Take a look at what’s going on in York this week.
The Reverend Richard Coles will be sharing anecdotes at the Grand Opera House, Jane Austen’s unfinished novel The Watsons will come to life at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, and there’s racing fun with the John Smith Cup at York Racecourse.
What’s on in York this weekend, Monday 7 – Friday 11 July
All week
The Watsons
Set in the elegant world of early 19th-century England, the story follows Emma Watson, a young woman navigating society, marriage prospects, and her future. But Jane Austen never finished the original novel, so just as a recognisably Austen tale begins to unfold, something unexpected happens…
Playful, clever, and full of surprises, The Watsons starts as a period drama and transforms into a bold, brilliant reimagining that spins Regency charm into a dazzling modern theatrical experience, exploring storytelling, free will, and who gets to write our endings.
- Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA
- Wed 9 – Sat 12 Jul
- 7:30pm, (2:30pm Sat matinee)
- More info
Tuesday
Reverend Richard Coles: Borderline National Trinket
Reverend Richard Coles is the only British vicar to have had a number-one hit single and to have appeared as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing and since the first leg of this tour, he’s charmed his way to the final of ITV’s ‘I’m A Celebrity’. Is this national trinket on the verge of becoming a national treasure?
Many would say so, but the man himself would probably disagree. Still, whether you see him as treasure or trinket, this is a wonderful opportunity for an intimate evening with one of the UK’s most distinctive voices. Anecdotes from a life well lived, gossip, wit and wisdom… and a Q and A for those curious about the jungle.
- Grand Opera House York, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Tue 8 Jul
- 7:30pm
- More info
Wednesday
The ELO Experience – Electric Light Orchestra
The ELO Experience has been bringing the music of Jeff Lynne and The Electric Light orchestra to the live stage for over 13 years. The legacy left by Jeff Lynne & The Electric Light Orchestra barely needs any introduction – suffice to say that between 1972 and 1986 they achieved more combined UK and US Top 40 hits than any other band on the planet! 10538 Overture, Evil Woman, Living Thing, Diary of Horace Wimp, Don’t Bring me Down and of course Mr Blue Sky went on to become the soundtrack of our lives.
- Grand Opera House York, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Wed 9 Jul
- 7:30pm
- More info
Kemah Bob: Miss Fortunate
Acclaimed stand up Kemah Bob takes their unmissable, critically acclaimed debut stand-up show on tour after a sell-out Fringe run.
- Theatre@41, 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB
- Wed 9 Jul
- 8pm
- More info
Friday
NT Live: A Streetcar Named Desire
Gillian Anderson (Sex Education), Vanessa Kirby (The Crown), and Ben Foster (Lone Survivor) lead the cast in Tennessee Williams’ timeless masterpiece, returning to cinemas.
As Blanche’s fragile world crumbles, she turns to her sister Stella for solace – but her downward spiral brings her face to face with the brutal, unforgiving Stanley Kowalski. From visionary director Benedict Andrews, this acclaimed production was filmed live during a sold-out run at the Young Vic Theatre in 2014.
- Theatre@41, 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB
- Fri 11 Jul
- 7:30pm
- More info
John Smith’s Cup Meeting 2025
Informal party highlight of the year with betting excitement and summer fun. Relax into the weekend on the Friday of the meeting watching high quality racing with your friends. On Saturday, who will land the six-figure prize money and unique Wedgwood trophy at the 66th time of asking?
- York Racecourse, Knavesmire Road, York YO23 1EX
- Fri 11 – Sat 12 Jul
- From 11:15am
- More info