TakeOver Festival Returns To York Theatre Royal From 26–30 May

The week-long festival features student-led performances alongside professional shows, workshops and community activities. Student showcases include murder mystery, verbatim theatre on sex work, a period musical set in 1923 Soho, and a convict ship drama — with age guidance of 16+ on some productions.

A standout piece, Fragments of Time, uses real-life stories from people living with dementia, while Burnt Crumpets explores growing up in northern Britain, created in partnership with young people from Door 84.

Saturday's professional programme brings Paperback Theatre's family-friendly Wind in the Willows to the Studio, followed by a Comedy Extravaganza in the Main House headlined by Shappi Khorsandi — known from Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week and QI — and hosted by RuPaul's Drag Race UK's Kate Butch.

Community workshops throughout the week include baby ballet, storytelling, arts and crafts, and Pride-themed activities.
The full programme is available at the York Theatre Royal website.