival of the classic story of revenge, redemption and revolution, Les Misérables: School Edition and the Broadway legend, Guys and Dolls – often described as ‘the perfect musical comedy.’ We’ll also be welcoming Shakespeare’s enchanted story of love and feuding fairies, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a hilarious retelling of The Three Musketeers and the gripping one woman show, Anne Boleyn’s Mother
If you’re looking for dance and spectacular choreography, our spring season also sees the arrival of the original rags to riches story, Cinderella, the high-energy Dancing Through Life, featuring ballet, tap, ballroom and more, and the magical choreodrama Popcorn.
If you need another reason to visit, consider our mission. Still run by volunteers and theatre lovers, the theatre was founded to bring song, music, dance and entertainment to the people of Yorkshire and we’re still doing it ninety years later. As well as a great night at the theatre, every ticket sold also helps keep this wonderful venue alive for future generations.
Read on to find out more.
SCAN the QR CODES with your mobile device, to visit the What’s On page on our website and to book tickets!
Perform with Emma Bassett
BORN TO PERFORM
Sat 6 Jun: 15:00 Sat 6 Jun: 19:00
This 25th anniversary show is a collaboration of dance, acting and singing performances performed by York’s very own talent. Dynamic dances, sensational vocals and dramatic acting. A show not to be missed!
Shepherd Brass Band SPRING CONCERT
Sat 13 Jun: 19:30
Featuring all five of the Shepherd Brass Bands, from their beginner Brass Roots, right through to their championship level Senior Band, this show will be a kaleidoscope of music from all genres and will culminate in a spectacular finale featuring over 100 players on stage!
Standard
£17 18 & Under
£16
Standard £15 18 & Under
£15
YOU
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.
3 SHOW DISCOUNT
Book ANY 3 SHOWS in the season together and SAVE 10%
It’s simple… Just add the tickets to your basket and the offer will automatically be applied.
York School of Dance and Drama
POPCORN
Sun 7 Jun: 18:30
This new choreodrama is full of fun, magic and wonderful dancing. Performers of all ages will captivate the audience with their amazing skills and theatrical techniques. The story takes audiences on a magical journey where children from a boarding school discover a little Victorian ghost girl who produces magical popcorn, which leads both pupils and teachers on a merry dance, much to the chagrin of the dictatorial headmistress! Educating her classmates by using Victorian words and phrases, the Victorian ghost amuses her friends, yet annoys the headmistress, who is a comic character plagued by the naughty antics of the pupils.
£2 OFF each ticket when you buy 5 or more!
Joseph
Rowntree Theatre
FROM COCOA WORKS TO CURTAIN CALLS THE STORY OF THE JOSEPH ROWNTREE THEATRE
Fri 12 Jun: 19:00
Step back in time and explore 90 years of the Joseph Rowntree Theatre’s history. Hear from our dedicated volunteers and an expert panel who will reflect on the theatre’s rich history, the Rowntree family legacy and the enduring importance of community theatre, followed by an audience Q&A. The panel features Dan Shrimpton (Chair of Trustees) and Graham Mitchell (Honorary Archivist) from the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Nick Smith (Executive Director, Rowntree Society) and Professor Anne-Marie Greene (School for Business and Society, University of York).
FREE EVENT as part of York Festival of Ideas
TICKETS:
BOOK NOW! Tickets must be booked in advance.
NETheatre York
LES MISERABLES: SCHOOL EDITION
Tue 16 Jun – Sat 20 Jun: 19:30 | Sat 20 Jun Matinee: 14:30
The epic tale of redemption and revolution is retold in this abridged edition, performed by the young talent of the award-winning NETheatre York. After 19 years as a prisoner, Jean Valjean is freed by Javert, the officer in charge of the prison workforce. But after Valjean breaks parole and uses stolen silver to reinvent himself as a mayor and factory owner, Javert vows to bring Valjean back to prison. Eight years later, Valjean becomes the guardian of a child named Cosette after her mother’s death, but Javert’s relentless pursuit means that peace will be a long time coming. Will Valjean ever escape from Javert and will justice finally come to pass?
Flying Ducks Youth Theatre
THROUGH THE YEARS
Sat 27 Jun: 19:00
Sat 27 – Sun 28 Jun Matinee: 15:00
This milestone event will take audiences on a captivating journey through the last three decades of shows, featuring a vibrant array of songs and unforgettable numbers that highlight the creativity and talent of the young performers, with special guest alumni joining them on stage. Join Flying Ducks Youth Theatre as it celebrates the past, embraces the present, and looks forward to the future.
York
Dance Works
DANCING THROUGH LIFE
Sat 4 Jul: 19:30 Sat 4 Jul Matinee: 14:30
Celebrate the pure enjoyment of dance with this spectacular show. The performances include a multitude of dance styles including ballet, tap, jazz, ballroom, street and more. Performed with passion, enthusiasm and beautiful costumes, it promises to be a visual treat for all to enjoy.
Joseph Rowntree Theatre Company GUYS AND DOLLS
Wed 8 Jul – Sat 11 Jul: 19:30 | Sat 11 Jul Matinee: 14:30
Step into 1950s New York with Guys and Dolls — the award-winning Broadway sensation packed with high-stakes gamblers, showgirls and unlikely love stories. With unforgettable songs like ‘Luck Be a Lady’ and ‘Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat’, we follow smooth talking gambler Sky Masterson and straight-laced missionary Sarah Brown as their worlds collide in the most unexpected way. Full of heart, humour and toe-tapping tunes, Guys and Dolls is a timeless celebration of risk, romance and rolling the dice on love.
♥ A fundraising event for the Joseph Rowntree Theatre.
Let’s Dance
CINDERELLA
Fri 17 – Sat 18 Jul: 19:00
The classic rags-to-riches fairy tale about a kind, mistreated young woman forced into servitude by her stepfamily. With the help of a magical guardian fairy godmother, she attends a royal ball, captures the prince’s heart, but flees at midnight, leaving behind a slipper. This classic fairy tale features a cruel stepfamily, a magical fairy godmother, a prince and many more fairy tale characters. Lots of different dance styles bring a fantastic and unique take on this classic.
Rowntree Players BOEING BOEING
Thu 23 – Sat 25 Jul: 19:30
This 1960s French farce adapted for the English-speaking stage features self-styled Parisian lothario Bernard, who has Italian, German and American fiancées, each a beautiful airline hostess with frequent “layovers.” He keeps “one up, one down, and one pending” – until unexpected schedule changes bring all three to Paris, and Bernard’s apartment, at the same time.
Four Forty
Theatre
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Fri 31 Jul: 19:30
“Wit, invention, and just the right amount of chaos!” Four Forty Theatre tackles A Midsummer Night’s Dream with its trademark mix of irreverence, wit and theatrical ingenuity. Lovers are enchanted, fairies feud and a troupe of hapless players rehearse their way into disaster — all in a single moonlit night. Celebrated for inventive staging, breakneck character changes and playful dismantling of tradition, Four Forty breathes fresh mischief into Shakespeare’s best-loved comedy. The result is part affectionate homage, part riotous reinvention. It’s clever, chaotic and utterly alive. It’s a dream performed with wit turned sharp and imagination turned loose.
York Stage
MTI’S BROADWAY JUNIOR REVUE: RAISE YOUR VOICE
Fri 7 Aug: 19:30 | Sat 8 Aug Matinee: 14:00 and 16:00
Get ready for a high energy celebration of musical theatre as York Stage brings MTI’s Broadway Junior Revue: Raise Your Voice to life. This uplifting showcase features iconic songs from Broadway Junior favourites, performed by a talented young cast who are ready to sing out and shine. Packed with big numbers, heartfelt moments and plenty of personality, this is a feel good show for the whole family. Come and support the next generation of performers as they take centre stage with confidence, courage and serious star quality.
TICKETS:
UK Ultimate Physiques
ULTIMATE PHYSIQUES NORTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2026
Sun 9 Aug: 14:00
The best bodybuilding and fitness athletes come to compete for the UKUP Northern titles 2026, showcasing their amazing physiques on stage that they work so hard to gain over prep. It’s a family-friendly show for the fitness and bodybuilding enthusiasts of the world. Come watch a thrilling, fun experience and get inspired by all the amazing athletes on stage.
