Take a look at what’s going on in York this week.
It’s a super stagey week in York with The Tempest and Black Is The Color Of My Voice at York Theatre Royal, wildlife presenter Gordon Buchanan is at the Grand Opera House, and the classic G&S opera Iolanthe is at Joseph Rowntree Theatre.
What’s on in York this week: Sunday 23 – Friday 28 February
Monday
RSC First Encounters – The Tempest
A perfect storm brings a feuding family and a king together on a magical island. When Prospero escaped Milan with his daughter years ago, the chance to return didn’t ever seem possible. Now ruler of a magical island, Prospero has his chance; as the King of Naples and Prospero’s estranged sibling Antonio sail close to the island. Will Prospero take revenge, or will all be forgiven and forgotten?
This 80-minute version of The Tempest uses an edited version of the original play to create the perfect first introduction for young people aged 7-13 and their families.
- York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
- Mon 24 – Tue 25 Feb
- Various times
- More info
Tuesday
Tiny Fragments of Beautiful Light
Elsa doesn’t know why she’s never quite fit in. Perhaps it’s just the way she’s made? She’s quirky, kind, clever and funny, but school was always a nightmare, and romance was a mystery – until now. When Elsa meets Carmen the real journey begins: to find out who she is, and why there’s an octopus living inside her head.
Tiny Fragments of Beautiful Light is one woman’s journey of self-discovery: a celebration of the joy that comes when we live as we truly are.
- Theatre@41, 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB
- Tue 25 Feb
- 7:30pm
- More info
Wednesday
Black Is The Color Of My Voice
Inspired by the life of Nina Simone, and featuring many of her most iconic songs performed live.
Apphia Campbell’s acclaimed play follows a successful singer and civil rights activist as she seeks redemption after the untimely death of her father. She reflects on the journey that took her from a young piano prodigy destined for a life in the service of the church, to a renowned jazz vocalist at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement.
- York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
- Wed 26 Feb
- 7:30pm
- More info
Tangram
After its sold-out London premiere at LSO St Luke’s last year, trailblazing artist collective Tangram brings their groundbreaking production Nature Echo to York. Praised for its ‘highly imaginative presentations and truly limitless virtuosity’ (I CARE IF YOU LISTEN), Nature Echo traces a journey navigating the fragile and destructive relationship between humans and our environment, featuring guest director and performance artist Echo Morgan.
- Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, Heslington, York YO10 5DB
- Wed 26 Feb
- 7:30pm
- More info
Thursday
Swan Lake
Classical ballet’s most powerful tale of love, treachery and forgiveness. Bringing together Tchaikovsky’s sensational score with the incredible imagination of choreographer Liam Scarlett and designer John Macfarlane, Swan Lake on the big screen will be an exceptional way to experience this ultimate ballet classic.
- The Galtres Centre, Market Place, Easingwold YO61 3AD
- Thu 27 Feb
- 7:15pm
- More info
Lions and Tigers and Bears with Gordon Buchanan
Join Gordon as he recounts thrilling encounters with pandas, grizzlies, tigers, jaguars and more. Learn about the heart-stopping moments, the mud, sweat, and tears, and the tender interactions that have shaped his extraordinary career.
- Grand Opera House York, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Thu 27 Feb
- 7:30pm
- More info
Iolanthe
This classic G&S opera, set for this production in the 1960s, centres around the story of Strephon, child of the banished fairy Iolanthe, who wishes to marry their love Phyllis, but the Lord Chancellor of the House of Lords forbids the marriage!
Will Strephon manage to win the hand of their love, even with the help of the Queen of the Fairies? With a hilarious and heartfelt plot and beautiful and iconic music, this show is fun for all!
- Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA
- Thu 27 Feb – Sat 1 Mar
- 7:30pm (2:30pm Sat matinee)
- More info