************************* York's exciting autumn season offers a host of great events for all the family that are not to be missed. From world premières, the return of some of the country's leading touring companies and one very special dame, York Theatre Royal’s Autumn season promises to have some of the hottest tickets in the region The season kicks off with the exciting co-production between York Theatre Royal and Northern Broadsides of Blake Morisson’s adaptation of Goldoni’s A Servant to Two Masters giving the original a distinctly northern twist, swapping Venetian waterways for the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. The Man with Two Gaffers is an uproarious tale of mistaken identity, deception, love and longing, in which a broke and hungry Yorkshireman suddenly lands himself two jobs. But can he really serve two bosses at once and not be rumbled? And imagine the confusion when he discovers they’re actually in love with each other! The play, directed by and featuring Barrie Rutter, premières in the Main House from the 26 Aug – 16 Sept. After their success earlier this year with East is East, the theatre's resident company, Pilot Theatre, team up with York Theatre Royal to bring Roy Williams’ critically acclaimed play Sing Yer Heart Out For The Lads. Performed for the first time outside London, the play gives an account of racism, violence, national identity and the strong laddish emotions surrounding football culture. Directed by Pilot’s artistic director, Marcus Romer (Abigail’s Party, York Theatre Royal), Sing Yer Hearts Out For The Lads runs in the Main House from 23 Sept – 7 Oct. Late October sees York Theatre Royal’s artistic director Damian Cruden returning to the main house after his successes with Pygmalion and Broken Glass with the York Theatre Royal production of Christopher Hampton’s adaptation of Yasmia Reza international hit Art. The play is essentially about the concepts of friendship and value, and the way in which the two can cause conflict. One friend tries to appease a quarrel between two others over the purchase of a work of art, but in doing so only makes things worse, forcing all three of them to re-examine their friendship and the direction in which it is going. Art runs from the 20 Oct – 11 Nov. November is a busy month featuring two of the country’s best-known touring companies. First up is the return of Hull Truck Theatre with Ladies Day by Amanda Whittington. Four fish filleting lasses find tickets to Ladies' Day at Royal Ascot so they do themselves up to the nines and head off for a drink, a flirt and a flutter. However, they get more than they bargained for at the races when they enter the hardnosed world of the bookies. The sky's the limit on their posh day out. If their luck holds they could hit the jackpot! Those rich blokes and exotic holidays could be theirs for the taking. Ladies Day runs from 14-18 Nov and features York pantomime favourite, Martin Barrass. The following week sees the welcome return of English Touring Theatre with Mother Courage by Bertolt Brecht and directed by Stephen Unwin. This breathtaking play follows the fortunes of Mother Courage and her three children as they strive to make a living during the madness of the Thirty Years War. As she profits from the spoils, using only her wits and sheer will to keep her family alive, Mother Courage must make the ultimate sacrifice. A blend of pathos and dark comedy, this is an epic masterpiece of struggle and survival. The exciting cast features TMA Best Actress Diana Quick, who is best known for her appearance in the hit television series Brideshead Revisited. This timeless tale from the team that brought us last year’s acclaimed production of Hamlet with Ed Stoppard and Anita Dobson runs from 21-25 Nov. Finally in late November join Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr and Frank Sinatra for a night of partying in the West End smash hit The Rat Pack Live. This sensational production invites the audience to once again party alongside three of the most incredible entertainers and singing talents the world has ever seen. Supported by the glamorous Rat Pack Dancers, adding a touch of their own sassy magic to the evening it is guaranteed to be a sure-fire hit! The Rat Pack Live runs from the 28 Nov – 2 Dec. The Studio at York Theatre Royal continues to go from strength to strength with yet another exciting autumn line-up. The new season starts with the Ensemble and York Theatre Royal co-production of Steve Trafford’s new translation of Jose Sanchis Sinisterra’s much-loved story Ay Carmela!. Set during the Spanish Civil War, this satirical musical comedy tells the gripping story of Carmela and Paulino – a travelling double act that find themselves captured by General Franco’s forces. Pressured into staging a show for the fascist troops, they rehearse music, songs, flamenco dancing and bizarre comedy sketches designed to please their crowd. So, how can Carmela be dead? This compelling drama premieres in The Studio from 12-30 Sept. October sees the first time visit from Tyneside production company, Cloud 9, as they join forces with York Theatre Royal to bring you two new and innovative, one-act plays performed as a double bill, with Men, Women, Inspectors and Dogs and The Steal. The plays run from the 6-21 Oct. Finally from 26-28 Oct the sold-out Edinburgh Fringe Festival hit Kevin Tomlinson: Seven Ages takes a humorous look of his life and those of his audience and explores the seven stages of life via improvisation and storytelling. Drama and comedy will not be the only productions featured in this autumn’s Studio season. Children will be treated to another delight from children’s writer Mike Kenny with his adaptation of the children’s classic Jack. Tutti frutti productions and York Theatre Royal take the well-known story of Jack and the Beanstalk as well as Jack stories from across the globe, to bring you a funny, fantastical tale of a budding hero and a bad tempered giant. The magical tale runs in The Studio from 7-25 November. From 10 – 14 Oct local amateur company, York Opera, return to the theatre after last year’s success with Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers. One of the best loved of all the Gilbert & Sullivan operas, The Gondoliers followed an acrimonious quarrel between the two men, which threatened to end their partnership. Last, but by no means least, the great dame is back! Berwick Kaler returns to York Theatre Royal with a very special production of Cinderella. This year is Berwick’s sidekick, Martin Barrass’ 21st appearance at York Theatre Royal in the pantomime and is guaranteed to be one that you will never forget. Nearly 15,000 tickets have already been sold for this long treasured pantomime production. Cinderella runs from 14 Dec–3 Feb. Book early to avoid disappointment! The Theatre’s commitment to providing quality productions at fantastic prices continues with two great offers for everyone. Theatregoers now have the chance of making huge savings on ticket prices with the introduction of the Ticket Trio. For a staggering £25 people can watch three shows from a huge selection in the main house and the studio. Also, as part of the ongoing commitment to developing young audiences tickets for under 25s and students are just £4.00 on most events. York Theatre Royal's brand new brochure is out now so don't forget to pick up your copy for more information on our wide range of exciting shows. With great drama, great comedy and laughter this autumn at York Theatre Royal - there's plenty on offer to suit everyone. For tickets to enjoy these great nights out this Autumn at York Theatre Royal contact box office on 01904 623568 or visit online at www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk. **************************