She also met a small group of boys and girls representing the York Minster Choir – all of the choristers sing in the production.
Later the princess, whose father Prince Andrew is the production’s patron, met Beckie May whose props team created the extraordinary animal menagerie for Noah’s Ark.
For stage manager John Pemberton, this was not the first time meeting royalty, after having previously worked on a production of Les Misérables for the Queen in Windsor.
John said that it royal visits to stage productions are “always special” as “there is still a lot of admiration for the royal family”. He said everyone in attendance was excited to see her.
The actors were delighted to meet the princess and speak to her individually. The two youngest actors to meet her were Marcus Richardson and Carla Woodcock, who are both current drama students at York College.
Princess Beatrice asked the students about managing their school work alongside acting in such a demanding set of plays.
As a former A-Level student of drama herself and patron of York Theatre she is keen to watch the production, telling the two young actors that she “wanted to see the play” if possible.
The Dean of York, the Very Reverend Vivienne Faull, said:
The Minster is very much at the centre of the production but the superhuman effort involved in getting the plays on stage involves individuals, communities and businesses in York and beyond.
The critical acclaim for the production is a tribute to the spirit of our wonderful community.
