This summer, York Theatre Royal’s foyer will be transformed into a free pop-up exhibition which will feature photography, visual arts, audio, film and more as part of the ‘Sweet Legacies’ community engagement project.
The exhibition which will run from 19 Jul to 03 Aug celebrates the participants involved in the project, which has seen York Theatre Royal work with 22 community groups across the city to put on a series of fun, free and inclusive activities and events.
Tying into the theatre’s summer community production His Last Report which focuses on the legacy of Seebohm Rowntree, participants were invited to explore any aspect of the Rowntree story that sparked their interest. This could be in whichever creative art form they preferred – from music and dancing to theatre and storytelling, film, podcasts and more…
The programme has included responses from a diverse range of groups including Accessible Arts and Media, Theatre of Connections, Tang Hall Smart, Tang Hall SMART and The Place. Over 80 creative workshops have taken place all across York with the project coming to life through pop-up events, flash mobs, dynamic showcases and more.
The exhibition is free and open to all (10am to 7.30pm, Monday to Saturday) to come and learn more about the project and the Rowntree family. A new digital archive is also now live which has more details on the activities from across all the groups. Find out more on the York Theatre Royal website: https://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/be-part-of-it/adults/sweet-legacies/
Lydia Crosland, Community Connector at York Theatre Royal said, “We are incredibly proud of what the community has achieved through the Sweet Legacies project. The exhibition is a great way to celebrate the wonderful creativity and enthusiasm of everyone who got involved and brought their voices, stories, and imaginations to Sweet Legacies. Whilst it can only capture a glimpse of the journey, the exhibition aims to reflect the spirit and energy of all the amazing people who have worked with us on this.
A huge thank you to everyone who has been a part of Sweet Legacies – we can’t wait to celebrate your amazing work through the exhibition and would love as many people as possible come and see it!”
The Sweet Legacies project was supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Garfield Weston Foundation.
The Sweet Legacies project runs alongside the staging of the theatre’s summer community production His Last Report which focuses on the life of York’s influential social reformer and philanthropist Seebohm Rowntree.
The play includes volunteers in all areas – including cast, choir, wardrobe, stage management, props, hair and make-up and photography – and will runs in the Main House from 19 Jul to 03 Aug. Tickets for opening night are available on a ‘pay what you can’ basis to ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy the show. Book online or contact the York Theatre Royal Box Office.
Tickets for the 2025 community production His Last Report are on sale now via the York Theatre Royal Box Office and website.
For further information, images and interviews contact press@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk
