Here’s what’s going on in York for the week ahead.
This week sees the return of the hugely popular York Restaurant Week with delicious deals galore, the Trotters are coming to York in the Only Fools & Horses Musical, Yorktoberfest is bringing a taste of Bavaria to York Racecourse, and poetry collective Say Owt are celebrating 10 years!
What’s on in York this week: Sunday 13 – Friday 18 October
All week
York Restaurant Week
York Restaurant Week is back! Discover delicious dining on a budget and enjoy over 100 participating eateries with a huge variety of offers on food and drink – all temptingly priced between £5 and £30. Check out our guide to nine delicious new deals for 2024!
- Various locations
- Mon 14 – Sun 20 Oct
- Various times
- More info
Only Fools & Horses the Musical
Stick a pony in your pocket – The Trotters are back and coming to York! The smash hit show Only Fools and Horses The Musical – direct from a record-breaking four-year sold-out run-in London’s West End – featuring Del Boy, Rodney, Grandad, Cassandra, Raquel, Boycie, Marlene, Trigger, Denzil and Mickey Pearce. Based on John Sullivan’s legendary television show, this critically acclaimed home-grown musical spectacular features cherished material from Britain’s much loved TV series.
- Grand Opera House, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Mon 14 – Sat 19 Oct
- 7:30pm, 2:30pm Wed & Sat matinees
- More info
Rebus: A Game Called Malice
Ian Rankin’s new Rebus story exclusively on stage! A splendid dinner party in an Edinburgh mansion concludes with a murder mystery game created by the hostess. A murder needs to be solved. But the guests have secrets of their own, threatened by the very game they are playing. And among them is Inspector John Rebus. There are suspects, clues and danger with every twist and turn – and a shocking discovery will send this game called ‘Malice’ hurtling towards a gasp-inducing conclusion.
- York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
- Tue 15 – Sat 19 Oct
- 7:30pm, 2pm & 2:30pm matinees (select days)
- More info
Accidental Death of an Anarchist
An Anarchist has fallen to his death from a police station window. The question is: did he jump or was he thrown? As the police attempt to avoid yet another scandal, a mysterious imposter is arrested and brought in for questioning. Seizing the chance to put on a show, he leads the officers in an ever more ridiculous reconstruction of their official account, hilariously exposing the cover-ups, corruption and (in)competence at the heart of the police.
This classic farce by Dario Fo and Franca Rame now storms Theatre@41 in a new translation by award-winning writer Tom Basden (Plebs, Here We Go). This amateur production is presented in association with Nick Hern Books.
- Theatre@41, 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB
- Tue 15 – Sat 19 Oct
- 7:30pm, 2:30pm (Sat)
- More info
Monday 14 October
Black History Month 2024: Celebrating Black Excellence
Join York St John University this October as we celebrate Black History Month, a vibrant tribute to the triumphs, struggles, and contributions of Black individuals and communities. View an exhibition of Black heroes of the past and present by Nduka Omeife, an artist local to York. Enjoy music, dance, fashion and poetry.
- York St John University, Lord Mayor’s Walk, York, YO31 7EX
- Mon 14 Oct
- 6:30-9pm
- More info
An Audience with Lucy Worsley on Jane Austen
For these live, beautifully-illustrated talks, Lucy invites audiences to step into the world of Jane Austen, the beloved author of timeless classics such as Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Persuasion. Through the houses, places and possessions which mattered to her, Lucy takes a fascinating look at what home meant to Jane and to the women like her who populate her novels.
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Mon 14 Oct
- 7:30pm
- More info
Tuesday 15 October
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Royal Opera House
The Royal Ballet presents Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland! At a garden party on a sunny afternoon, Alice is surprised to see her parents’ friend Lewis Carroll transform into a white rabbit. When she follows him down a rabbit hole, events become curiouser and curiouser…As Alice journeys through Wonderland, she encounters countless strange creatures. She’s swept off her feet by the charming Knave of Hearts, who’s on the run for stealing the tarts. Confusion piles upon confusion. Then Alice wakes with a start. Was it all a daydream?
