YSCP - York Settlement Community Players

Direct Approach: One Step Beyond
2025-05-26 - 2025-05-28 | The Black Swan, 23 Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PR, United Kingdom
Hey you! Don’t watch that, watch this! It’s the heavy-heavy-monster sound and a new play, brought to you by the YSCP!
Steve and Kerry have been married a long time. Steve’s vinyl collection may tear them apart. Luckily they’ve got a counsellor…. And Steve’s friend Boring Ryan on hand to help them out.
It must be love, love, love.
One Step Beyond is the new play from The Direct Approach, written by Miles Salter and directed by Jon Mills

Loot
2025-02-18 - 2025-02-27 | York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard's Place, York, YO1 7HD, United Kingdom
By Joe Orton
Directed by Katie Leckey
“Has anybody ever hidden money in a coffin?”
York Settlement Community Players are proud to present Joe Orton’s Loot. A masterfully scandalous, free-wheeling and ferocious farce about life’s ultimate taboo…death.
Content guidance
Joe Orton wrote Loot in 1965, and the script is deliberately controversial and thought-provoking – tackling some very dark themes and including satirical attitudes on the Roman Catholic Church, the police force and how society views death. The YCSP production stays largely close to the original script and as such has an age guidance of 16+. The show contains adult themes and offensive language (including sexism and xenophobia). There are also sexual references and references to sexual assault (including rape and necrophilia) and references to smoking on stage.
Performances
Join us at the York Theatre Royal Studio.

Tuesday 18 Feb, 19:45
Wednesday 19 Feb, 19:45
Thursday 20 Feb, 19:45
Friday 21 Feb, 19:45
Saturday 22 Feb, 14:00 & 19:45
Monday 24 Feb, 19:45
Tuesday 25 Feb, 19:45
Wednesday 26 Feb, 19:45
Thursday 27 Feb, 19:45

Book online.
Cast

Mrs McLeavy – Caroline Greenwood

Mr McLeavy – Paul French

Fay – Emily Carhart

Hal – Jack Mackay

Dennis – Miles John

Meadows – Emily Hansen

Truscott – Stuart Green

Edith the Church Organist – Helen Clarke

Sister Barbara – Xandra Logan

Priest – James Wood

Sergeant Timothy Carruthers – Chris Meadley

Mrs Edna Welthorpe – Victoria Delaney

Keith Kevin O’Keefe – Serafina Coupe

Picasso at the Lapin Agile
2024-10-29 - 2024-11-02 | John Cooper Studio @ 41 Monkgate, 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB, United Kingdom
By Steve Martin
Directed by Natalie Roe
Paris. 1904. Wine o’clock.
On a not-so ordinary evening at the Lapin Agile, Montmartre’s iconic cabaret bar favoured by struggling artists, anarchists and intellectuals alike, two soon-to-be legends find themselves sitting next to each other. It turns out Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein, with egos as big as their intellects, have a lot to talk about. As the streets outside grow darker, the cafe is lit up with dizzying debate about the promise of the 20th century. But events take a surreal turn when a certain blue suede shoe-wearing singer from the future shows up…
American actor, writer and comedian, Steve Martin, plays fast and loose with history in this hilarious absurdist comedy.
This amateur production of “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk
Estimated running time – 1 hour 20 minutes (no interval)
Recommended age – 14+
Performances
Join us at Theatre@41.

Tuesday 29 October 2024, 7.30pm
Wednesday 30 October 2024, 7.30pm
Thursday 31 October 2024, 7.30pm
Friday 1 November 2024, 7.30pm
Saturday 2 November 2024, 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Cast

Freddy – Darren Barrott
Gaston – Glyn Morrow
Germaine – Katie Leckey
Albert Einstein – Mark Simmonds
Suzanne – Helen Clarke
Sagot – Natalie Melia
Pablo Picasso – James Lee
Schmendiman – Serafina Coupe
The Countess/Female Admirer – Emily Hansen
A Visitor – Ray Raper

It's Complicated
2024-06-21 - 2024-06-23 | The Black Swan, 23 Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PR, United Kingdom
By Sally Mitcham
Directed by Simon Copper
“I don’t normally off-load on strangers. It’s just been a really bad morning.”
In a children’s soft play that has seen better days, two strangers strike up conversation. Cora and John have a lot in common – young kids, relationships that have ended messily, a love of The Shawshank Redemption. In between interruptions from children, a grumpy waitress and hoity-toity mothers, the pair hit it off. But is John all that he claims to be?
It’s Complicated is a funny, heartwarming story about life’s beautiful messiness.
Performances
Join us at The Black Swan (23 Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PR).

Friday 21 June, 7.30pm
Saturday 22 June, 7.30pm
Sunday 23 June, 7.30pm

Tickets
Tickets are £5 on the door (cash or card). If you would like to reserve a seat, please email directapproach22@gmail.com stating the name(s) of who you want to reserve a seat for and which performance you would like to attend. Reservations are on a first come first served basis, so get in there quick to avoid disappointment as capacity is very limited!
Cast
Cora – Monica Frost
John – Darren Barrott
Waitress – Natalie Melia
Charlotte – Nicola Holliday

Auditions: Picasso at the Lapin Agile
2024-06-11 - 2024-06-16 | Southlands Methodist Church, 97 Bishopthorpe Rd, York, YO23 1NX, United Kingdom
We’re delighted to open casting for our Autumn 2024 production at Theatre@41. Natalie Roe will be directing Picasso at the Lapin Agile by Steve Martin (yes, that Steve Martin).
The play is an ensemble piece with roles of all sizes for at least 10 performers (role breakdowns below). We’ll be holding auditions at Southlands Methodist Church on 11, 13, 15 and 16 June. Our auditions are open to all, regardless of whether you’re a YSCP member or have acted in one of our productions before.
About the play
Paris. 1904. Wine o’clock.
On a not-so ordinary evening at the Lapin Agile, Montmartre’s iconic cabaret bar favoured by struggling artists, anarchists and intellectuals alike, two soon-to-be legends find themselves sitting next to each other. It turns out Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein, with egos as big as their intellects, have a lot to talk about. As the streets outside grow darker, the cafe is lit up with dizzying debate about the promise of the 20th century. But events take a surreal turn when a certain blue suede shoe-wearing singer from the future shows up…
American actor, writer and comedian, Steve Martin, plays fast and loose with history in this hilarious absurdist comedy.
Roles

Freddy, the owner and bartender of the Lapin Agile
Gaston, an older man, barfly
Germaine, waitress and Freddy’s girlfriend, seen it all
Albert Einstein, age twenty-five, genius
Suzanne, nineteen, street smart and in charge
Sagot, Picasso’s art dealer, vibrant and energetic
Pablo Picasso, age twenty-three, quick, moody, brooding
Charles Dabernow Schmendiman, a young man, thinks he’s a genius, he isn’t
The Countess, brainy and well dressed, small part
A Female Admirer, small part, may be multi-roled with either Suzanne or The Countess
A Visitor, a young singer from the 1950s, wears blue suede shoes, from Memphis

Audition information
Audition will take place on:

