************************* Seen a production at York Theatre Royal? Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes? What the dressing rooms look like? Well, now is your chance to find out the answers to these and other questions, as York Theatre Royal will be opening its doors for tours and teas from 2pm-4.30pm on Sunday 27 January, as part of The Residents 1st Weekend 2008. The event is set to be an exciting experience especially as it will be a rare opportunity to see behind the scenes of York Theatre Royal’s legendary pantomime, this year being Sinbad The Sailor. York, the European Tourism City of the Year, is one of Britain's best loved visitor destinations, and Residents 1st Weekend is your opportunity to see why so many tourists come to York and what they do when they get here. Co-ordinated by the city's tourism partnership, around 50 of the city's museums, tours and attractions open their doors free of charge to local people. On top of that, there are special deals in York's best restaurants. With so many venues taking part, The Residents 1st Weekend is the biggest and best event of its kind in the UK. This weekend is for York residents, young and old. Visitors, however, can also enjoy the free entertainment in the city centre over the weekend with local bands playing on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Antony Dunn, Head of Communications, said about the event at York Theatre Royal, “The residents of York are actually the people who York Theatre Royal belongs to, so it’s good to find an excuse to let them in to wander around, get to know the place inside out and talk to some of the staff who work here. It’s really exciting to demystify the place a bit for people – not to take away the magic of going to the theatre, but to make the residents of our community feel that York Theatre Royal is somewhere they can really belong.” community feel that York Theatre Royal is somewhere they can really belong.” To take part in The Residents 1st Weekend you will need a valid YORKCard to gain admission at each participating venue. A valid YORKCard is required for each resident over the age of five. (The old blue, white and red YORKCard is no longer valid). If you live within the City of York Council area you're entitled to a YORKCard free of charge. A YORKCard provides free or discounted entry to a selection of leisure facilities in the city, including museums and swimming pools; it is also your library card. The theatre is also hosting an exclusive Champagne High Tea for its first 100 Members on the afternoon of Sunday 27 January. York Theatre Royal Membership was launched on 3 December 2007; Members pay an annual subscription and receive a Membership card giving them a range of discounts on tickets and at the Café Bar. They also benefit from offers from other local businesses. The Champagne High Tea is generously sponsored by York’s Hotel du Vin, 89 The Mount. Hotel du Vin is a beautiful grade II listed building that dates back to the early 19th century. Formerly a private home, orphanage and most recently the Shepherd Homes building, the hotel will house 44 stylish bedrooms and suites, the HdV trademark Bistro, Bar and private dining rooms, along with a courtyard for alfresco dining during the warmer months Residents 1st Weekend at York Theatre Royal is on Sunday 27 January from 2pm-4.30pm. The tours will be every 30 minutes and will last 25 minutes. There is no need to book the tour, just turn up. For more info on Hotel Du Vin visit- www.hotelduvin.com **************************