The York Realist

A Story That Will Resonate With A Divided Contemporary Nation

Donmar Warehouse and Sheffield Theatres bring Peter Gill's influential play to London in 2018. This co-production highlights the intangible pull of one's class and roots, amidst a watershed story of two men in love. Directed by Robert Hastie, this is a timely revival depicting a very real and ongoing English divide between the north and south, but also echoes the country's current uncertainty within the wider spectrums of class, sex, religion and identity.

What Is The York Realist About?

Set in 1960's Yorkshire, George, a farmhand (played by Ben Batt) has decided to give up his role in a local amateur production of 'The York Mysteries'. Sent to find the errant player is the young and enthusiastic assistant director, John (Jonathan Bailey appearing in his Donmar Warehouse debut). This meeting is the catalyst for a passionate and love-laden affair between the two men. But given the times, it is not the expected controversies of their relationship that takes centre stage but rather the story of a culture fission - that between a working-class Northerner and a comparatively sophisticated Londoner. Confronting their different backgrounds along with their opposing values and expectations, and unwilling to compromise, the two obverse men begin to see the longevity of their union as unlikely.