Tuesday 11 June, 7pm-9.45pm (Southlands Methodist Church)
Thursday 13 June, 7pm-9.45pm (Southlands Methodist Church)
Saturday 15 June, 2pm-4.45pm (Southlands Methodist Church)
Sunday 16 June, 2pm-4.45pm (Southlands Methodist Church)

Auditions will be separate and last for 15 minutes. You will be sent a short audition piece for the role(s) you’re interested in beforehand, which you’ll explore with Natalie, the director, at the audition. There’s no need to learn the material off by heart in advance or put on any accents. We ask that you also prepare a short 30 second Elvis impersonation in addition to reading your chosen part. Gender blind casting will be considered for this production.
To register your interest, please fill in this form and we’ll get back to you with a 15 minute audition slot. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to drop us an email at yorksettlementcommunityplayers@gmail.com. If you are successful in auditioning, please note that you will be required to join YSCP as a member – annual membership is £15 or £7.50 for under 30s, students and unwaged.
Rehearsals and performances
Rehearsals will start in July, an average of twice during weekday evenings and one daytime on the weekend, with a break for August. Production week at Theatre@41:

Sunday 27 October – get in and tech rehearsal
Monday 28 October – dress rehearsal
Tuesday 29 October, 7.30pm – performance
Wednesday 30 October, 7.30pm – performance
Thursday 31 October, 7.30pm – performance
Friday 1 November 2024, 7.30pm – performance
Saturday 2 November 2024, 2.30pm & 7.30pm – performances and get out

Picasso at the Lapin Agile Intro Evening
2024-05-20 19:30 - 21:00 UTC | The Royal Oak, 18 Goodramgate, York, YO1 7LG, United Kingdom
Monday 20 May, 7.30pm, The Royal Oak Upstairs Room, Free
We can’t wait to get started on our Autumn production, Picasso at the Lapin Agile by Steve Martin. Ahead of our audition call going out, YSCP would like to welcome you to an informal intro evening, where those interested in being part of the production, both on stage and off, will have an opportunity to meet director Natalie Roe, hear about her plans for the show, and have a read of this hilarious absurdist comedy!
Interested in coming along? Please drop us an email at yorksettlementcommunityplayers@gmail.com to confirm your place. If you’d like to read in a part during the evening, then great! There are plenty of parts for both men and women, young and not so young. Anyone looking to read will be asked to take a character’s name out of a hat at the start of the event and that’s the role you’ll be reading in!
More about the play
Paris. 1904. Wine o’clock.
On a not-so ordinary evening at the Lapin Agile, Montmartre’s iconic cabaret bar favoured by struggling artists, anarchists and intellectuals alike, two soon-to-be legends find themselves sitting next to each other. It turns out Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein, with egos as big as their intellects, have a lot to talk about. As the streets outside grow darker, the cafe is lit up with dizzying debate about the promise of the 20th century. But events take a surreal turn when a certain blue suede shoe-wearing singer from the future shows up…
American actor, writer and comedian, Steve Martin, plays fast and loose with history in this hilarious absurdist comedy.
Performance dates at Theatre@41

Tuesday 29 October 2024, 7.30pm
Wednesday 30 October 2024, 7.30pm
Thursday 31 October 2024, 7.30pm
Friday 1 November 2024, 7.30pm
Saturday 2 November 2024, 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Auditions: It's Complicated (Direct Approach)
2024-05-13 19:30 - 21:00 (Europe/Paris)
We’re delighted to announce that Direct Approach is back for 2024! This time around we will be performing Sally Mitcham’s It’s Complicated, which will be directed by Simon Copper in the Black Swan pub in York.
Roles

Cora (F) – recently divorced mother, stressed
John (M) – dad, joker, a good chap
Waitress/waiter – written as female on the page but could be any gender, hates job
Charlotte (F) – mother, business type, ideas of her own importance

Characters can be any age though Cora, John and Charlotte are probably similar – within ten years of each other – and must be feasible parents of young children.
Audition information
Venue: United Response, 35-41 North Street, York, YO1 6JD
Date: Monday 13 May
Time: 7.30pm – 9pm
To book your audition, please email directapproach22@gmail.com. Please specify what day you would like to audition, and what part/s you would be most interested in auditioning for. Auditions will be in 15 minute slots, so please also specify what time you would like to audition for (please note last available slot is 8.45pm). You will be asked to read an extract from the play; there’s no need to prepare anything, but if you would like to see the extract beforehand, please email directapproach22@gmail.com and we will happily send it to you.
If you would like to audition but cannot make the above date, please email directapproach22@gmail.com and we will try to offer an alternative.
If you are successful in auditioning, please note that you will be required to join YSCP – annual membership is £15. Rehearsals will take place on weekday evenings, twice a week.
About the play
“I don’t normally off-load on strangers. It’s just been a really bad morning.”
In a children’s soft play that has seen better days, two strangers strike up conversation. Cora and John have a lot in common – young kids, relationships that have ended messily, a love of The Shawshank Redemption. In between interruptions from children, a grumpy waitress and hoity-toity mothers, the pair hit it off. But is John all that he claims to be?
It’s Complicated is a funny, heartwarming story about life’s beautiful messiness.
Performances
Friday 21 to Sunday 23 June 2024 at the Black Swan pub in York.

Separate Tables
2024-02-08 - 2024-02-17 | York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard's Place, York, YO1 7HD, United Kingdom
By Terence Rattigan
Directed by Helen Wilson
TWO TALES OF LOVE AND LOSS BY ONE OF BRITAIN’S MOST CELEBRATED PLAYWRIGHTS
Terence Rattigan’s Separate Tables is set in a shabby Bournemouth hotel in the 1950s, where guests, both permanent and transient, sit on separate tables, a formality which underlines the loneliness of these characters. It has been said of Rattigan that he ‘understood our national psyche’…never more so than in this play about class, secrets and repressed emotions.
After their sell-out production of The Real Thing, York Settlement Community Players return to the York Theatre Royal studio with another play of delicious conversation and compelling characters.
CAST
Mabel | Jodie Fletcher
Lady Matheson | Linda Fletcher
Mrs Railton-Bell | Caroline Greenwood
Miss Meacham | Marie-Louise Feeley
Mr Fowler | Matt Simpson
Mr Malcolm | Chris Meadley
Mrs Shankland | Molly Kay
Miss Cooper | Catherine Edge
Charles Stratton | James Lee
Jean Tanner | Nicola Holliday
Major Pollock | Paul French
Miss Railton Bell | Jess Murray
This amateur production of “Separate Tables” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

