This autumn the studio at York Theatre Royal is once again being transformed into cabaret club The Old Paint Shop for a very special season of shows. Prepare to be entertained by an eclectic mix of comedy, live music, burlesque and more, featuring Old Paint Shop favourites and exciting new acts.
Seating will be cabaret club style and unreserved offering a unique, intimate theatrical experience where audience members are encouraged to grab a drink at the bar, sit back, relax and enjoy the show.
09 October – Evolution of Fishermen
Evolution of Fishermen are a contemporary folk band, brought together by a mutual love of storytelling, unique harmony and original folk songs. The group formed in 2021 and have since embedded themselves in the folk scene. They have played venues such as Green Note, O2 Academy Islington, Old Blue Last in London and The Crescent in York. Featuring also at festivals such as Wilderness, Deershed, Gate to Southwell, LOOP fest & Sam Lee’s The NEST stage at Medicine Festival. Join them for an intimate live show of their songs.
10 October – Freida Nipples presents The Exhibitionists
Join York’s own Internationally Award-Winning Burlesque Artist Freida Nipples as she welcomes some of her favourite & most fabulous performance artists from across the UK to YTR. From Burlesque to Drag and beyond, be sure to expect the unexpected. Get ready to be dazzled, shocked and in awe by these performers.
11 October – Anna Soden: It Comes Out Your Bum
Anna’s brain is a bum – come see all the nice things that come out of it! Comedian, actor and award-nominated pantomime cow, Anna Soden’s madcap debut comedy hour- full of songs, revenge and talking out your ass. Komedia New Comedian Semi Finalist 2025. Featured on Absolute Radio, iHeart Radio, BBC Upload, and over 11million views on TikTok/Instagram.
16 October – Fool(ish) Improv: Cobbled Together
Fool(ish), are delighted to bring a new kind of improv show as they return to York Theatre Royal. Inspired by York’s most famous street Cobbled Together, is a show where the audience bring their own stories and memories of our city to pave the way for some unique comedy. All things local are about to get a little bit more ludicrous. Join us for a spontaneous and ‘shambolic’ comedy where everything is made up… apart from the bits that happen to be true!
17 October – An Evening with Kiki Deville
With a big voice, big humour and an even bigger heart, the one and only, award winning Cabaret diva Kiki DeVille brings you a dazzling night of storytelling, sharp wit, and unforgettable moments. From hilarious tales to heartfelt confessions, Kiki serves it all—seasoned with her signature sass and a splash of vintage glam. Expect some wonderful songs, side-splitting stories, and perhaps a visit from some glamorous guests along the way. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious to see what all the fuss is about, this is your invitation to a night that promises to sparkle.
18 October – The Jazzville Quartet
Join York-based jazz combo, The Jazzville Quartet, for a joyful celebration of Latin favourites (some sung in the original Portuguese!), swing classics and haunting jazz ballads led by the fabulous Portuguese jazz songbird, Raquel Alvaro. Joining Raquel is piano maestro, arranger and composer, Alec Robinson, along with saxophone legend, Jon Taylor, and Tim Murgatroyd on double bass. Expect an unforgettable evening of diverse jazz and Latin performed with passion.
22 October – Queer Spaces: Climate Pride
Join us for a one-off night of sparkling new stories that imagine a better world through a queer lens. Written and performed by local LGBTQIA artists trying out new work for the first time, this unique performance is presented by Roots in association with York Theatre Royal and Stephen Joseph Theatre.
23 October – Karl Mullen
A familiar sight to York visitors as the busker with an upright piano playing around the Minster and Pub Piano Champion at the Leeds Piano Competition! Karl has a huge repertoire and specialises in his own unique virtuosic arrangements of material from The Great American Songbook, classic pop and rock, boogie woogie and blues. Expect a highly entertaining mix of everything from Chopin to Oasis, via Led Zeppelin and Les Dawson, delivered with a large dose of humour and stories!
24 October – The Nicki Allan Quartet
The Nicki Allan Quartet are a Leeds based jazz outfit headed by jazz vocalist and pianist Nicki Allan. Nicki’s vocal style is a definitive blend of wholesome Blues sound combined with soulful Jazz and a hint of R&B. Together they play a lively and varied set of up-tempo music with a fresh, modern sound interwoven with bold improvisation, scat and a deliciously driving feel.
25 October – The Haunted Haus of Games with The Isolation Creations
Eyes down for a full Haus of spooky shenanigans… Drag queen comedians, The Isolation Creations, are back at York Theatre Royal with their Halloween show, full of ghosts and lots of ghoulies! Join them for an evening of bingo, laughter, games, surprises and cheesy prizes…Dress in your best spooky fancy dress and you might go home with a trick and a treat.
The Old Paint Shop is at York Theatre Royal from 09 October– 25 October
Find out more information and book your tickets here.
