New season, new logo for The Joseph Rowntree Theatre

York’s Joseph Rowntree Theatre on Haxby Road is not only celebrating the launch of its new autumn season programme, but also the launch of a new logo for the theatre, which celebrates its 80thanniversary this year.

The new logo has been inspired by the theatre’s art deco heritage, taking design features found within the building to create a typical 1930s ‘crown’ motif using the green and gold colours that were used when it was first opened for the benefit of Rowntree factory workers 80 years ago.  The box around the logo is the shape of the theatre itself.

“The Joseph Rowntree Theatre is a part of York’s heritage, and we wanted to reflect its role within the city as part of the new branding,” comments PR director, Jay Commins.  “The building was recently described by an architectural historian as clearly ‘art deco’ but without so much ‘deco’ as you would expect from the Quaker Rowntree family.  Nevertheless, the roaring ‘30s were a wonderful time for live entertainment,  and this is a tradition that is maintained by the touring professionals and local amateur groups that tread the stage here today.”

The new autumn season programme reflects the eclectic variety of performances for which the theatre has become known, from musical productions of The Sorcerer (17-19 September), CATS (30 October – 7 November) and Sunset Boulevard (17-21 November), to pantomime, courtesy of the Rowntree Players, who this year will be staging Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (5-12 December).

Also in the programme are a host of dance shows featuring some of York’s most talented young (and not so young!) dancers, cabaret, comedy and even a movie, when for one day only (5 September) the theatre shows the film of Blood + Chocolate, as performed on the streets of York in October 2013.

Before the autumn programme kicks in from September, the Joseph Rowntree Theatre is hosting a double-bill of performances from Pick Me Up Theatre: Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story runs until 12 August, and Dogfight, a musical exploring the night before deployment to Vietnam of three young marines, who meet an unassuming waitress and discover what really matters in life.  The summer season ends on 30 August when The Steve Cassidy Band and other guest soloists perform a music night of songs from the back catalogue of Elvis Presley and his contemporaries in Elvis Is In The Building.

For more information about shows at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, or for a copy of the latest brochure, please visit www.jrtheatre.co.uk.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The Joseph Rowntree Theatre is located on Haxby Road, and is run entirely by a team of around 150 volunteers, welcoming over 25,000 patrons each year to watch a variety of musicals, drama and live music performances in some of the most comfortable seats in York.

For further media information or photographs, please contact:

Jay Commins

PR Director – Joseph Rowntree Theatre

Tel:         01904 500698

Email:    jay.commins@jrtheatre.co.uk