Got To Hide Your Love Away | Play reading
2024-01-09 19:30 - 21:30 UTC | The Black Swan, 23 Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PR, United Kingdom
We’re thrilled to be hosting a play reading of local writer Jacqueline Everett’s play, Got To Hide Your Love Away, which was long listed for The Bush script reading scheme. The play reading will take place in the upstairs room of the Black Swan Inn in York at 7.30pm on Tuesday 9 January 2024.
We’re looking for 8 actors for this reading, sharing the four roles below. The reading will be followed by a discussion with Jacqueline. All are welcome to attend, if you’re looking to read or simply sit back and listen. YSCP members can attend for free and the cost for non members is £5, which can be paid on the night (cash or card). If you’d like to come along, please email us at yorksettlementcommunityplayers@gmail.com to reserve your place.
About the play
‘Got To Hide Your Love Away’ is about the 1966 football World Cup, Béla Bartók, The Beatles, love, betrayal and hope…
It is set in a Budapest steel works canteen in 1965 and 1966 during the qualifying rounds of the World Cup and ten years after the 1956 Hungarian uprising (bloodily suppressed by Russian forces). Teenage football fan, Terez, blacklisted on account of her sister’s prominent role in the ‘uprising’, is desperate to get a life. But, after Terez battles to secure a job in the canteen kitchen, she finds herself caught up in web of conflicting loyalties. And secrets.
The roles
KLÁRA FODOR (KLARI): Female. A cleaner in the factory. In her early forties. A former professor who once taught Russian, German and English at the university. Has an intermittent cough characteristic of asthma.
ALÍZ BAKO: Female. The factory chief cook. In her late thirties with peroxide blond hair.
TEREZ KOVÁCS (TERI): Female. The new kitchen assistant. In her late teens. Sporty.
ISTVÁN FARKAS (PISTI): Male. A factory foreman, and the works social club secretary. Mid to late twenties. Fanatical about football. Used to be in the Hungarian youth team.
About the writer
Jacqueline lives in Yorkshire and writes plays, poetry, and historical novels (The Road to Waterloo, The Road to Peterloo). She is currently working on her third novel, The Road to Ruin, whilst continuing to write plays. She has had various script in hand performances whilst her drama Trespass was shown on the Northern TV networks in 1997. An extract from Got to Hide Your Love Away won Script Yorkshire’s 25th anniversary competition and the full length play was ‘long listed’ for the Bush script reading scheme. This event is the first read through of the subsequently revised version.

Christmas Extravaganza 2023
2023-12-16 19:30 - 22:00 UTC | St Lawrence Church Hall
York Settlement Community Players and York Shakespeare Project invite you to their annual Christmas Extravaganza! Join us at St Lawrence Church Hall, Lawrence Street on Saturday 16 December at 7.30pm.
The idea is for a convivial get together over mulled wine and a mince pie with the evening’s entertainment coming from those among us who are minded to do a seasonal turn. We have always had a lovely response to this event since launching it in 2018. Last year we had over 35 attending and hope to match or exceed that this year.
To reserve your place, it is £6 (members and non-members if you wish to bring a friend). Contact maurice.crichton@ntlworld.com who will request payment by 14 December. Your £6 includes a couple of glasses of mulled wine or non-alcoholic punch and a delicious mince pie.
Tony Froud is again organising the entertainment and will be MC for the evening itself. He would love to hear from those of you who would like to perform as the success of past evenings has largely rested on the varied entertainment provided by attendees. We are looking for a short seasonal performance of some kind: a song, a skit, a character sketch, a variety act, a reading, a speech (or what you will). You could do it solo, as a double act or as part of a group, and be as polished or as impromptu as you choose.
To book a slot and bagsy your material (first come, first served) contact tonyfroud@hotmail.com right away so that he can begin to put together the programme. How long is a slot? Let Tony have an idea of how long you think it will take you to deliver your material (as short as you like but no more than 5 or 6 minutes). Depending on the response, he may need you to cut it down. He may have a few suggestions if you want to perform but don’t know what you want to do.
You are invited to bring something to keep the party going: an additional drink, or some nibbles.
This is not a fundraiser: any profits will go to a homelessness charity.
We look forward to seeing you there.

Auditions: Separate Tables
2023-11-08 - 2023-11-12 | Southlands Methodist Church, 97 Bishopthorpe Rd, York, YO23 1NX, United Kingdom
7-17 February 2024 (10 performances)
York Theatre Royal Studio
Directed by Helen Wilson
About the play
Written in 1954, Separate Tables by Terence Rattigan are two linked one-act plays set in a shabby hotel on the south coast of England. Miss Cooper, the owner, looks after several rather mature permanent residents, as well as more colourful less permanent ones with scandalous secrets. This is an England where class is paramount, but the 1960s and the freedom this decade brought are just around the corner. All guests eat on separate tables, hence the title.
Separate Tables was censored in its day from Rattigan’s original. This play of tension, repression and reticence is a classic and a great opportunity for actors.
Roles (any ages listed are rough guides)

Mabel: waitress (comic potential)
Lady Matheson: aristocrat in hard times (mature)
Mrs Railton-Bell: mature snob
Miss Meacham: Mature eccentric bohemian
Mr Fowler: Former school master (mysterious)
Mr Malcolm: Journalist/former Labour party MP (40ish)
Mrs Shankland: Glamorous aristocrat, 30s-40
Miss Cooper: Hotel owner, 40s
Charles Stratton: Medical student
Jean Tanner: Art student
Major Pollock: Mature army type
Miss Railton Bell: Sweet sensitive young girl

There are opportunities for doubling so ideally we’re looking to cast 10 actors.
Audition information
Auditions will take place on:

Wednesday 8 November, 7pm – 9pm (Southlands Methodist Church)
Saturday 11 November, 10am – 1pm (Southlands Methodist Church)
Sunday 12 November, 2pm – 5pm (Southlands Methodist Church)

Auditions will be separate and last for 15 minutes. You will get a script to read and explore with Helen, the director. Please come to your audition with a knowledge of the play (it is widely available and can be found online).
To register your interest, please fill in this form (https://forms.gle/M24YbU4nUVgfBw1d6) and we’ll get back to you with a 15 minute audition slot. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to drop us an email at yorksettlementcommunityplayers@gmail.com. If you are successful in auditioning, please note that you will be required to join YSCP – annual membership is £15 or £7.50 for under 30s, students and unwaged.
Rehearsals and performances
Rehearsals will start in late November 2023, an average of twice during weekday evenings and one daytime on the weekend, with a break for Christmas. There will be 10 performances in the York Theatre Royal Studio. The production weeks are Monday 5 to Saturday 17 February 2024.
We look forward to hearing from you!

Government Inspector
2023-10-24 - 2023-10-28 | John Cooper Studio @ 41 Monkgate, 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB, United Kingdom
By Nikolai Gogol in a version by David Harrower
Directed by Alan Park
“It’s not good, gentlemen. That’s why I’ve gathered you all here. An Inspector is coming…a Government Inspector!”
News of the imminent arrival of a government inspector from St Petersburg sends the bumbling bureaucrats of a small provincial town into a panicked frenzy, and not without just cause; incompetence, unethical practices and commonplace corruption thrive.
At the same time, an idiotic aristocratic stranger arrives in town. Fearing discovery of their corrupt goings-on, the townsfolk do all they can to ingratiate themselves with the new arrival, assuming him to be the forewarned inspector. Bribes abound and the stranger, who has an eye for a quick buck, takes full advantage, with hilarious results.
We return to Theatre@41 with Nikolai Gogol’s satirical masterpiece – an uproarious comedy of misdeeds, misadventure and mistaken identity.
CAST
Khlestakov | Andrew Roberts
Osip | Paul French Mayor | Mike Hickman
Anna, The Mayor’s Wife | Alison Taylor
Maria | Pearl Mollison
Dobchinsky | Katie Leckey
Bobchinksy | Sonia Di Lorenzo
Judge (Lyapkin Tapkin) | Maggie Smales
Postmaster | Matt Pattison
Head of Hospitals (Zemlyanika) | Mark Simmonds
School Superintendent (Khlopov) | Paul Osborne
Police Superintendent/Shopkeeper | Adam Sowter
Mishka/Shopkeeper | Flo Poskitt
Dr Gibner/Shopkeeper/Locksmith’s Wife | Alexandra Mather
Town band | Jim Paterson, Matt Pattison, Flo Poskitt, Adam Sowter
This amateur production of Government Inspector is presented by arrangement with Casarotto Ramsay & Associates Limited.

