Steve Pratt on duty at the York Theatre Royal pantomime press night in December 2018. Picture: York Theatre Royal
THE funeral of York journalist, columnist and theatre, film and television critic and press officer Steve Pratt will be held tomorrow (28/1/2025) at York Crematorium, Bishopthorpe Road, York.
Steve, 77, of Monk Avenue, York, passed away at York Hospital on January 15.
Born Stephen William Pratt in Watford on April 22 1948 in Watford, he was educated at Garston Primary School and Bushey Grammar School, where he met Lesley when she was 16, Steve two years older.
The childhood sweethearts were married on June 24 1972 at Christ Church, Watford, by the same vicar that tied the knot for Lesley’s parents.
Steve went straight from A-level studies to taking out indentures at the Watford Post, where, as a junior, he was tasked with collecting death notices from undertakers.
He went on to work for the Herts Advertiser, Watford Observer, Northern Echo, in Darlington and Portsmouth News, before returning to the Northern Echo from 1999 to 2014, winning two Tom Corder awards for best arts writer.
“His passion for writing goes back to his early years and he used to cut up magazines and create his own version,” recalled Lesley, who “bounced up and down the country with Stephen before we finally landed in York, where we felt at home”.
“There were so many famous people he interviewed as he covered lots of press junkets for films and television.”
Steve Pratt in his treasured picture with film actress Angelina Jolie, from his journalism files at home, where box upon box of theatre programmes are in need of a new home, says widowLesley
Among those celluloid star interviewees were Tom Cruise, Arnold Scharzenegger, Leslie Nielsen, Leslie Phillips and Angelina Jolie. “He always went on about his photo with her,” recalled Lesley.
One knight of the realm eluded him, however. “Stephen was refused twice by Sir Alec Guinness for an interview, once in 1997 and again in 1999,” said Lesley. “I have the original handwritten cards Sir Alec sent him: very polite but a ‘No’ nevertheless.”
Nigel Burton, editor of York Press, who worked with Steve on The Northern Echo, said: “He was a superb features writer, someone who would always tackle any job – no matter how outlandish – with a smile and good humour.
“He was an internationally respected critic and his reviews were eagerly awaited by film distributors and theatres alike. Most of all, I will remember him as a much-missed colleague and a lovely human being.”
Peter Barron, former editor of The Northern Echo, said: “I was so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. He was a gifted writer of a national standard and I always considered The Northern Echo to be very lucky to have him.
“He brought great quality to the paper, with a wry, humorous style and his passion for the arts always shone through. It is also telling that the arts community knew him and respected his opinion.
“A positive review from Steve Pratt in The Northern Echo really meant something, while a scathing review was to be feared. He was prolific, loved his craft, and the many awards he won were testament to his talent.”
Chris Lloyd, features editor at the Northern Echo, who was Steve’s manager for many years, said: “When I worked with Steve, he was so passionate and knowledgeable about all forms of visual entertainment, but especially about his great loves of television and theatre. He knew the stars, he interviewed them all, usually cheekily, and they remembered and respected him.
Steve Pratt in his Northern Echo days. Picture: Northern Echo
“He was, I think, a great ally of the region’s theatre community, forever supporting and promoting it, and I was in awe of the way he wrote so quickly, so cleanly, and always with a humorous glint in his words.”
Wise Eye Films/ITV Studios creative director and The Yorkshire Shepherdess producer Mark Robinson, who started his career at the Echo with Steve, said: “He was exceptionally kind to me when I moved over from the newsroom to the features desk in the late 1980s, and he became my boss.
“Steve was unbelievably patient and encouraging and gave me the space to grow as a journalist finding his own voice for the first time. It was impossible not to be inspired by his love and passion for TV and the arts in general – and he sent me on many glamorous jobs interviewing celebrities across the UK.
“His impact on my career was so significant that we remained friends long after I left the Echo and I enjoyed our get-togethers in York.”
Viv Hardwick, fellow former Echo television and entertainment editor, said: “Steve always seemed to know the best way of doing things work-wise. His awesome ability and in-depth entertainments knowledge made him one of the most memorable men in journalism.”
On leaving The Northern Echo in 2014, Steve switched to the other side of the Press desk as press officer at Leeds Playhouse and later York Theatre Royal.
Theatre Royal creative director Juliet Forster said: “The whole team here are incredibly saddened by the news of Steve’s death. His relationship with YTR goes back such a long time, both as a reviewer and staff member and then as a freelancer.
