Exploring social reform at York Theatre Royal

York Theatre Royal will offer a strong, large-cast world premiere in June, at a time when many theatres are winding down for the summer.

New play His Last Report (July 22-August 3) focuses on the life and legacy of one of York’s most influential figures, Seebohm Rowntree. The cast will feature two professional actors alongside a community ensemble of over 80 local people: Antony Jardine will play the pioneering social reformer, while Amelia Donkor will play Gulielma "Gulie" Harlock, remembered as Rowntree's private secretary, but in reality an associate with academic and work experience that made her invaluable to his work. The play focuses on Rowntree's ground-breaking investigation into poverty, which illuminated the struggles of the working classes and laid the foundation for the welfare state.

Written by Misha Duncan-Barry and Bridget Foreman, the play delves into the life and legacy of one of York’s most influential figures to tell a local story that had a national impact.

Antony Jardine grew up in York and has starred in a previous York Theatre Royal production of Secret Garden in 2018. Antony’s other theatre credits include Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution (West End), Still Life/Twelfth Night (The Mill at Sonning) and the international tour of children's show We’re Going On A Bear Hunt.

Amelia’s recent theatre credits include Dear Martin (Arcola Theatre), Under The Sky (Pitlochry Festival Theatre) and Little Women (Pitlochry and Watford Palace).

Juliet Forster, creative director of York Theatre Royal and co-director of His Last Report, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Antony and Amelia to the cast and I am looking forward to seeing how they bring these fascinating real people to life.”

More details and tickets here