AGM 2023
2023-09-26 19:30 - 21:00 UTC | The Royal Oak, 18 Goodramgate, York, YO1 7LG, United Kingdom
You’re invited to the forthcoming York Settlement Community Players Annual General Meeting.
The meeting will be held on Tuesday 26 September 2023, 7.30pm in the upstairs room of The Royal Oak (18 Goodramgate, York, YO1 7LG).
Members of the general public may attend the meeting, if you wished to bring a friend with you, but only members can vote on the items put forward.
The agenda for the meeting and a copy of our annual accounts will be circulated to all members ahead of the meeting.
We do hope you will be able to attend and be involved in discussions regarding the future of YSCP.

Improv Workshop with Paul Birch
2023-09-11 19:15 - 21:45 UTC | Southlands Methodist Church, 97 Bishopthorpe Rd, York, YO23 1NX, United Kingdom
Do you fancy a go at improvisation with the opportunity to join our fledgling improv group, Unsettled?
Jump start your improv skills in our upcoming workshop, led by by local expert Paul Birch.
Paul is a playwright, practitioner and performer. He has made work with and for Audible, Birmingham Rep, Bristol Old Vic, City Varieties, Colet Court, Cheltenham Everyman, Leeds Grand, Leeds Playhouse, NCEM, Polka, Riding Lights Theatre Co, Sixth Sense, Spiteful Puppet and regular collaborations with York Theatre Royal. He specialises in improvisation and has trained in improv at iO Chicago and on the Conservatory Programme at the legendary Second City.
This is what Paul has to say about his YSCP workshop:
“This workshop will look at short-form improvisation familiar to anyone who has watched an episode of Whose Line Is It Anyway. Taking the techniques of improvisation teachers such as Viola Spolin, Keith Johnstone and Del Close, we will explore ways to create characters and build comic scenes without ever worrying if they are funny or not”.
Paul will build on his last very popular workshop for YSCP by exploring game-of-the scene and character energy. The workshop is suitable for those who are new to improvisation as well as more seasoned players. On the back of Paul’s last workshop YSCP set up a new group called Unsettled. This friendly improv group is for YSCP members only which has been meeting monthly since March, on the fourth Thursday of every month at Southlands Methodist Church. We have room for more members to join the group and enjoy monthly improv sessions with other members.
Tea/coffee and biscuits will be provided at the session which is guaranteed to be a lively and fun evening.
Cost: YSCP members £10, everyone else £15. To reserve your place, email maurice.crichton@ntlworld.com

Leaves
2023-09-04 - 2023-09-06 | The Black Swan, 23 Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PR, United Kingdom
By Natalie Roe
Directed by Josie Connor
‘The settlers won’t accept anything less than perfect. It has to be just as they remember it. Do it again.’
The not too distant future. Humanity has had to vacate Earth and start again on a less hospitable planet. A team is tasked with trying to recreate the seasons in order to keep people’s spirits up, but it’s not particularly easy…
Leaves is a gripping sci-fi thriller that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat and give you something to think about.
PERFORMANCES
Join us at The Black Swan (23 Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PR).

Monday 4 September, 7.30pm
Tuesday 5 September, 7.30pm
Wednesday 6 September, 7.30pm

TICKETS
Tickets are £5 on the door (cash or card). We’ve introduced reservations order to give you peace of mind that you’ve definitely got a seat. Space is limited at the venue (max 35) so if you’d definitely like to come book early to avoid disappointment! To reserve your spot please email directapproach22@gmail.com; we’ll respond within 24 hours to confirm your place. Please ensure that you arrive at the venue no later than 7.15pm, otherwise your reservation will be void. Please note: there are no physical tickets and you will still pay on the door – reservations are just to guarantee a seat.
CAST
Ellen | Andrea Mitchell
Joe | Ray Raper
Bryan | Nick Jones
Martina | Linda Fletcher
Computer | Matt Simpson

Auditions: Government Inspector
2023-06-28 - 2023-07-12
Calling all actors, musicians, singers, performers!
We are delighted to announce our Autumn 2023 production at Theatre@41, Monkgate will be Government Inspector by Nikolai Gogol in a version by David Harrower, directed by Alan Park.
The play is a true ensemble piece with roles of all sizes for at least 12 performers, possibly more. This means there are opportunities for every member of the York Settlement Community Players, whether you want to be front and centre, a little to the side or an enthusiastic dot in the distance.
To help you out we’ve detailed some of the more main roles below. We’ll be holding workshops at Clementhorpe Community Centre on Wednesday 28 June and Wednesday 12 July, and at Theatre@41 on Sunday 2 July. Our auditions are open to all, regardless of whether you’re a YSCP member or have acted in one of our productions before.
About the play
“It’s not good, gentlemen. That’s why I’ve gathered you all here. An Inspector is coming… a Government Inspector!”
The Mayor is in a cold sweat. News has reached him of an imminent visit from a Government Inspector. His fear is well-founded as he has been somewhat lacking in his official duties. The hospital’s a health hazard, the school’s a war zone, the soldiers don’t have trousers to march in and he never quite got around to building that church!
Surely the only possible solution is bribery; it seems to have resolved many a sticky situation for the Mayor and his team in the past! But a simple case of mistaken identity leads matters to spiral hysterically out of control. Could it be that they have met their match in the complicated business of deception?
Gogol’s satirical masterpiece is a hilarious riot of corruption, lies and greed that has lost none of its original bite.
Characters
Unless specified roles can be any age, any gender, any natural accent. All must be played larger than life.

The Mayor (Male) – Corrupt. Idiotic. Thinks he’s in control. As the play goes on he is pushed to the extremist of extremes as he tries to cling to power in his small provincial town. He will stop at nothing, double cross everyone, to emerge on top. Along with Khlestakov this is one of the pivotal roles in the play and comes with a significant number of lines to learn and scenes to perform.
Khlestakov (Male)– A terrible person. Self-proclaimed poet. A harmless coward in reality. He has no natural abilities, no job and no plan as he lurches and cheats his way through life. But as he is mistaken for the Government Inspector he inadvertently finds he is able to take full advantage of the situation. Along with the Mayor, this is one of the pivotal roles of the play and comes with a significant number of lines to learn and scenes to perform.
Osip – Khlestakov’s long suffering (and hungry) servant. Complains a lot, not clear why they stick around but like their master they are able to turn a situation to their advantage. A main role with one large opening speech then dialogue.
Anna (Female) – The Mayor’s wife. Dressed to impress but with poor taste, she enjoys the trappings of high society with no idea how to behave accordingly. An idiotic snob who is intoxicated by status. A main role with reasonable number of lines.
Maria (Female) – The Mayor’s daughter. Younger but more intelligent than both her parents put together. Sees things, and people for what they are (unless they have a moustache). A main role but not too many lines.
Dobchinsky and Bobchinsky – Double act, easily confused for one another. Finish each other’s sentences, know each other intimately. The Mayor’s go-fors and inevitably end up reporting to others what others said/ didn’t say. Main roles but not too many lines.
The town functionaries – The corrupt functionaries of the town. Happy to offer bribes to maintain their status, and all with their own distinct character traits. These are large ensemble roles, in and out of the action throughout the play.

