York Theatre Royal Present Anthony Minghella's Two Planks and a Passion

This summer, York Theatre Royal and Riding Lights Theatre Company collaborate to produce the hilarious Two Planks and a Passion; a performance set to prove that the local people of York remain at the heart of the theatre experience. Over 60 members of the community will join York Theatre Royal’s professional Ensemble cast to perform In The Round from Fri 1 – Sat 16 Jul.

Set in 1392, the play by Anthony Minghella hilariously recounts the citizens of York staging a medieval production of the Mystery Plays, ready for King Richard II and Queen Anne’s visit to the city. Suddenly the entire community of York explodes in a fever of affectation, expense and comical posturing, as rival guilds battle it out to impress the royal party with their wagon plays.

Directed by York Theatre Royal’s Associate Director, Juliet Forster (The Crucible) and Riding Lights Theatre Company Artistic Director, Paul Burbridge, Two Planks and a Passion draws on the talents from those members of the local community both onstage and behind the scenes, and preludes the York Mystery Plays 2012 which will involve up to 2000 community members. Community Producer, Liam Evans-Ford has been brought onboard by all three organisations (York Theatre Royal, York Museums Trust, Riding Lights Theatre) involved in the 2012 Mystery Plays to develop a strong connection with local communities and help people get involved with the project from all walks of life. Two Planks and a Passion allows Liam and the organisations to inspire the people of York about the Mystery Plays and start developing relationships with the community before the huge spectacle which will be performed in York Museum Gardens in August 2012 in a purpose built 1500 seat outdoor theatre.

A wonderfully funny and poignant play about the people and history of York, this is an unmissable opportunity to see Anthony Minghella at his most glorious and real Yorkshire people performing hilarious Yorkshire characters. “This is a great chance to see how working with your community can enhance not only a production but a larger project like the York Mystery Plays. Through producing Two Planks and a Passion we have been able to celebrate the history of community theatre that York has and embrace its future.” commented Rebecca Storey, Press & Media Manager for York Theatre Royal.

To book tickets for Two Planks and a Passion, call the Box Office on 01904 623586 or visit www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.

You can also find out all the latest information on the York Mystery Plays 2012 at www.yorkmysteryplays2012.com and by following Community Producer, Liam on Twitter @LiamMystery2012 .

PERFORMANCES:

Date: Fri 1 – Sat 16 July

Times: 7.30pm with 2.30pm (Sat) matinees

Location: Main House in the round

Tickets: £12 - £18, £7 students, schools and U25s

Family Ticket: Tue – Thu £44, Fri & Sat £48 (2 adults, 2 children U16)

Signed performance: Wed 13 Jul, 7.30pm

Audio Described: Sat 16 Jul, 2.30pm & 7.30pm

After Show Discussion: Tue 12 Jul



To get involved with York Mystery Plays 2012, contact Liam Evans-Ford at liam.evans-ford@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk or call 01904 550174.