“His dedication and passion to unearthing the stories of this theatre and championing the arts in Yorkshire was truly outstanding. Press nights will not be the same without his sparkly shoes and fabulous sense of humour. We will miss him very much.”
Nun better: Steve Pratt in sisterhood habit on a press night for Sister Act
Chief executive officer Paul Crewes added: “Steve’s death is such a terrible loss to York’s theatre community and his YTR family are all devastated by this news. He was a much-loved friend and colleague and we will miss him.
“Steve was a first-class journalist and press officer who cared deeply about, and was very successful at, shining a light on the arts in York and beyond.”
Latterly, Steve took up the publicity officer’s post for York company NE Theatre York, whose chair and creative director, Steve Tearle, said: “Steve became involved with us over the past several years by supporting the publicity of our shows. He crafted and created press releases for the company perfectly, like only Steve could do.
“He was a wonderfully gifted, talented man, with time for everyone, and had such a fantastic personality. He was such an asset to the team and totally believed in what we stood for.
“I really valued Steve as a person and his passion for theatre. It’s with such a heavy heart I say this. We spoke last November at length about 2026 and as usual he was so excited to be supporting us. He will be sadly missed by the NE Theatre York team.”
From his days at Leeds Playhouse, Steve’s brighter-than-Hawaiian shirts became his trademark. “As a child he was dressed very soberly, but when he found his feet at Leeds, the flamboyant side came out, but he did need guidance, so I have to admit it was my fault,” said Lesley, recalling his collection of 30 such shirts. “Please feel free to come to the funeral in bright colours.”
One last memory from Lesley defined his role as a critic. “Getting Stephen to give you a verbal opinion was not easy,” she said. “He would always say ‘read the review’.” We did, line after line, time after time.
Copyright of The York Press and The Northern Echo
DONATIONS at tomorrow’s funeral can be made in aid of York Theatre Royal, where Steve’s contribution to theatre and arts journalism will be marked with a commemorative seat plaque and a bench in his honour on the terrace. A memorial celebration of Steve’s life will held at the theatre on a date yet to be announced.
Wanderful: Coronation Street star Lisa George’s Fairy Godmother in Cinderella at the Grand Opera House, York
CHRISTMAS music and pantomimes aplenty dominate Charles Hutchinson’s recommendations for December fun-filled fulfilment.
Having a ball: Cinderella, Grand Opera House, York, today until January 4 2026
LEEDS lad Bradley Judge’s Dandini joins the star-studded cast of Lisa George (Coronation Street) as Fairy Godmother, Tobias Turley (ITV’s Mamma Mia I Have A Dream) as Prince Charming and West End star Rachel Grundy (Rocky Horror Picture Show, Legally Blonde) as Cinderella in UK Productions’ Cinderella, scripted by Jon Monie.
Directed by Ellis Kerkhoven, West End drag stars Luke Attwood and Brandon Nicholson bring the mayhem in Ugly Sisters mode as Harmony and Melody Hard-Up, joined in the comedy corner by Jimmy Bryant’s Buttons. Box office: atgtickets.com/york.
The Marian Consort: Performing with English Cornett & Sackbut Ensemble at York Early Music Christmas Festival on December 8
Festival of the week: York Early Music Christmas Festival, mainly at National Centre for Early Music, York, until December 14
HIGHLIGHTS at this Yuletide feast of music spanning the centuries, complemented by contemporary tunes, include Yorkshire Bach Choir & Yorkshire Baroque Soloists performing Hayden’s The Creation tonight and The Chiaroscuro Quartet and Consone String Quartet uniting tomorrow for Mendelssohn’s Octet in E flat major Op 20.
The Marian Consort teams up with the English Cornett & Sackbut Ensemble in Looking Bach To Palestrina on December 8 and Fieri Consort Singers and Camerata Øresund present Christmas Cantatas by Christopher Graupner and English Tavern Songs on December 12. Among further festival performers will be mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston, Dowland’s Foundry, Apollo5, Lowe Ensemble, Irish folk singer Cara Dillon and Joglaresa. For the full programme and tickets, go to: ncem.co.uk. Box office: 01904 658338.