The Judge, (Lyapkin-Tyapkin) – loves dogs, and will happily find in your favour for one
School superintendent (Khlopov) – terrified of teachers
Head of hospitals (Zemlyanika) – runs a hospital with no patients
Postmaster – Reads everyone’s mail. Knows everything. Often gets the wrong end of the stick. And it’s all really their fault.
Police superintendent – incompetent
The Doctor – cannot speak, but goes to great lengths to get his silent point across.

The rest – There’s the police force, a locksmith’s wife, servants, shopkeepers, inn keepers, waiters. All wild and wonderful characters and cameos. Some with lines, some without. All make an impact.

Unless specified in the character breakdowns above, please use your own accent or an extreme version of it. But no need for Russian.
About the director
Alan Park has performed in several plays in York, including most recently YSCP’s The Real Thing. He is also the chair of Theatre@41. In another life he worked as an actor, specialising in ensemble physical theatre storytelling. Alan is looking forward to creating a true community production where everyone gets to have fun on stage and a bit of a play with some like minded folk.
Audition information
Auditions will take place at:

Clementhorpe Community Centre (Lower Ebor St, York YO23 1AY) on Wednesday 28 June, 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Theatre@41 (41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB) on Sunday 2 July 10:00am to 1:00pm
Clementhorpe Community Centre (Lower Ebor St, York YO23 1AY) on Wednesday 12 July, 6:30pm to 9:30pm

You do not need to prepare a monologue. The auditions will be run like a workshop/ rehearsal where everyone has some fun, gets to know each other then we perform some scenes and swap in and out. Scenes will be available in advance and everyone will get a chance to read for a part they want to read for.
To register your interest, please fill in this form (https://forms.gle/dpW8X6KtY82a9hAT7). If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to drop us an email at yorksettlementcommunityplayers@gmail.com. If you are successful in auditioning, please note that you will be required to join YSCP – annual membership is £15.
Rehearsals and performances
There will be a read through (get to know you session) at the end of July. Then rehearsals will run from the end of August 2023, an average of twice during weekday evenings and one daytime on the weekend. There will be 6 performances at Theatre@41. The production week is Sunday 22 October to Saturday 28 October. You will need to join York Settlement Community Players in order to be part of the cast.
Due to the vast range of size and type of role we can try and accommodate holidays/other shows etc for the ensemble parts. Please chat to us about this.
We look forward to hearing from you!

Auditions: Leaves (Direct Approach)
2023-06-14 - 2023-06-19 | Southlands Methodist Church, 97 Bishopthorpe Rd, York, YO23 1NX, United Kingdom
We’re delighted to announce that The Direct Approach is back for 2023! This time around we will be performing Natalie Roe’s Leaves, which will be directed by Josie Connor in the Black Swan pub in York.
Roles

Ellen/Allan – late 30s, jaded, capable, sarcastic
Joe/Jo – early 20s, enthusiastic, loves poetry
Bryony/Bryan – 30s/40s, caring, talented, optimistic
Martin/Martina – 50s/60s, bureaucratic, frustrated
Voice of Computer, extremely perky

All characters are written to be gender-swapped if required.
Audition information
Venue: Southlands Methodist Church, 97 Bishopthorpe Road, York, YO23 1NX
Dates: Wednesday 14 and Monday 19 June
Time: 7.30pm – 9pm
To book your audition, please email directapproach22@gmail.com. Please specify what day you would like to audition, and what part/s you would be most interested in auditioning for. Auditions will be in 15 minute slots, so please also specify what time you would like to audition for (please note last available slot is 8.45pm). You will be asked to read an extract from the play; there’s no need to prepare anything, but if you would like to see the extract beforehand, please email directapproach22@gmail.com and we will happily send it to you.
If you would like to audition but cannot make the above dates, please email directapproach22@gmail.com and we will try to offer an alternative.
If you are successful in auditioning, please note that you will be required to join YSCP – annual membership is £15. Rehearsals will take place on weekday evenings, twice a week.
About the play
“The settlers won’t accept anything less than perfect. It has to be just as they remember it. Do it again.”
The not too distant future. Humanity has had to vacate Earth and start again on a less hospitable planet. A team is tasked with trying to recreate the seasons in order to keep people’s spirits up, but it’s not particularly easy…
Leaves is a gripping sci-fi thriller that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat and give you something to think about.
Performances
Monday 4 – Wednesday 6 September 2023 (evenings) at the Black Swan pub in York.

The Real Thing
2023-04-05 - 2023-04-15 | York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard's Place, York, YO1 7HD, United Kingdom
“Exclusive rights isn’t love, it’s colonisation.”
Tom Stoppard’s brilliant, award-winning play of surprise and wit has beguiled audiences for decades.
Henry is married to Charlotte. Max is married to Annie. Henry – possibly the sharpest playwright of his generation – has written a play about a couple whose marriage is on the brink of collapse. Charlotte and Max, his leading couple, are about to find out that sometimes life imitates art.Hilarious and thought-provoking, this thrilling exploration of love and infidelity will have you questioning: “What is the real thing…?”
We return to York Theatre Royal’s Studio with one of Stoppard’s wittiest and most moving plays.
CAST

Henry | Alan Park
Annie | Alice May Melton
Charlotte | Victoria Delaney
Max | Mike Hickman
Billie | Rebecca Harrison
Debbie | Hannah Waring
Brodie | Livy Potter
This amateur production of “The Real Thing” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

Directing Workshop with Bridget Foreman
2023-03-12 14:00 - 17:00 UTC | Southlands Methodist Church, 97 Bishopthorpe Rd, York, YO23 1NX, United Kingdom
Building on her previous workshops with YSCP, director and writer, Bridget Foreman, will guide you through the process of directing a short 30 minute play by a contemporary playwright. Participants will be asked to think in advance about approaches to staging and conceptualising a really exciting and challenging text – key skills for a director, which we will explore in the workshop. Suitable for people with all levels of experience as we will all learn together.
Cost: £10 for YSCP members and £15 for non-members. To reserve your place, email: maurice.crichton@ntlworld.com. Please note: this workshop is for over 18s only.
About Bridget
Bridget has directed plays, including classics, new writing and devised work for the National Youth Theatre, the Manchester Youth Theatre, Riding Lights Theatre Company and Sixth Sense, as well as working for several years as a workshop director for Pilot Theatre. Her productions have been staged in venues as diverse a the Lowry, Friargate Theatre, the Studio at Manchester Royal Exchange, The Bristol Old Vic and numerous schools and village halls. She directed Lucy Kirkwood’s Maryland at Frigate Theatre in 2021 and her most recent work as a writer is My Place, which toured UK venues in 2022. She is currently under commission to York Theatre Royal for The Bare Bones, a new play to be produced in 2024 and is also working on a libretto for a new opera. In addition to writing and directing, Bridget is a Lecturer in Playwriting at the University of York.

