Family program
Holiday Workshops and Creative Programmes
Booking required
Creative sessions including one-off workshops and week-long theatre courses for children and young people.
Experience a diverse calendar of live drama, contemporary plays, and physical dance in the heart of York. With its welcoming daily café and a robust lineup of community programs, this landmark venue offers creative experiences for audiences of all ages.
A landmark York venue presenting a rich year-round program of drama, dance, and pantomime, alongside community workshops and an on-site café.
Located in York, the York Theatre Royal is a landmark performing arts venue presenting a rich year-round program of classical and contemporary drama, dance, and comedy. Beyond hosting major touring productions, the theatre is deeply rooted in the community, offering creative workshops and youth programs. Visitors can also experience its lively cultural hub and enjoy refreshments at the on-site café.
Planning a visit to the York Theatre Royal in York is straightforward, whether you are attending a scheduled drama, workshop, or an occasional building tour. Visitors are advised to check performance times in advance to structure their arrival at the venue. Exploring this historic 1744 site is best coordinated around the active year-round programme of seasonal productions.
As a landmark performing arts venue in York, York Theatre Royal delivers a vibrant year-round program of live performances. Visitors can experience a diverse calendar that spans classical drama, contemporary plays, physical dance, and its signature family pantomime. Beyond staging touring productions, the venue serves as a creative hub for the local community. It hosts structured youth theatre programs alongside adult workshops and artist development initiatives. Guests can also gather at the on-site café, open daily from Monday to Saturday for light refreshments.
Established in York in 1744 on a medieval site, the York Theatre Royal is a landmark venue with a rich heritage. The institution received its royal patent in 1769 and secured **Grade II* listed status** in 1954. Its unique architecture reflects major historical eras, including a Victorian Gothic frontage added in 1879 and a modernist foyer extension completed in 1967. Following a comprehensive six-million-pound redevelopment in 2016, the historic theatre continues to serve modern audiences.
York Theatre Royal has unveiled the full cast and all-female creative team for its major upcoming revival of Margaret Atwood's The Penelopiad. The production, a feminist reimagining of the Odyssey, opens this October and features Amelia Bullmore in the lead role. This highly anticipated revival promises a fresh perspective through song, movement, and sharp wit.
Discover a diverse new range of workshops and performances at York Theatre Royal this summer, curated by the Futureproof team. These events include creative movement sessions, sound design workshops, and supportive spaces for discussing grief, as well as a showcase for emerging local talent. Most events are offered free or on a 'pay what you choose' basis, providing accessible opportunities for younger audiences to engage with the arts.
York Theatre Royal has unveiled an exciting 2027 season, headlined by a major new co-production of Arthur Miller’s 'Death of a Salesman' with the Citizens Theatre. The programme features a diverse mix of classic drama, world-premiere dance performances, and popular touring productions. Visitors can look forward to a full year of theatre, including collaborations with the Emma Rice Company and prestigious dance troupes.
York Theatre Royal has revealed new cast members for their upcoming 2026 pantomime production, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. West End star Jenny Gayner will take on the role of the Wicked Queen, while Dean Whatton joins the cast as Sarge. These additions complete a talented ensemble scheduled to perform at the theatre from December 2026 through January 2027.
York Theatre Royal announces that Amelia Bullmore will take the lead role in the upcoming major UK revival of Margaret Atwood’s The Penelopiad. Directed by Juliet Forster, this feminist retelling of The Odyssey is scheduled to run at the theatre from October 10 to October 31, 2026.
Experience the classic comedy phenomenon as it returns to the stage in a fresh 2026 production. Running from July 7–11, this reimagined show covers all 37 of Shakespeare's plays in a fast-paced, hilarious performance at York Theatre Royal.
The York Theatre Royal studio transforms into a lively cabaret club this summer for a series of diverse performances. Running from June 4 to June 26, the season features an eclectic mix of live music, comedy, LGBTQ+ events, storytelling, and burlesque in an intimate, unreserved setting.
Experience the mischievous and hilarious adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic tale as The Enormous Crocodile comes to the Main House at York Theatre Royal from 25–28 June. This family-friendly production features creative puppetry, toe-tapping music, and an engaging story perfect for audiences of all ages.
Images of York Theatre Royal highlight the striking architectural harmony of this landmark venue in York. Visual previews showcase the historic Victorian Gothic stone facade, with its illuminated arched entrances, sitting alongside a modern glass extension. Set against the backdrop of York Minster towers, these scenes invite visitors to experience a unique blend of heritage and contemporary design.
Locate historic exhibitions and heritage sites in York.
Identify museums to visit in York that match your specific interests. Discover heritage highlights and local history exhibitions tailored to what you want to learn. Plan a highly personalized itinerary through the rich cultural landscape of this historic destination.
