NEWS

28 November 2024

Call-out for volunteers to take part in York Theatre Royal’s

summer production His Last Report

​

HIS LAST REPORT​

A York Theatre Royal production in association with Riding Lights Theatre Company

Written by Misha Duncan-Barry and Bridget Foreman

Directed by Juliet Forster and Paul Birch
York Theatre Royal, Main House, 19 Jul – 03 Aug 2025

​

“What we have here are human stories - unforgettable stories of peoples’ lives…”

 

Summer 2025 will see the 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. Applications are now open for local people to get involved in the cast, under 16’s cast,
choir, wardrobe department and photography group.

York Theatre Royal are looking for around 80 adults and two teams of 12 young people aged 10+ years to join the community cast as well as volunteers for the choir and to support backstage making costumes and taking photos.

Focusing on pioneering social reformer Seebohm Rowntree and his groundbreaking investigation into the harsh realities of poverty, the play will be told through the voices of York’s residents, both past and present. Seebohm’s findings illuminate the struggles of the working class, laying the foundation for
the welfare state and sparking a movement that will redefine life as we know it. But when we fast forward to present day York, what is Seebohm’s real legacy as the Ministry begins to dismantle the very structures he championed?

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.

Juliet Forster, Creative Director of York Theatre Royal and Co-Director of His Last Report said: “From the outset we’ve been keen to ensure that our next community production is a real collaboration with local people. We’ve already had help with identifying what the play should focus on and support with invaluable research into the history of the period and in exploring potential characters. A huge thank you to everyone who has been involved so far. We are very excited to now open up the volunteer opportunities for cast, choir and wardrobe and give more people the chance to get involved both on and off stage. His Last Report tells a fascinating York story and I can’t wait to work with the people of York to bring Misha and Bridget’s script to life.”

Paul Birch, Artistic Director of Riding Lights Theatre Company and Co-Director of His Last Report said: “York is an actor’s city and has been making extraordinary community plays for hundreds of years. I am so thrilled to be co-directing His Last Report with Juliet and to work with such a large cast on a production of this scale. We would love all those in the city who want to continue in the tradition of making powerful community theatre to join us. Even if you haven’t acted before, this is the perfect opportunity to try something different, meet new people and learn some new skills. Everyone is welcome!”

York Theatre Royal’s last community production Sovereign, which took place outdoor in the grounds of the historic King’s Manor in 2023, played to sold out audiences. Hundreds of local people helped to make the show possible both onstage and behind the scenes.