Why directing?
At YSCP, we’re well on the way with planning for Direct Approach 2023, which offers an opportunity for first time directors to stage a short play in an informal setting. We’ve received some excellent scripts and, although this workshop is not focused on Direct Approach, it will be very useful for anyone who might want to get involved.

Improv Techniques with Paul Birch (Workshop)
2023-02-23 19:00 - 21:30 UTC | Southlands Methodist Church, 97 Bishopthorpe Rd, York, YO23 1NX, United Kingdom
Our first workshop of 2023! Join improv king, Paul Birch, and explore short-form improvisation, familiar to anyone who has watched an episode of Whose Line Is It Anyway. Taking the techniques of improvisation teachers such as Spolin, Johnson and Close, discover ways to create characters and build comic scenes without ever worrying if they are funny or not. Paul will build on his last workshop for YSCP by introducing some group-based improvisation, digging further into character, energy and point of view. But the workshop will be suitable for those who have never attended one before.
This workshop is open to all – no experience necessary! Cost: £10 for YSCP members and £15 for non-members. To reserve your place, email: maurice.crichton@ntlworld.com
About Paul
Paul is a playwright, practitioner and performer. He has made work with and for Audible, Birmingham Rep, Bristol Old Vic, City Varieties, Colet Court, Cheltenham Everyman, Leeds Grand, Leeds Playhouse, NCEM, Polka, Riding Lights Theatre Co, Sixth Sense, Spiteful Puppet and regular collaborations with York Theatre Royal. He specialises in improvisation and has trained in improv at iO Chicago and on the conservatory programme at the legendary Second City.
Why improv?
Your YSCP committee think there might be enough interest within the YSCP community to establish an improv group that meets regularly, perhaps working towards a performance of some kind. To try to make this happen, we have asked Paul to deliver this workshop focusing on group-based improvisation. After the workshop, we’ll have a short discussion about forming an improv group of our very own.

Christmas Extravaganza 2022
2022-12-16 19:30 - 22:00 UTC | St Lawrence Church Hall
York Settlement Community Players and York Shakespeare Project invite you to their annual Christmas Extravaganza! Join us at St Lawrence Church Hall, Lawrence Street on Friday 16 December at 7.30pm.
The idea is for a convivial get together with drinks and nibbles. And the evening will feature seasonal entertainment, from those who are minded to do a turn.
To reserve your place, it is £6 (members and non-members). Contact maurice.crichton@ntlworld.com to reserve your place. He’ll request payment by 14 December. Your £6 includes a couple of glasses of mulled wine or non alcoholic punch and a mince pie.
Tony Froud is organising the entertainment. He would love to hear from you as the success of past evenings has largely rested on the varied entertainment provided by attendees. We are looking for a short seasonal performance of some kind: a song, a skit, a character sketch, a variety act, a reading, a speech (or what you will). You could do it solo, as a double act or as part of a group, and be as polished or as impromptu as you choose. To book a slot and bagsy your material (first come first served) contact tonyfroud@hotmail.com right away so that he can begin to put together the programme. How long is a slot? Let Tony have an idea of how long you think it will take you to deliver your material (as short as you like but no more than 5 or 6 minutes). Depending on the response he may need you to cut it down. He may have a few suggestions if you want to perform but don’t know what you want to do.
You are invited to bring something to keep the party going: a drink, a nibble.
This is not a fundraiser: any profits will go to a homelessness charity.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Auditions: The Real Thing
2022-12-01 - 2022-12-04 | Southlands Methodist Church, 97 Bishopthorpe Rd, York, YO23 1NX, United Kingdom
We are delighted to announce our Easter 2023 production in the York Theatre Royal Studio will be Tom Stoppard’s brilliantly witty play, The Real Thing, directed by Jacob Ward. There are seven fantastic roles up for grabs and we’ll be holding auditions at Southlands Methodist Church on 1, 3 and 4 December. Our auditions are open to all, regardless of whether you’re a YSCP member or have acted in one of our productions before.
About the play
Henry is married to Charlotte. Max is married to Annie. Henry – possibly the sharpest playwright of his generation – has written a play about a couple whose marriage is on the brink of collapse. Charlotte and Max, his leading couple, are about to find out that sometimes life imitates art…
Hilarious and thought-provoking, this thrilling exploration of love and infidelity has many twists and turns. With sharp, quick-witted dialogue and seven brilliantly formed characters, the relationships in this play shine and every part is a gem to play. All funny in their own right, all with their own beliefs to defend, each one is an integral part of the puzzle…what is The Real Thing…?
Characters

Henry (35-40ish, male) – quick-witted playwright. Sure of self and views, will speak his mind. Banterous. Can take care of himself. A romantic. Married to Charlotte, father to Debbie, has an affair with Annie. Must be ok with kissing and romantic physical contact. This part has a significant number of lines to learn and is a great opportunity for an actor looking to take on a large, leading role.

Annie (25-30ish, female) – bright-eyed, vivacious actress. Cheeky, sensual and provocative. Activist. Motivated, independent, driven by morals and emotions. Must be ok with kissing and romantic physical contact. This part has a significant number of lines to learn and is a great opportunity for an actor looking to take on a large, leading role.

Charlotte (35-40ish, female) – friendly but sharp; actress. A mix of Annie and Henry – was like Annie in the past but life has made her wiser; able to take care of herself and independent; an equal match for Henry’s wit and banter. Can be dry and ruthless. Can be soft and vulnerable. A force to be reckoned with but you would want her as a friend. Married to Henry, mother to Debbie. Has had a few secret affairs.

Max (35-40ish, male) – kind and friendly, keeps the peace, wears his heart on sleeve. Actor. Married to Annie.

Billy (22ish, male/female, certain lines Scottish accent) – young, cheeky actor with little inhibition. Must be ok with kissing and romantic physical contact.

Debbie (17, female) – just finished school and is off travelling. Liberal and open attitude on sex, love and life. Affectionately cuts through Henry’s wit and makes him question his views with her new generation of thinking. Independent and intelligent; energetic and defiant. Please note: this character only appears in one scene so would be perfect for an actor looking for a small but significant part.

Brodie (25, male/female, Scottish accent) – soldier in the army who has been in prison for 3 years. Against everything, wanting to cause an uprising against all the powers that control them. Not intelligent but forceful and driven in their own beliefs. Loud and unlikable and intimidating in some way (doesn’t have to be physical, just the way they talk) but covering up a vulnerability. Self-congratulating and an aversion to saying ‘thank you’. Please note: this character only appears in one scene so would be perfect for an actor looking for a small but significant part.

