Get ready for the weekend.
This weekend enter a world of deception, desire, and deadly ambition at the Grand Opera House York with The Talented Mr Ripley, there’s a Star Wars farce at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, settle in for the Big Garden Bird Watch, and celebrate Burns Night with a wee dram.
Take a look at our full guide below.
What’s on in York this weekend, Friday 23 – Sunday 25 January
The Talented Mr Ripley
Step into a world of deception, desire, and deadly ambition. How far would you go to become someone else? Tom Ripley is a nobody—scraping by in New York, forging signatures, telling little white lies—until a chance encounter changes everything. When a wealthy stranger offers him an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy to bring home his wayward son, Dickie Greenleaf, Tom leaps at the opportunity.
But in the sun-drenched glamour of 1950s Italy, surrounded by shimmering waters and whispered secrets, Tom is seduced by the life Dickie leads—the freedom, the wealth, the effortless charm. Fascination turns to obsession, and as his grip tightens on Dickie’s world, the lines between truth and deception begin to blur. What starts as an innocent opportunity spirals into a chilling game of lies, identity theft, and murder. Read our review here.
- Grand Opera House York, Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW
- Mon 19 – Sat 24 Jan
- 7:30pm (2:30pm matinees)
- More info
Star Wars: May the Farce be With You
The Dark Web threatens Galactic freedom – but what’s the password?
In a period of deep unrest, rebel forces are fighting for survival. Led by Garth Vader, the Empire has created a sinister network called The Dark Web, through which Vader could travel back in time and crush the rebellion. Plucky Princess Slaya has encrypted and uploaded the password along with a desperate cry for help onto R2Ai – a cute droid. Can Fluke Skywalker decipher the message, find Only One Kenobi, enlist the help of rogue pilot Ham Solo and the legendary (and rather pungent) Gedi Master, the diminutive but powerful ‘Odour’, rescue the Princess and save the Galaxy…?
There’s only one way to find out.
- Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA
- Fri 23 – Sat 24 Jan
- 7:30pm (2pm Sat matinee)
- More info
Millie Wright Children’s Charity Fundraiser w/ 5:15’s + Five Time Steady
The third annual fundraiser for Millie Wright Children’s Charity is back at The Crescent and bigger than ever! Amazing live music, delicious food, raffle and after party all for an amazing local charity.
Millie Wright Children’s Charity is a small local charity making a big impact at Leeds Children’s Hospital supporting families of children with life threatening conditions. Their vision is for every family supporting a child with life threatening and medically complex conditions to receive hands-on practical and emotional support. Donations are always much appreciated and go towards stocking family rooms in Leeds Children’s Hospital with food and toiletries as well as Saturday Suppers and their dedicated Family Support Worker.
- The Crescent York, 8 The Crescent, York, YO24 1AW
- Sat 24 Jan
- 7:30pm
- More info
The Traitors Final: Watch Party
You are cordially invited, Faithfuls and Traitors alike, to join us for our The Traitors Final Watch Party – where suspicions run high, loyalties crumble, and one final reveal will leave us all gripped.
As the torches are lit and the Round Table awaits, we’ll be gathering in our SHOW space to witness the dramatic conclusion of the latest series of The Traitors. Expect more iconic Claudia scenes, last-minute betrayals (don’t know if it can beat Fiona and Rachel), and that deliciously tense music before the final verdict is delivered.
The event is £5 with all proceeds going to supporting Kyra’s Women Project, and in true castle luxury style, you won’t even need to leave your seat – food and drinks can be delivered directly to you from our traders while you watch the game unravel. Plus, before the episode, we’ll be airing a special message from Faithful hun, Diane Carson – a woman of our own heart who loves a fizz.
- SPARK:York, 17-21 Piccadilly, York, YO1 9PB
- Fri 23 Jan
- 8pm
- More info
Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings
Dearest Reader, Lady Whistledown has already given her verdict: the event of the season is here! Join us for a magical live music performance with Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings in York. Surrounded by the soft glow of candlelight, listen to your favourite melodies from Shondaland’s ‘Bridgerton’ series on Netflix, reimagined by a talented string ensemble.
- National Centre for Early Music, St. Margaret’s Church, Walmgate, York YO1 9TL
- Sat 24 Jan
- 6:30pm
- More info
Big Garden Bird Watch
Join us for the Big Garden Birdwatch! Every year the RSPB conducts the Big Garden Birdwatch, the world’s largest garden wildlife survey. We will spend an hour spotting birds in the beautiful Museum Gardens, taking in the Bird Feeding Station, the Orchard, the newly redeveloped riverside walk, and the tranquil Edible Garden. The results will give us a valuable insight into how garden birds are faring.
Whether you are a keen birder or entirely new to birdwatching, we hope you can join us to take action for nature. All ages and abilities welcome. The walk will be fully accessible.
The Garden Team and members of the RSPB will be on site outside the Yorkshire Museum between 10:30am and 2pm to provide advice and guidance on bird watching.
- York Museum Gardens, York, YO1 7FR
- Sat 24 Jan
- 10:30am – 2pm
- More info
Burns Night Whisky Tasting with Angus Dundee Distillers
Join us for an evening celebrating the life and poetry of Robert Burns, paired with exceptional Scotch whisky, traditional Scottish fare, and live bagpipes.
- 7 The Square, Stamford Bridge YO41 1AG
- Sat 24 Jan
- 6pm
- More info
The Crescent Record Fair
A small fair with a great selection of vinyl records of many genres. 8 stallholders with thousands of collectable LPs and 45s, and loads of bargains. Free admission. Bar open for refreshments.
- The Crescent York, 8 The Crescent, York, YO24 1AW
- Sun 25 Jan
- 11am – 3pm
- More info
Whole Lotta Shakin’ – The Shakin’ Stevens Story
Fully endorsed by members of Shaky’s own family, the award winning tribute to the UK’s biggest selling singles artist of the 1980’s, Whole Lotta Shakin’ – The Shakin’ Stevens Story is a nostalgic celebration, jam packed with feel-good Rock ‘n’ Roll!
Performing as Shakin’ Stevens, West End star Rebel Dean will guide you through a full audio-visual spectacular with his live band, including rare footage and images which tell the story of the rockin’ Welsh boy and his rise to chart-topping superstardom.
The show features unforgettable hits including ‘Green Door’, ‘Oh Julie’, ‘You Drive Me Crazy’ and ‘This Ole House’….as well as the classic songs which were covered by Shaky from artists such as Eddie Cochran, Chuck Berry, Ritchie Valens and Elvis Presley.
- Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA
- Sun 25 Jan
- 7:30pm
- More info