Standard
£32 18 & Under
£16
Hype One Studios MIRROR MIRROR
Sat 15 Aug: 17:00
Long ago, the Disney villains were defeated. The heroes were crowned, the kingdoms rejoiced and happily-ever afters were written in gold. But as songs were sung and statues raised, the villains faded into whispers… then into nothing at all. Forgotten by the stories they once shaped, they waited in the shadows, watching, listening. Now, the mirror stirs. Tonight, the silence shatters. The villains return, not for revenge, but to tell the story you were never told.
£2 OFF each ticket when you buy 5 or more!
Standard
£12 18 & Under
£8
♥ FUNDRAISING THIS SEASON ♥
CEILIDH
Sun 27 Jun: 19:30
A lively night of ceilidh dancing with the fantastic FiddlersWreck, who’ll provide the music, calling, and expert guidance throughout the evening.
Gateway Centre, Acomb
£12
CURRY & QUIZ NIGHT
Mon 14 Sep: 19:00
A fantastic evening of flavor and fun at The Parvin Indian Restaurant. Enjoy a delicious three-course meal and a lively quiz to test your knowledge.
The Parvin, Haxby
£24
PIE NIGHT
Thu 15 Oct: 18:30
Enjoy delicious homemade food, including a scrumptious savoury pie and tasty pudding, accompanied by live music and a post-meal quiz for extra fun.
Hartrigg Oaks, New Earswick
£27.50
Our Star Theatre Company Ltd
THE THREE MUSKETEERS
Fri 4 Sep: 19:30
This theatrical re-telling is packed with laughter, lively audience participation and plenty of energetically silly performances. A small troupe of performers gear up for their highly anticipated debut performance of The Three Musketeers. However, as the curtains rise, all is not as it seems. What starts as a simple theatrical endeavour quickly unravels into a whirlwind of confusion, mayhem and comical mishaps. From forgotten lines to chaotic set changes, the actors find themselves entangled in a series of laugh-out-loud blunders, much to the delight of the audience. This delightfully entertaining production is brimming with wit, slapstick humour and a dose of good-natured silliness that will have you laughing from start to finish.
TICKETS:
Gleowit Productions
ANNE BOLEYN’S MOTHER
Sun 6 Sep: 19:30
This compelling one-woman play gives voice to Elizabeth, Countess of Wiltshire, as she confronts unimaginable loss and reflects on her family’s turbulent place in Tudor history. Set on 13 October 1537, a son is finally born to King Henry VIII by his wife, Jane Seymour. But Elizabeth finds herself unable to rejoice, grieving the deaths of her son George and her daughter Anne, the former queen of England, at the hands of the king’s courtly intrigues. The play explores the emotional toll of motherhood, legacy and ambition against the backdrop of treacherous royal politics, questioning whether the heavy price paid for her family’s rise was worth it.
OFF each ticket when you buy 5 or more!
Joseph Rowntree Theatre
ANOTHER NIGHT AT THE MUSICALS: A MUSIC NIGHT PRODUCTION
Sun 20 Sep: 19:00
Legendary York musician Don Pears returns to perform Another Night at the Musicals after his successful 2025 concert. A great supporter of the theatre, Don will be joined by regulars, York Choir Singphonia, to bring the biggest hits of the West End and Broadway to the Joseph Rowntree Theatre. Featuring a sensational live band and breathtaking vocalists, audiences will be swept away by beloved classics, heart-stirring ballads and toe-tapping showstoppers.
♥ A fundraising event for the Joseph Rowntree Theatre.
£2 OFF each ticket when you buy 5 or more!
One Iota
ONE IOTA ALBUM LAUNCH CONCERT
Sat 26 Sep: 19:30
One Iota brings their immersive live production in September, performing their brand new album Chapter and Verse in full. Known for blending powerful song writing with a striking light show and cinematic visuals, the band creates a sound and visual experience that goes far beyond a traditional gig. This is a rare chance to experience Chapter and Verse exactly how it was intended – live, loud and immersive.
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:
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