NB// All kissing and contact will be choreographed and planned in a controlled environment using Intimacy Coordination.
Unless specified in the character breakdowns above, please use your own accent.
About the director
Jacob Ward has studied acting, and been an actor and director for over 10 years. He hopes to use this opportunity to develop his idea of directing from an actor’s point of view, giving each actor source material from which they will be able to build from. Various acting tools will be used/taught during rehearsals. Direction will be fast-paced and interactive, and so he hopes then that this will be fun for all, but also an exciting opportunity for those interested in learning more or for actors practising their craft.
Audition information
Auditions will take place at Southlands Methodist Church on:

Thursday 1 Dec: 7pm – 9.30pm
Saturday 3 Dec: 2pm – 5.30pm
Sunday 4 Dec: 2pm – 5.30pm

You do not need to prepare a monologue. We’ll ask you to perform a duologue from the play with a partner, which will be supplied in advance. Please prepare this scene as best you can; there is no need to learn the material off by heart but be as familiar with the text as you can to allow you more freedom during the audition. The audition time slots will be half an hour long.
To register your interest, please email yorksettlementcommunityplayers@gmail.com with your name, which part/parts you are interested in, a brief overview of your previous acting experience, and any commitments that would make you unavailable during the rehearsal and performance times (see below for more details). Please also specify if you are unable to make any of the audition dates.
Rehearsals and performances
Rehearsals will run from the beginning of February 2023, an average of twice during weekday evenings and one daytime on the weekend. There will be 8 performances in the York Theatre Royal Studio. The production weeks are w/c 3 April to w/c 10 April. Please note: there will be no performances from 7-10 April due to the Easter weekend. You will need to join York Settlement Community Players in order to be part of the cast.
We look forward to hearing from you!

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
2022-11-03 - 2022-11-05 | John Cooper Studio @ 41 Monkgate, 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB, United Kingdom
By Christopher Durang
Directed by Jim Paterson
John Cooper Studio @ 41 Monkgate, Thu 3 – Sat 5 November 2022
Vanya and his sister Sonia live a quiet life in the Pennsylvania farmhouse where they grew up. But when their famous film-star sister, Masha, makes an impromptu visit with her dashing, twenty-something boyfriend, Spike, on her arm, a chaotic weekend ensues. Resentment, rivalry and revealing premonitions begin to boil over as the three siblings battle to be heard.
Winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best New Play, Christopher Durang’s irresistible comedy blends Chekhovian ennui with the modern-day concerns of celebrity, social networking, and the troubling onset of middle age, into a laugh-out loud comedy, presented by York Settlement Community Players.

CAST

Vanya | Mick Liversidge

Sonia | Vic Delaney

Masha | Susannah Baines
Spike | Andy Roberts
Nina | Livy Potter

Cassandra | Sanna Jeppsson

Helen Sant: A Storyteller Remembered
2022-10-16 16:00 - 18:00 UTC | John Cooper Studio @ 41 Monkgate, 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB, United Kingdom
Join us for a very special event celebrating the work of the late Helen Sant (1970-2022) – writer, poet, storyteller and actor. Helen’s play, Boxes, will be performed alongside a collection of her other writing, read and performed by her friends. The bar will be open – come and raise a glass in memory of Helen, an extraordinarily creative person who will be sorely missed in York and beyond. Tickets are £5 and all profits will go to a cause Helen supported.
Boxes by Helen Sant, directed by Natalie Roe
‘There’s something weird about not knowing what you’re packing. I want to take a peek so badly…’
Jack, Sandra, Pam and Neil are packing boxes. None of them can say it’s their dream job but the money’s suspiciously good and it’s only temporary so… why not? If only boss Marnie wasn’t such a tyrant. And weird. Seriously weird. As their long shift continues, secrets and strange goings-on soon threaten to engulf the team. Who can they really trust? And what exactly is in the boxes they’re packing?

Boxes
2022-10-10 - 2022-10-12 | The Black Swan, 23 Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PR, United Kingdom
By Helen Sant
Directed by Natalie Roe
For York Settlement Community Players
‘There’s something weird about not knowing what you’re packing. I want to take a peek so badly…’
Jack, Sandra, Pam and Neil are packing boxes. None of them can say it’s their dream job but the money’s suspiciously good and it’s only temporary so… why not? If only boss Marnie wasn’t such a tyrant. And weird. Seriously weird.
As their long shift continues, secrets and strange goings-on soon threaten to engulf the team. Who can they really trust? And what exactly is in the boxes they’re packing?
PERFORMANCES
Join us at The Black Swan (23 Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PR).

Monday 10 October, 7.30pm
Tuesday 11 October, 7.30pm
Wednesday 12 October, 7.30pm

TICKETS
Tickets are £5 on the door (cash or card). We’ve introduced reservations order to give you peace of mind that you’ve definitely got a seat. Space is limited at the venue (max 35) so if you’d definitely like to come book early to avoid disappointment! To reserve your spot please email directapproach22@gmail.com; we’ll respond within 24 hours to confirm your place. Please ensure that you arrive at the venue no later than 7.15pm, otherwise your reservation will be void. Please note: there are no physical tickets and you will still pay on the door – reservations are just to guarantee a seat.
THE CAST

Jack | Darren Barrott
Sandra | Jess Murray
Marnie | Ray Raper
Neil | Edward Hammond
Pam | Emily Hansen

Boxes (Direct Approach) Auditions
2022-08-30 - 2022-08-31 | Southlands Methodist Church, 97 Bishopthorpe Rd, York, YO23 1NX, United Kingdom
After the success of Night Secrets, we’re thrilled to announce that Direct Approach returns this Autumn! And we’re looking for a cast of five to star in Helen Sant’s Boxes. This YSCP Direct Approach production will be directed by Natalie Roe with three performances at The Black Swan pub in York in October, plus an extra special performance at Theatre@41.
ROLES

Jack (M): 40s/50s, working class bloke, ground down by the system
Sandra (F): 40s/50s, jaded by life
Marnie (F): 30s, a power-crazed scientific genius with no empathy
Neil (M): early 20s, everyday sort of chap, a bit odd, graduate from RADA
Pam (F): 40s/50s, bubbly, infectious personality

AUDITION INFO
Venue: Southlands Methodist Church, 97 Bishopthorpe Road, York, YO23 1NX
Dates: Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 August
Time: 7.30pm – 9pm
To book your audition, please email directapproach22@gmail.com. Please specify what day you would like to audition, and what part/s you would be most interested in auditioning for. Auditions will be in 15 minute slots, so please also specify what time you would like to audition for (please note last available slot is 8.45pm). You will be asked to read an extract from the play; there’s no need to prepare anything, but if you would like to see the extract beforehand, please email directapproach22@gmail.com and we will happily send it to you.
If you would like to audition but cannot make the above dates, please email directapproach22@gmail.com and we will try to offer an alternative.
If you are successful in auditioning please note that you will be required to join YSCP – annual membership is £15. Rehearsals will take place on weekday evenings, twice a week.
THE PLAY
‘There’s something weird about not knowing what you’re packing. I want to take a peek so badly…’
Jack, Sandra, Pam and Neil are packing boxes. None of them can say it’s their dream job but the money’s suspiciously good and it’s only temporary so… why not? If only boss Marnie wasn’t such a tyrant. And weird. Seriously weird.
As their long shift continues, secrets and strange goings-on soon threaten to engulf the team. Who can they really trust? And what exactly is in the boxes they’re packing?
PERFORMANCES
Monday 10 – Wednesday 12 October 2022 (evenings) at The Black Swan pub in York, plus Sunday 16 October 2022 (evening) at Theatre@41.

