Take a look at what’s going on in York this week.
Renowned journalist and BBC newsreader Reeta Chakrabarti is launching her debut novel in York, Nick Mohammed’s comedy alter-ego Mr Swallow is at the Grand Opera House, music icon Tim Rice will be reflecting on his illustrious career, and there’s pizza and live music at Homestead Park.
This week is also May half term! Check out our guide for lots of fun things to do in York and beyond over the holiday.
What’s on in York this week: Sunday 25 – Friday 30 May
All week
Tiger Country
York Actor’s Collective present ‘Tiger Country’ by Nina Raine, is a hospital play that follows a tangle of doctors and nurses in a busy London hospital.
Professionalism and prejudice, turbulent staff romances, ambition and failure collide in this swirling, action-packed drama about an overburdened health service that we all depend on, and the dedicated individuals that keep it going.
- Theatre@41, 41 Monkgate, York YO31 7PB
- Tue 27 – Sat 31 May
- Multiple times
- More info
Wednesday
In Conversation with Reeta Chakrabarti: Book Launch for Finding Belle
Join renowned journalist, newsreader and correspondent for BBC News, and York St John Chancellor Reeta Chakrabarti for the launch of her debut novel Finding Belle. Moving from Mombasa to England and Kolkata, Finding Belle is an incredible story about mothers and daughters, betrayal, and a child who must forge her own identity. In conversation with Professor Anne-Marie Evans, Reeta will discuss her writing process and some of the key themes that her work interrogates.
- York St John Creative Centre, York St John University, Lord Mayor’s Walk York YO31 7EX
- Wed 28 May
- 6:30pm
- More info
The Carnival of the Animals
Hear the animal kingdom brought to life inside York Minster as young listeners are guided through Camille Saint-Saëns’ The Carnival of the Animals performed on the cathedral’s Grand Organ. The perfect introduction to classical music.
The familiar and accessible composition will be accompanied by a narrator sharing fun facts about the wild animals that roam through Saint-Saëns’ creation and York Minster’s history, and will include the chance to get up-close to the organ to see how the instrument is played.
- York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH
- Wed 28 May
- 7pm
- More info
Nick Mohammed is Mr Swallow: Show Pony
After a sell-out 2023 UK tour and extended run in London’s West End, Taskmaster loser Nick Mohammed returns as his critically acclaimed alter-ego Mr. Swallow with a brand new show. Show Pony has been described by Mr. Swallow as “payback for everyone who didn’t come to the last tour” and will cover everything from not having his own sitcom to not having his own sitcom… and everything in between (critical race theory). As per – expect magic, music and a whole load of brand new mistakes.
- Grand Opera House, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Wed 28 May
- 7:30pm
- More info
Raging Bill
Standup comedian Matt Price spent 18 months training to win a trophy to honour the memory of his Grandad – Raging Bill Price – after he found some boxing trophies in his Grandad’s attic. The show isn’t actually about boxing, there is a lot more to it than that. But you will definitely want to know what happens next. Most amateur fighters have their first fight within a few months. It took Matt 18 months before he was “ready.” So how and why does a painfully shy 21 year old go to a boxing gym and spend so long pursuing a sport he has zero talent for? Why does he hate Humpty Dumpty but love karaoke?
- York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
- Wed 28 May
- 8pm
- More info
Thursday
Pizza in the Park
Bistro Guy will be back serving sourdough pizzas fresh from their woodfired oven. To make things even better, we will be enjoying some live music from multi award winning York Songwriter/Musician Jess Gardham. Treat your ears to Jess’ unique brand of pop/soul/acoustic fusion, all in the beautiful setting of Homestead Park.
- Homestead Park, 40 Water End, York YO30 6WP
- Thu 29 May
- From 4pm
- More info
Sunny Side
SUNNY SIDE is a raw and powerful portrayal of the modern young male experience, touring in partnership with Andy’s Man Club and informed by the voices of over 750 young people across the UK. Combining contemporary dance, theatre, and spoken word, this socially urgent work from Northern Rascals explores the pain and loneliness that shape the journey from adolescence to adulthood.
- York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
- Thu 29 May
- 7:30pm
- More info
Tim Rice – My Life in Musicals – I Know Him so Well
The show will see Tim Rice reflect on his illustrious career at the heart of musical theatre, sharing anecdotes behind the songs – the hits and the misses along with stories of his life and live performances from the wonderful catalogue of songs that are synonymous with his name and that of his collaborators. Musical accompaniment will be from an array of some of the UK’s leading West End singers and musicians led by Musical Director Duncan Waugh.
- Grand Opera House, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Thu 29 May
- 7:30pm
- More info
Friday
A Tale of Us
A Tale of Us is a brand new play for parents and their babies. Join Ivy and her little one on a funny, frank and magical journey through their first year of life together. Blending drama and multi-sensory playtime in a relaxed and beautifully designed environment, this is a celebration of the wonder, joys and challenges of becoming a new parent.
After each performance there will be a guided Stay and Play session – a chance for everyone to explore the world of the show and meet other parents and babies.
- York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
- Fri 30 May
- 10am, 12pm & 3pm
- More info
‘A Slice of History’ Series FINALE
Dr. Adele Sykes, Fellow of the Institute of Historical Research, University of London, will be giving an insight into the reality of the day-to-day lives of the vicars choral showing how, by the later fifteenth century they were having to undertake much more secular activities in addition to singing in the choir of the Minster. Some of which led some of them to behaviours not usually associated with priests.
- Bedern Hall, Bartle Garth, St Andrewgate, York, YO1 7AL
- Fri 30 May
- 2pm
- More info
Murder, She Didn’t Write
Don your deerstalker, grab your magnifying glass and get your ‘finger of suspicion’ at the ready because Edinburgh Fringe favourites, Degrees of Error, are bringing back their multiple sell-out show for your sleuthing pleasure.
They’ll create a classic murder mystery on-the-spot in this ingenious improvised comedy. You, the audience, become the author as the cast act out your very own Agatha Christie-inspired masterpiece live on stage. At each show this extraordinarily talented company use audience suggestions to create a unique, original and extremely comical murder mystery just for you. All you have to do… is solve it!
- Grand Opera House, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Fri 30 May
- 7:30pm
- More info