York Theatre Royal, York

York Theatre Royal, located at Saint Leonard's Place in York, is a historic venue with roots extending back to 1744. The theatre, with a seating capacity 750, features a traditional proscenium stage that was reconfigured in 2011 to support in-the-round productions. The York Theatre Royal actively engages in the performing arts, producing its shows and hosting national touring groups like Pilot Theatre. It also supports local amateur dramatic and operatic societies by offering access to its main stage and studio.

The site itself is historically rich, built on the remains of medieval Saint Leonard's Hospital; remnants of the hospital, including archways and walls, are visible within the modern structure. Beneath the stage lies a well, believed to date back to Roman times.

The theatre's ownership changed in 1769 when Tate Wilkinson acquired a Royal Patent, leading to its renaming as the Theatre Royal. Wilkinson's leadership marked a golden era, attracting renowned actors such as John Philip Kemble, Sarah Siddons, Dorothea Jordan, and Elizabeth Farren.

Architectural revisions have been a constant part of the theatre's history. It underwent Victorian-style refurbishments in the late 1800s, adding a Gothic Revival frontage in 1879. The interior was redesigned in 1902, and a significant modernist foyer was added in 1967 by Patrick Gwynne. The latest redevelopment, completed in 2016, modernized facilities while enhancing environmental and accessibility standards.

Today, York Theatre Royal stands as a Grade II* listed building, recognized by Historic England for its architectural and historical significance. This venue continues to be a central part of York's cultural landscape, blending its rich history with a commitment to contemporary theatre and community involvement.

Why You Should Visit:
While the entrance is modern and functional, the theatre itself has maintained all of its historic charm, and the variety & quality of shows for children as much for adults are excellent.
The new caf茅 created downstairs, with glass windows looking out through the gothic arches, offers the expected cakes and drinks at very reasonable prices.

Tip:
If you only do one pantomime performance, make sure it is the one here 鈥� quite unique and an experience you won't forget.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in York. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Sight Name: York Theatre Royal
Sight Location: York, England (See walking tours in York)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

York's Historical Architecture

Walking Tours in York, England

Create Your Own Walk in York

Creating your own self-guided walk in York is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

York Introduction Walking Tour

Established by the ancient Romans in 71 AD, the city of York breathes history. It first appeared as a walled settlement when the Ninth Legion of Rome conquered the local tribe known as the Brigantes. The town became the capital of the Roman province of Britannia Inferior, and later of the kingdoms of Deira, Northumbria and J贸rv铆k, emerging as a major river port and part of the extensive trading... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

York's Historical Architecture

Being home to some of the best preserved historic architecture in England, York screams history and is undoubtedly the must-go destination for anyone keen on the country鈥檚 past. While the more recent history has also characterized York, it is the abundance of the ancient sites retained in their variety 鈥� from Medieval times to the Georgian and Victorian eras, and more 鈥� that makes the city... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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York's Historical Pubs Tour

Yorkshire is a haven for real ale enthusiasts and York does live up to this reputation. Many of local pubs are as old as churches, having served their clients for centuries.

There's a plethora of historic pubs in the heart of York, offering an array of quality cask ales alongside a menu of hearty British food, served in a cozy, traditional atmosphere. Low ceilings, wonky floors and open... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles

York City Wall Tour

Known variously as the York City Walls, Bar Walls, or the Roman Walls (although very little of the extant stonework has remained since Roman times) are the historic monument encircling the Old Town of York.

The surviving portion of the town wall 鈥� 3.4km (2 miles) 鈥� is longer than anywhere else in England. Built mostly in the 13th century (of magnesian limestone, and set upon earthen... view more

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Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles

York's Old Town

A vibrant city with Roman roots and a Viking past, York has played a central role throughout much of England鈥榮 history. Despite its small size, Old Town York boasts a wealth of colorful heritage that draws tourists in droves from all over the world.

The maze of historic streets 鈥� too narrow for vehicles, and therefore solely pedestrian 鈥� are packed with attractions fairly close to one... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles

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