Famous names support Theatre@41 in York

A theatre in York has welcomed a host of famous names who have agreed to ensure the intimate venue not only survives but thrives through the challenges of Covid-19 and beyond.

Theatre@41 based on Monkgate in the city of York opened in 1998.

The Victorian venue houses a black box theatre – transformed for some of the most critically acclaimed productions staged in the city in recent years – as well as rehearsal rooms and a dance studio.

Now the Charity’s Board of Trustees is enlisting a host of new patrons to get people talking about this hidden gem and making ambitious plans for post lockdown and beyond.

Among the famous names willing to wade in are York-born actor David Bradley (Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Broadchurch) and comedian Rosie Jones (Live at the Apollo, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Mock the Week).

They are joined by actors Karen Henthorn (War Horse NT, In the Flesh, The Trouble with Maggie Cole) and John McArdle (Brookside, Emmerdale, The Crucible at Sheffield Crucible) and New York playwright/composer Stephen Dolginoff (Thrill Me, Monster Makers, Flames).

The Board also welcomes Felicity Cooper – daughter of the theatre’s founder John – and the venue’s former Chair Jim Welsman who worked tirelessly within the York arts scene before retiring from the Board last year.

Theatre@41 gives York an intimate performance space alongside bigger venues like the York Theatre Royal and Grand Opera House, in much the same way London’s Menier Chocolate Factory and Southwark Playhouse are as vital to the capital’s arts scene as the big West End theatres.

Chair Joe Wawrzyniak said he approached the new patrons as part of an exciting development plan for Theatre @41.

We have a great vision for Theatre@41 and we want to shout it from the rafters. What better way to get started than to involve a high-profile group of patrons who are all passionate about the arts?

Everyone is keen to get involved – we are very lucky to have this wonderful new group on board.

We are home to York Stage School which encourages young people to get involved in performance, Pick Me Up Theatre who regularly present new writing and premieres, and Once Seen Theatre Company who specialise in working with adults with learning and physical disabilities.

We can now boast patrons who represent some of the areas of the arts that we work in.

It’s our mission to keep the vibrant, inclusive spirit of Theatre@41 going, and for this fabulous, versatile venue to continue to grow. Our new patrons will be there to help us all the way.”

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