So Freshers’ Week has drawn to it’s inevitable close. You’ve been introduced thoroughly to the York nightlife: ehausted the Micklegate Run, experienced Tru, Ziggy’s and Gallery. and spent half your weekly budget on a night of cocktails in Evil Eye. You’ve negotiated the crowds and explored the Shambles, pillaged the sizeable Topshop and pretty much every other highstreet store, not to mention located and raided the best vintage and charity shops,. You’re ready for something different, and here we are, with our definiteve list of the best cultural hotspots, from theatre to tearoom, that your new home has to offer . . . enjoy!
YORK THEATRE ROYAL…
Since the 18th century, York Theatre Royal has been the place for drama in the city. From Shakespeare to Pinter, a mix of plays and musicals are performed in the Main House, with smaller productions by youth groups in the Studio downstairs. The theatre also hosts monthly comedy nights. Tickets sell quickly so booking ahead is best, unless you want to end up sweltering at the back in the sky high gallery seats. Tickets for all shows are £5 for students, meaning that even with ice-cream in the interval this is one of the cheapest nights you can have. Coming up before Christmas are productions of Macbeth, Animal Farm and Krapp’s Last Tape.
THE CITY SCREEN CINEMA
With three auditoriums, the largest equipped to the prestigious THX standard, comfortable seats and (particularly) nice popcorn, York City Screen will tick the boxes for occasional-cinema-goers or the more serious film enthusiast.s. Films are viewed seven days a week with a ticket costing £6.20.
Just set back from York’s main shopping street, the City Screen building offers more than just a cinema. Panoramic views of the picturesque city can be enjoyed from the sky lounge. On the ground floor, is a cafe/bar complete with a terrace overlooking the river Ouse. Downstairs, is the Basement Bar which hosts diverse music, poetry and comedy events plus a regular film quiz night for devoted film-fans. There is also an Internet cafe as well as two art exhibition spaces.
BETTY’S TEA ROOM…
The internationally renowned Yorkshire tea-room, sits on the edge of the pretty St Helen’s square.Although the prices are likely to deliver a little blow to most student budgets, a visit to Bettys is a delicious treat, if only a one-off.
Betty’s has preserved to perfection the great ritual that is English afternoon-tea. The cafe, with its high curved windows, polished wood panelling and ornate mirrors, oozes early 18th century elegance. An ample array of both Yorkshire and continental teas are offered. The final flourish is in the arrival of your crustless sandwiches and dainty cream cakes on a 1930s cake trolley.
YORK ART GALLERY…
Featuring six rooms spanning two floors with a diverse and ever changing range of art covering 600 years, York Art Gallery is a must see. The ground floor houses the special exhibitions, which change every couple of months, and has featured exhibitions curated by the likes of author Tracey Chevalier. Currently housing a moving exhibition entitlled ‘Reflection’s on War,’ along with it’s permenant collection which boasts pieces from a diverse range of artists, from Lowery’s city scenes to religious art circa 1400, there is something for everyone. Best of all, entry is completely free.
YORK MINISTER…
With free entry upon producing a student card, there really is no excuse not to at least take a peak inside the towering mass of gothic architecture that is York Minster. Visually stunning, both outside and in, and guarenteed to have even your bored/sceptical companian staring open mouthed and awestruck at the vast ceilling and intricate stained glass windows. Be sure to check out the gargoyles in the Chapter House – no two are the same. And, for a small fee, those not afraid of heights can join in a climb of the tower, a truly memorable experience.