Auditions: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
2022-07-14 19:30 - 21:30 UTC | Southlands Methodist Church, 97 Bishopthorpe Rd, York, YO23 1NX, United Kingdom
We are delighted to announce that our autumn production at Theatre@41 will be the hit Broadway comedy, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike by Christopher Durang, directed by Jim Paterson.
Playing with classic Chekhovian situations, but taking them in hilarious new directions that anyone can enjoy, the play tells the story of Vanya and Sonia, who live a quiet life in the Pennsylvania farmhouse where they grew up. But their peace is shattered when their movie star sister Masha returns unannounced with her twentysomething toyboy Spike. A weekend of rivalry, regret and raucousness begins…
This is a brilliantly funny play, with six very different roles that are a treat for comic actors who enjoy scratching past the surface to find the sadness underneath – offering the opportunity for “comic acting raised to the level of high art” (New York Times).
CHARACTERS

Vanya (M, 50s) – Resigned to his life, more or less, at least compared to Sonia
Sonia (F, early 50s) – Vanya’s adopted sister who lives with him. Discontented, upset, regretful
Masha (F, 50s) – Their sister. Glamorous and successful globetrotting actress
Spike (M, 20s) – Aspiring actor, sexy, self-absorbed. Masha’s new companion. NB – Actor playing Spike needs to be physically fit and comfortable being in their underwear on stage
Nina (F, early 20s) – Lovely, sincere, would-be actress. Starstruck and energetic
Cassandra (F, any age) – Cleaning lady and soothsayer. Odd, very odd

AUDITION INFO
Auditions will take place at Southlands Methodist Church on:

Thursday 14 July (7.30pm – 9.30pm)
Sunday 17 July (1pm – 4pm)
Tuesday 19 July (7pm – 9.30pm)

You do not need to prepare a monologue. We’ll ask you to perform an extract from the play with a partner, which will be supplied in advance. The play is set in Pennsylvania and you will need to be able to perform (or have ability to learn) a decent American accent. We will provide you with a half hour audition time slot.
To register your interest, please email yorksettlementcommunityplayers@gmail.com with your name, which part you are interested in, a brief overview of your previous acting experience, and any commitments that would make you unavailable during the rehearsal and performance times (see below for more details). Please also specify if you are unable to make any of the audition dates.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFO
Rehearsals will run from Sunday 4 September, an average of twice during weekday evenings and one daytime on the weekend. Production week is w/c 31 October, with four performances from 3-5 November. You will need to join York Settlement Community Players in order to be part of the cast.
We can’t wait to hear from you!

Improvisation Techniques led by Paul Birch
2022-06-27 19:00 - 21:30 UTC | Southlands Methodist Church, 97 Bishopthorpe Rd, York, YO23 1NX, United Kingdom
This workshop led by playwright, practitioner and performer Paul Birch, will look at short-form improvisation familiar to anyone who has watched an episode of Whose Line Is It Anyway. Taking the techniques of improvisation teachers such as Spolin, Johnson and Close we will explore ways to create characters and build comic scenes without ever worrying if they are funny or not. Many of the session’s key principles might also be used as a resource for directors and actors in preparation for work on scripted texts.
Paul Birch has made work with and for Audible, Birmingham Rep, City Varieties, Colet Court, Cheltenham Everyman, Leeds Grand, NCEM, Polka, Riding Lights Theatre Co, Sixth Sense, Spiteful Puppet, West Yorkshire Playhouse, and regular collaborations with York Theatre Royal. He specialises in improvisation and has trained in improv at iO Chicago and on the conservatory programme at the legendary Second City.
When: Monday 27 June 2022, 7pm – 9.30pm
Where: Southlands Methodist Church, Room 2
Cost: £10 for YSCP Members, £15 for non-members
Book: To reserve your place, email Maurice Crichton at maurice.crichton@ntlworld.com

Night Secrets
2022-06-20 19:30 - 2022-06-22 20:30 UTC | The Black Swan, 23 Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PR, United Kingdom
By Andrew Crowther
Directed by Rosy Rowley
For York Settlement Community Players
‘One. Where’s the car? Two. Who did you pick up? Three. What the hell did you think you were doing?’
Jim has lost Big Frank’s car. And Brian says Big Frank is not happy. And you REALLY want to keep Big Frank happy…
In the early hours of the morning, Jim and Brian go over the chain of events from that fateful night. But what connects is a hitchhiker, a coat, a gun and a phone number? And what is in the boot of that car?
Night Secrets is a laugh-out-loud comedy thriller that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat.
PERFORMANCES
Join us at The Black Swan (23 Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PR).

Monday 20 June, 7.30pm
Tuesday 21 June, 7.30pm
Wednesday 22 June, 7.30pm

TICKETS
Tickets are £5 on the door (cash or card). We’ve introduced reservations order to give you peace of mind that you’ve definitely got a seat. Space is limited at the venue (max 35) so if you’d definitely like to come book early to avoid disappointment! To reserve your spot please email directapproach22@gmail.com; we’ll respond within 24 hours to confirm your place. Please ensure that you arrive at the venue no later than 7.15pm, otherwise your reservation will be void. Please note: there are no physical tickets and you will still pay on the door – reservations are just to guarantee a seat.
THE CAST

Brain | Paul Mason
Jim | Matt Pattison
Gavin | Ray Raper
Brenda | Andrea Mitchell

Auditioning Workshop with Matt Harper-Hardcastle
2022-05-15 14:00 - 17:00 UTC | Southlands Methodist Church, 97 Bishopthorpe Rd, York, YO23 1NX, United Kingdom
Auditions can be tricky things – what monologue to pick, how to prepare, how to put yourself across in the studio, and with little to no feedback given it is difficult to know where to go next. This workshop aims to give everyone involved not only the tools to feel confident when auditioning, but to be able to leave having trialled speeches and received supportive feedback for your continued development.
This workshop is led by Matt Harper-Hardcastle, a professional theatre maker based in York. He has written work and directed productions for York Theatre Royal, Grand Opera House York, Leeds Grand Theatre, York St John University, Upstage Centre Youth Theatre, Fuse Theatre and Once Seen Theatre Company. Matt is the Artistic Director of his own theatre company, Next Door But One; an award-winning York theatre company with an applied practice focus. Recent work with the company has included his original script Any Mother Would (Great Yorkshire Fringe and York Disability Pride), Laura Wade’s Colder Than Here (York’s Dead Good Festival) and a new adaptation of Phillip Pullman’s The Firework Maker’s Daughter for neurodiverse audiences and their families.
Attendees are asked to bring a prepared short monologue of their choice (max 3 minutes), that best represents them as an actor (please bring a printed copy with you too).
When: Sunday 15 May 2022, 2pm – 5pm
Where: Southlands Methodist Church, Room 2
Cost: £10 for YSCP Members, £15 for non-members
Book: To reserve your place, email Maurice Crichton at maurice.crichton@ntlworld.com
