Our Work With The York Theatre Royal Community Play 2025

We are very proud to be a leading sponsor of the York Theatre Royal Community Play project 2025, part of our #CommunityFocus activities this year.

York Theatre Royal and Seebohm Rowntree’s connection with Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors

As a firm we have a long association with the theatre with Mr. Crombie and Mr. Wilkinson, who formed what we know today as Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors.

When York Citizens’ Theatre Trust was incorporated in 1936, Seebohm was the chair of trustees. Mr. Crombie and Mr. Wilkinson were also actively involved in the incorporation of the trust, we are exploring more about the connection between YTR and Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors and if there was a Quaker connection between Seebohm and Crombie Wilkinson too.

What we are sponsoring is a York Theatre Royal Production in association with Riding Lights Theatre Company

This summer, York’s residents take to the stage to share an unforgettable local story with national impact. Our staff are looking forward to taking part in the large-scale cast, live choir and behind the scenes support for the performances which will run from 22 July to 3 August 2025.

‘His Last Report’ is a York Theatre Royal Production in association with Riding Lights Theatre Company

It is written by Misha Duncan-Barry and Bridget Foreman and directed by Juliet Forster and Paul Birch

It’s the 1890s, and business is booming at Rowntree’s Cocoa Works in York. A new factory and new products feeding a growing appetite for all things sugary. But in the backstreets and snickelways, life is far from sweet. 

As Seebohm Rowntree uncovers and documents the rising tide of York’s poverty, he is pushed into the front line of the battle to provide fair wages, health and education for all, and pulled into a time and world he could never imagine. His vision sows the seeds of the welfare state, flourishing in York into pageants and plays, gymnastics and gardening: wealth and wellbeing for the entire community.

His findings illuminate the struggles of the working class, laying the foundation for the welfare state and sparking a movement that will redefine life as we know it…

Fast forward to present day York: Where amid the challenges of dwindling public funding, budget cuts and rising inequality, the cycle of poverty persists.

What is Seebohm’s real legacy as the Ministry begins to dismantle the very structures he championed? Told through the voices of York’s residents, both past and present, this is Seebohm’s last, and most pressing report.

Find out about the production and to book your tickets to attend visit the York Theatre Royal website. 

Background of the York Theatre Royal’s (YTR) Community Production

Since 2012, when their landmark production of the York Mystery Plays - supported by 1,700 community volunteers (including cast, choir, musicians, and costume and prop-makers) - captivated audiences amid the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, they have staged spectacular, ambitious community plays every two years, drawing on local stories and often taking the city itself as their stage.

YTR’s biennial community production is a high point of York’s cultural life, an explosion of creative activity typically bringing together over 100 community performers (choir and actors, performing alongside paid professionals) and dozens of volunteers, to interpret and share stories that hold deep significance for York and its people.

The theme for 2025 - celebrating the life and tremendous legacy of York-born Seebohm Rowntree - radical, social reformer, humanitarian, businessman and innovator, philanthropist and writer - was chosen by their communities to align with the centenary of the death of Joseph Rowntree, Seebohm’s father. This will follow a well-tried and tested process for presenting an original and compelling production in partnership with local people.