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York Theatre Royal
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The York Theatre Royal is a theatre in St. Leonard’s Place, York, England, which dates back to 1744. The theatre currently seats 847 people. This reduced capacity (from 863) takes into account removal of the mixing position seats and the stage side boxes which are normally not sold.
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The York Theatre Royal was built in 1744 on, and among, the site of a medieval hospital, known as St. Leonard’s Hospital [1]. Parts of the old hospital can still be seen in the modern building, including archways and walls. Under the stage lies a well, which is believed to be dated from the Roman era of York's history [2]. Twenty five years after its construction, in 1769, the theatre was granted a Royal Patent, and, accordingly, it was renamed the Theatre Royal. Since that time the theatre has undergone several renovations and upgrades [3]. In the late 1800's the theatre was refurbished into the Victorian style, including, in 1880, a new Victorian Gothic frontage, which is decorated with carved heads representing Elizabeth I and characters from Shakespeare’s plays. The latest major redevelopment was an extensive renovation of the theatre, with a new modernist foyer (architect: Patrick Gwynne), in 1967.
One of the highlights of the theatre's annual programme is the pantomime, which for many, many years has been written, directed and stars Berwick Kaler. The regular returning cast, running jokes and plain old fashioned good humour keep a devoted audience returning year after year from all around the world.
- ^ yorktheatreroyal.co.uk. History of York Theatre Royal. Retrieved on October 1, 2006.
- ^ visityork.org. Theatre Royal in York factsheet. Retrieved on October 1, 2006.
- ^ yorktheatreroyal.co.uk. History of York Theatre Royal. Retrieved on October 1, 2006.