York

York had its first permanent theatre building, adapted from a tennis court in Minster Yard, in 1734. A second theatre was erected on the site of the present Theatre Royal in 1744, a larger theatre, erected on the same site in 1765, obtaining a royal patent in 1769 and thereafter being known correctly as the Theatre Royal. In 1766 the provincial theatre manager Tate Wilkinson took over the York circuit, which he modified to comprise York, Hull, Leeds, Doncaster, Wakefield, and Pontefract. The York theatre was remodelled in 1822, and further alterations were made to it later, so that little of the original remains. It became a theatre for touring companies in 1877 and in the 1900s was rebuilt to counteract the appeal of the new Grand Opera House (later the Empire) in New Clifford Street. In 1922 a repertory company was installed for several weeks during the summer, and from 1925 to 1929 a summer season, extending to 10 weeks, was given by a company led by Lena Ashwell. From 1930 to 1932 the theatre was used for weekly rep. during several months each year, and in 1935 a permanent company was introduced with E. Martin Browne as producer. In 1951 he was also responsible for the revival of the York Cycle of mystery plays in the ruins of St Mary's Abbey, since performed regularly at four-year intervals as part of the York Festival. The Theatre Royal, now owned by the local authority and operated by a Trust, was extensively altered and redecorated in 1967 and still functions as a repertory theatre, though some touring companies visit it. It runs a Young People's Theatre Company which works with schools and youth clubs. Seating 899, it has a foyer wing suitable for the presentation of theatrical and other exhibitions.