York

Theatre-goers walk out and demand refund ‘because play had Yorkshire accents’ in it

"But that's one of the wonderful things about Northern Broadsides. Making Shakespeare sound like real world conversation, not 1950s RP."

Sophie Smith Sophie Smith - 28th March 2022

Well what else would you expect from a performance in Yorkshire, by northern actors?

Theatre-goers in York have complained about the number of Yorkshire accents featured in a recent performance of Shakespeare's 'As You Like It' play.

Tom Bird, the Chief Executive of York Theatre tweeted to share the absurd complaint earlier today.

Read More: West End hit Charlie and the Chocolate: The Musical is coming to Leeds

The tweet stated "We've got a complaint this morning @YorkTheatre from someone who left an hour of @NBroadsides #AsYouLikeIt last week, because it had "Yorkshire accents" in it. That's Yorkshire accents, right here in Yorkshire. They want a refund".

The statement has continued to attract attention from theatre enthusiasts and novices alike, none of which can fathom the reason for the complaint.

One comment said: "The production is brilliant! Loved every single second of it! Shakespeare performed as it was meant to be performed .. what did they want? Olivier style Received Pronunciation? Ye Gods."

Others stuck up for the representation of Northern actors in the play: "But that's one of the wonderful things about Northern Broadsides. Making Shakespeare sound like real world conversation, not 1950s RP."

The Northern Broadsides Theatre Company is a Halifax-based performance company that celebrates Northern voices through Shakespeare and classics, so really, the complainer in question read nothing about the play in advance.

Image: Northern Broadsides

Celebrating their first full production performance without restrictions since the beginning of the pandemic and the company's 30th anniversary, Northern Broadsides Theatre Company toured the York Theatre Royal from 26 - 26 March, putting on numerous performances of Shakespeare's As You Like It with a  multi-cultural, gender diverse cast.

Described as Shakespeare's "most musical and much-loved comedy", the cast of the play have been revelling in the complaint, proudly tackling any question of their northern accents head on.

It really does appear that the only person that believes northern voices aren't supposed to be in Shakespeare is the complaint in question- with not a single response online taking their side.

Read More: Leeds’ young performers can audition for talent company that works with Peaky Blinders, Sex Education and the West End

As You Like It by Northern Broadsides Theatre Company is continuing to tour around the UK throughout spring and summer 2022, including plenty of performances here in Yorkshire.

The theatre company are due to take over Leeds Playhouse from Tuesday 17 May - Saturday 21 May 2022 and Harrogate Theatre in July.

Feature Image- Northern Broadsides

York

The UK’s Top 50 Gastropubs have been revealed – and six are in Yorkshire

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

The Top 50 gastropubs in the UK have been revealed, and it’s safe to say we’re well and truly spoilt here in Yorkshire.

This year’s prestigious Estrella Damn Gastropubs awards, also known as the ‘pub Oscars’, took place this week - and a whopping six Yorkshire pubs have made it onto the list.

Coming in at number 5 is The Star Inn (Harome, North Yorkshire), a critically acclaimed Michelin-star pub that has had a turbulent few years after burning down in 2020 and reopening only in late 2021.

This certainly hasn't stopped the pub winning numerous accolades since, and it's not hard to see why with when it's described as "the perfect country pub" by the prestigious awards.

Coming in just behind at number six is The Angel (Hetton, Skipton), praised for its "pub food reimagined in a cosy environment that looks out across stunning landscapes."

At number 12 is The Abbey Inn (Byland, North York Moors), the third venue from The Great British Menu' winner and Michelin-starred chef Tommy Banks.

This spot also won Sustainable Pub of the Year for 2025, so it's safe to say its scooping up the accolades left, right and centre.

Coming in at number 30 is the one we're most excited about it has to be said, The Highland Laddie is our very own city centre pub that has taken the foodie world by storm since it opened back in May last year.

Having just received a glowing review from Jay Rayner and bagging the Good Food Guide's Best Pub in Britain for 2025, this is a spot we're very proud to have in our city.

The Pipe and Glass (South Dalton, Yorkshire) has been placed at number 31 where guests can dine on "hearty and moreish dishes only, cooked from the heart."

And finally for our delicious county, at number 49 is The Shibden Mill Inn (Halifax, Yorkshire), which has held a spot on the list since 2020 and also snapped the title of Best Pub for Food at the 2022 Great British Pub Awards.

You can take a look at the full list here.

Read more: ‘The pub that refused to die’ – reborn Leeds pub receives glowing national review by Jay Rayner

Featured image - The Angel at Hetton

York

Yorkshire railways to receive huge investment as government unveils £45 billion Northern Powerhouse Rail project

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Regional leaders have confirmed a rail project in the North of England with first improvements taking place in Yorkshire.

The long-awaited Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) project will see a whopping £45 billion worth of upgrades.

The first phase will see the construction of a new station in Bradford followed by upgrades in Leeds, York and Sheffield.

The electrification of lines between Sheffield and Leeds, Leeds and York and Leeds and Bradford will be the first priority and is expected to be completed in the 2030s.

The scheme has been described as "a once in a generation commitment to improving transport across the North".

Announcing the scheme, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "I spent three happy years in Leeds as a university student, a vibrant city I was proud to call home, but I've seen first-hand what underinvestment and empty pledges do to cities across the North.

"This government is rolling up its sleeves to deliver real, lasting change for millions of people through a major new rail network across the North that will deliver faster, more frequent services."

"This cycle has to end. No more paying lip service to the potential of the North, but backing it to the hilt. That's why this government is rolling up its sleeves to deliver real, lasting change for millions of people through Northern Powerhouse Rail: a major new rail network across the North that will deliver faster, more frequent services."

Stage two of the plan will include upgrades around Manchester, with the final stage delivering a new railway between Bradford and Huddersfield that wouldn't be delivered until the 2040s.

In a combined statement, the regional mayors of West, South and North Yorkshire said: "The long-term commitment will transform Yorkshire's transport network and deliver improved links across our region and on to Manchester, Liverpool, and Newcastle.

"It'll mean we can deliver quicker, more reliable journeys, opening up more choice around work, skills and opportunity for everyone across Yorkshire."

Read more: Leeds pub requests extended opening hours after Otley Run ban

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

More York

John Cooper Clarke Leeds gig tickets

Art & Culture

John Cooper Clarke announces 2026 UK headline tour along with new book

Christmas

You can get FREE food and more at Tesco Christmas Markets across West Yorkshire

Property

You can stay in a converted barn loft apartment in North Yorkshire