“What we have here are human stories – unforgettable stories of peoples’ lives…”
Casting has been announced for York Theatre Royal’s world premiere of a brand-new play His Last Report, which focuses on the life and legacy of one of York’s most influential figures: Seebohm Rowntree. The cast will feature two professional actors alongside a community ensemble of over 80 local people – with Antony Jardine playing social reformer Seebohm Rowntree and Amelia Donkor playing Gulie Harlock.
The play focuses on pioneering social reformer Seebohm Rowntree whose ground breaking investigation into poverty illuminated the struggles of the working class and laid the foundation for the welfare state. Written by Misha Duncan-Barry and Bridget Foreman, this powerful play delves into the life and legacy of one of York’s most influential figures to tell a local story with a national impact.
Antony grew up in York and has starred in a previous York Theatre Royal production of Secret Garden in 2018 (co-produced with Theatre by the Lake.) Antony’s other theatre credits include Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution (West End), Pocket Dream (Propeller), Still Life/Twelfth Night (The Mill at Sonning) and We’re Going On A Bear Hunt (International Tour).
Amelia’s recent theatre credits include Dear Martin (Arcola Theatre), The City and The Town (Ricksteatern/Matthew Linley), Under The Sky (Pitlochry Festival Theatre) and Little Women (Pitlochry Festival Theatre/Watford Palace).
Juliet Forster, Creative Director of York Theatre Royal and Co-Director of His Last Report said: “We are thrilled to welcome Antony and Amelia to the cast and I am looking forward to working with them on developing the roles of Seebohm and Gulie and to see how they bring these fascinating real people to life. It is so brilliant to work on these kinds of community productions where we bring together the wonderful talents of both professional actors and an ensemble cast of local people. Rehearsals start soon and both myself and co-director Paul, can’t wait to get started with everyone!”
The show is supported by York Theatre Royal’s partner Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors as Primary Sponsor, and Benenden Health, Bootham School and NFU Mutual as sponsors.
His Last Report is at York Theatre Royal from Tue 22 Jul to Sun 03 Aug.
Find out more information and book your tickets here.
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