A SELECTION of work by an all-female group of actors and directors will feature in the new season at the York Theatre Royal.

The productions under the title ‘Of Woman Born’ will run alongside and have influenced the planning for the this year's programme.

Artistic director Damian Cruden, said: " As an organisation we have a clear mission: to inspire and cultivate the potential of our community through the creative arts. This mission underpins everything we do; from programming interesting, thought-provoking and entertaining productions in the theatre and across the city, to the range of activities and workshops for people of all ages and the educational outreach work we carry out in schools, colleges and universities.

"We believe that access to the arts is essential to our community, and that people will thrive if they are engaged, satisfied and empowered. A selection of work has been programmed this season by an all-female group of actors and theatre-makers, looking to address the imbalance in women’s roles in both theatrical work and the industry as a whole.

He added: "These productions under the title ‘Of Woman Born’ will run alongside and have influenced the planning for the theatre’s spring and autumn 2017 seasons."

This season sees York Theatre Royal producing a diverse programme of work: a co-production of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall with Octagon Theatre Bolton and the popular summer show which this year sees us staging a brand new play Robin Hood: The Arrow of Destiny. In June and July the theatre once again with Pilot Theatre stage a large-scale community production Everything is Possible, the story of York’s Suffragettes, which will be performed on the streets of York and in the Main House by a cast of 150.

Damian added: "We are also pleased to welcome some brand new world-class touring productions to our stage, including for the first time dance from Matthew Bourne Company’s Early Adventures, the twentieth anniversary production of hit Robert Mackintosh and Idili Theatricals’ musical Rent and English Touring Theatre and Rose Theatre Kingston’s Silver Lining, written by Sandi Toksvik.

"Also returning are regular favourites such as Birmingham Royal Ballet with their Triple Bill and English Touring Opera with Tosca and Patience. Spring will also see a varied range of work taking place in the Studio; from contemporary dance, to physical theatre, puppetry for all ages, comedy and spoken word."

York International Shakespeare Festival, a collaboration between York Theatre Royal, the University of York and Parrabbola returns from May 15 – 20 for a week-long festival of events including The Watermill Theatre’s Romeo & Juliet and Twelfth Night in the Main House.

A series of performances will also take place in the Studio, inspired by Shakespeare and his plays. In addition there will be a series of talks, lectures and discussions with experts from the UK and beyond at the University of York.

Damian said: "We hope that this season will inspire people from York and beyond to be part of York Theatre Royal; whether it is to try a new and completely different show in the Studio, revisit favourite companies, take part in an activity or workshop, or simply come and enjoy a meal or a coffee in our stunning building. Our community is our heart and we look forward to welcoming you."

For full details of the York Theatre Royal season, visit yorktheatreroyal.co.uk. Tickets can be booked online and on 01904 623568.