- The Galtres Centre, Market Place, Easingwold, YO61 3AD
- Tue 15 Oct
- 7:15pm
- More info
Death(s) at Sea
Off the back of their sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2024, Our Star Theatre is coming to York with their brand new murder-mystery play Death(s) at Sea. But despite their best efforts, everything goes wrong!
Death(s) at Sea is a thrilling murder mystery set on a small ship carrying just five passengers and its Captain. When one of the party is found dead, the remaining passengers speculate and turn on each other until the real murderer is caught… but that isn’t exactly how this play turns out! Props fail, the set falls down, actors get drunk and concussed and conversations in the wings reveal far too much. It would be a miracle if they make it to the end of the play before one of them really kills someone!
- Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, YO31 8TA
- Tue 15 Oct
- 7:30pm
- More info
Wednesday 16 October
Book launch: Dust of the Earth by Tim Murgatroyd
Join us to celebrate the launch of Tim Murgatroyd’s new historical novel, Dust of the Earth, set in 1870s California and China. A talented winemaker and her brattish son flee an abusive marriage in France. Can her young vineyard in the Napa Valley restore her lost fortunes? Can love and unexpected friendship really outgrow division, hatred and war?
Enjoy a glass of wine and an entertaining hour of readings and discussion, as Tim explores bringing the fascinating world of his new novel to life with the help of Dr Rob O’Connor of York St John University.
- York Explore Library and Archive, Library Square, York, YO1 7DS
- Wed 16 Oct
- 6:30pm
- More info
Thursday 17 October
Helios
A lad lives halfway up a historic hill. A teenager is on a road trip to the city in a stolen car. A boy is driving a chariot, pulling the sun across the sky. A story about the son of the god of the sun, HELIOS transplants the Ancient Greek tale into a modern-day myth wound round the winding roads of rural England-and into the everyday living of a towering city. It’s a story about life, the invisible monuments we build to it, and the little things that leave big marks.
This unique performance will take place underneath the dome in Castle Howard’s Great Hall. The dome mural, painted by 18th century Venetian painter Antonio Pelligrini, depicts Fall of Phaeton which is the thematic inspiration behind HELIOS.
- Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA
- Thu 17 Oct
- 5pm & 7:30pm
- More info
Thank You For The Music
This international smash-hit tribute show brings all ABBA’s number one hits to the stage in a production like no other. The hugely popular show, now in its 21st year, with a brand-new show for 2024 combines the unmistakable harmonies, colourful costumes, and dazzling performances by our all-star cast.
Join us for the party of the year, you can dance, you can jive, and have the time of your life as we bring you all the hits, including Waterloo, Dancing Queen, Super Trouper, Mamma Mia, Knowing Me, Knowing You, Gimme, Gimme, Gimme, The Winner Takes It All and many many more!
- York Barbican, Paragon St, York, YO10 4AH
- Thu 17 Oct
- 7:30pm
- More info
Friday 18 October
The Big Say Owt 10th Birthday Bash! Ft. Testament
Say Owt’s first ever gig was in October 2014…which means this year we’re celebrating 10 years of sizzling spoken word poetry! So to celebrate, we’re hosting a special showcase of performance poets. Whether you’re a regular attendee, haven’t been for a while or never come before…everyone is welcome to this mega poetry party! Our special guests include Testament, a critically acclaimed poet and rapper.
- The Crescent York, 8 The Crescent, York, YO24 1AW
- Fri 18 Oct
- 7:30pm
- More info
Yorktoberfest
It’s time to party, with beer, bratwurst and all things Bavarian as Yorktoberfest is back! Step inside the giant fully-styled marquee, fill your stein with delicious beer from Brew York, grab a tasty bite from our German-inspired food stall and head to your table for some hearty fun with friends.
- Clocktower Enclosure, York Racecourse, Knavesmire Road, York, YO23 1EX
- Fri 18 – Sat 19 Oct
- Fri & Sat 7-11pm, Sat 1-5pm
- More info