TV stars weren’t only on the stage at York Theatre Royal last night.
The Psychic, the nail-biting new show from Ghost Stories duo Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman, had it’s official world premiere performance at York Theatre Royal yesterday evening – and among the packed audience, there were a few familiar faces in the crowd too.
TV personality, broadcaster and recent star of BBC’s inaugural The Celebrity Traitors, Jonathan Ross was among those waiting to be taken by surprise by the psychological twisted time at The Psychic.
He enjoyed the performance from the stalls at York Theatre Royal, along with his wife, screenwriter Jane Goldman. When the performance concluded, Ross was one of the first people on their feet to give the cast a standing ovation.
During the interval and after the show, he also took the time to chat with audience members and take pictures.
One audience member who snapped a photo with him, Allan James Taylor (who is also an award-winning escape artist), wrote on Instagram that ‘Jonathan Ross [is] genuinely one of the nicest, most down-to-earth person you could meet. Absolute gentleman.’
Actor Tim McInnery, known for many roles on stage and television, including as Lord Percy Percy and Captain Kevin Darling in the sitcom Blackadder, was also in attendance, along with his long-term partner, costume designer Annie Gosney.
Other famous faces enjoying the show last night included Better Call Saul actor Patrick Fabian, writer and comedian Adam Kay, Sooty puppeteer Richard Cadell, and comedian and Britain’s Got Talent runner up Jack Carroll.
York Theatre Royal chief executive Paul Crewes said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have worked with Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson on the world premiere of this incredible play The Psychic.
“Audience response has been phenomenal and it was fantastic to be joined by so many friends, supporters and special guests on press night.
“An incredible night for York’s cultural scene! The show is here until 23 May so for anyone who hasn’t already got their tickets, don’t miss out!”
Cllr Pete Kilbane, executive member for economy and culture on City of York Council, was also at the performance last night.
He praised the work of the team at York Theatre Royal, including Paul.
“It’s wonderful to see a production of this calibre staging its world premiere in York,” he said.
“Paul and his team have done a brilliant job, creating a programme that has drawn widespread acclaim and attracting national and international interest in the cultural life of our city.”
The Psychic follows a popular TV psychic Sheila Gold, who loses a high-profile court case, which brands her a charlatan.
It costs her not only her reputation, but a fortune in legal fees. When a wealthy couple ask Sheila to conduct a séance to attempt to make contact with their late child, Sheila senses an opportunity to bleed them for money.
What follows makes her question everything she’s ever believed and leads her on a journey into the darkest corners of her life. Read our review here.
The cast features Frances Barber (Rosa), Eileen Walsh (Sheila Gold), Megan Placito (Tara), Dave Hearn (Robert Hamm), Jaz Singh Deol (Deepak), Nikhita Lesler (Nisha), and Charlie Blanshard (Mark).
The creators themselves, Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson, were also there for opening night, joining York Theatre Royal chief executive Paul Crewes to welcome in the opening of this brand new thriller play.
The Psychic will run until Saturday 23 May 2026. Tickets start from £15 and are available via the York Theatre Royal website.
