York Theatre Royal is one of York’s landmarks, having stood proudly in St. Leonard’s Place since 1744. But what about its sister building, the De Grey Rooms?
As well as providing a rehearsal home to the Theatre Royal’s Youth Theatre, the neo-classical Grade II listed building also hosts private parties such as weddings and anniversaries and business events.
The De Grey Rooms, named after Thomas Philip de Grey, was originally used as an officers’ mess, where it later became a non-military venue for balls and concerts. It even gave people hope and positivity during World War II by putting on dances for the people of York.
Today, we’re able to see the Rooms in their former Victorian glory, as it shows off a £100,000 refurbishment.
The building has been closed for the past two months while work was carried out to breathe new life into the beautiful ballroom, cocktail bar and entrance way.
New Beginnings
On Thursday 6th September, this stunning venue reopened its doors to the public.
York’s Lord Mayor Councillor Keith Orrell cut the ribbon and was watched by Lady Mayoress Judith Orrell, Sheriff of York Mrs. Verna Campbell and Sheriff of York Consort Professor Colin Campbell.
Mike Slavin, Hospitality Manager, says: “It’s a privilege to be re-opening one of York’s most gracious buildings, after a refurbishment that captures the elegance and style of the original design. I hope to welcome lots of residents of the city to our programme of events over Christmas and via the private hire of the space for weddings, celebrations and more, as we recapture the vibrancy that De Grey Rooms should always represent.”
The building is now owned by York Conservation Trust. For several years it housed the Tourist Information Centre but is now let to the Theatre Royal.
Click here for more information.
Forthcoming events at De Grey Rooms include:
- Christmas Fair with Friends of YTR (24 Nov, 11am to 4pm)
- Christmas Traditions with York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir (3-7 Dec, 7.30pm)
- European Arts Company production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (18-22 Dec, 7.45pm)
- Burns Night Ceilidh with The Great Northern Ceilidh Band (26 Jan, 7pm).
To book tickets call 01904 623568 or go online at www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk
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