York Theatre Royal – Monday 17 May 2021
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
4****
Oh, what joy! Live theatre inside, not having to contend with the outside elements, sitting on proper seats, enjoying the ambience and splendour that you can only truly achieve within the four walls of a theatre. It has been 14 months since I set foot inside a theatre, and it was great to be back. I arrived at my designated time, mask at the ready and joined the queue, eager to get inside. Once through the doors and temperature checked I eagerly took the stairs up to my seat to find I was too early. At least it gave me time to chat to one of staff who was busily wiping everything over.
Opening on the very first day they possibly could, York Theatre Royal showcased the many talents and diversity that local York artists have to offer. With over 200 applicants they managed to whittle down to 22 acts, performing their pieces in 5 minute slots. Harry Gration, ex local news reporter and a great YTR ambassador, hosted the show and welcomed us all back with a heartfelt speech. Over the next 2 ½ hours, including interval, we were treated to an eclectic feast through music, dance, comedy, word and poetry.
It is hard to pick out a few acts but the ones that I enjoyed most included The Art Of Losing, a trio of contemporary dancers moving effortlessly together and apart, vibrant with their neon socks. She Can Go Anywhere by Story Craft Theatre, using a sheet as a puppet to tell their story. I was truly fascinated with their ability to create a figure so effortlessly out of a sheet. Where Are We Now, You And I? This was an impassioned piece by Maurice Crichton, an active member of York’s amateur theatre community. I suppose you could call it a love letter to the theatre itself, touching on his feelings of loneliness, a part of his soul missing, not having a stage or theatre to come to. This resonated with me and I would imagine virtually everyone in the theatre, audience and artists alike.
This was a truly diverse show, not afraid of covering racism, gender identity, embracing our own individuality, through personal encounters and experiences, which mould us into what we are. It is important to have such a diverse collection, as many stories that have gone dark are now being given the opportunity to be told.
It was a show where there was something for all tastes, this whole show encapsulated what York has to offer.
What a refreshing welcome back to the theatre