York Theatre Royal’s pantomime cast in rehearsal for Sleeping Beauty. Picture: SR Taylor Photography
No sleep till January 4: Sleeping Beauty, York Theatre Royal
YORK Theatre Royal creative director Juliet Forster directs returnee dame Robin Simpson’s Nurse Nellie, Jocasta Almgill’s Carabosse, Tommy Carmichael’s Jangles, CBeebies star Jennie Dale’s Fairy Moonbeam, Aoife Kenny’s Aurora and Harrogate actor Christian Mortimer’s Prince Michael of Moravia in Sleeping Beauty.
Written once more by Paul Hendy, the Theatre Royal’s festive extravaganza is co-produced with award-winning Evolution Productions, the same team behind All New Adventures Of Peter Pan, Jack And The Beanstalk and last winter’s Aladdin. Box office: 01904 623568 or yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.
Hannah King’s Peter Pan in The Pantomime Adventures Of Peter Pan, Rowntree Players’ festive visit to Neverland
Putting ‘Pan’ into pantomime: Rowntree Players in The Pantomime Adventures Of Peter Pan, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, today, 2pm and 7.30pm, Sunday, 2pm and 6pm; December 9 to 12, 7.30pm; December 13, 2pm and 7.30pm
JOIN Wendy, John and Michael as they fly with Peter Pan to the fantastical world of Neverland in Howard Ella and Gemma McDonald’s pantomime for Rowntree Players. Cling on to your seats as Peter and the Lost Boys do battle with Jamie McKeller’s rather nasty Captain Hook and his even nastier bunch of pirates. Fear not as Nanny McFlea and her ever eager apprentice Barkly are on hand to assist in the most ridiculous of ways. Box office: 01904 501935 or josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk.
Bec Silk’s Robin Hood and writer Martin Vander Weyer’s Dame Daphne in 1812 Theatre Company’s pantomime Robin Hood’s Helmsley Adventure
Ryedale pantomime opening of the week: 1812 Theatre Company in Robin Hood’s Helmsley Adventure, Helmsley Arts Centre, today, 2.30pm and 7.30pm; Sunday, 2.30pm; December 9 to 12, 7.30pm; December 13, 2.30pm and 7.30pm; December 14, 2.30pm
HELMSLEY Arts Centre artistic director Natasha Jones directs company-in-residence 1812 Theatre Company in this traditional panto with a Knock Knock Joke Contest, scripted by dame Martin Vander Weyer.
Robin Hood will be rescuing the lovely Maid Marian from the wicked Sheriff of Pickering, while Black Swan landlady Dame Daphne will lead the merriment and mayhem. Knock Knock! Who’s there? Daphne! Daphne who? Daph-nitely book early to avoid disappointment on 01439 771700 or at helmsleyarts.co.uk.
Singer Dene Michael, dressed as a pineapple, in the finale to Kim Hopkins’s documentary film Still Pushing Pineapples, showing at City Screen Picturehouse on Sunday
Documentary film screening of the week; Still Pushing Pineapples (12A), City Screen Picturehouse, York, Sunday, 5pm
BLACK Lace’s Agadoo has been voted the most infuriating song of all time. What happens when you are forever associated with such a Marmite hit; what comes after fleeting fame, and what does it mean to grow old still chasing a dream?
Perennial pineapple pusher and former Yorkshire band member Dene Michael is still singing the derided party anthem across fading clubland UK: a story now told in Selby-raised filmmaker Kim Hopkins’s humorous, moving, warts’n’all documentary, a pineapple slice of working-class social realism wrapped inside a road movie and abiding love story. Dene Michael, Hopkins and producer Margareta Szabo will hold a post-show Q&A. Box office: picturehouses.com/cinema/city-screen-picturehouse.
A Nativity For York director Paul Toy
Nativity play of the week: York Mystery Plays Supporters Trust in A Nativity For York, All Saints Church, North Street, York, December 10, 7.30pm
USING medieval scripts from the York Cycle of Mystery Plays and music both medieval and folk in style, Paul Toy’s community cast tells a familiar story of a marvellous birth, threaded with humour, reverence and, sadly, hatred, where candlelight emphasises the constant struggle of the light against the darkness.
The performance lasts one hour with no interval. Refreshments will be available. Box office: 033 666 3366, ympst.co.uk/york-nativity or on the door.
Christmas will be merry for Kate Rusby at York Barbican on December 11
Carol concert of the week: Kate Rusby, Christmas Is Merry, York Barbican, December 11, 7pm
BARNSLEY folk nightingale Kate Rusby plays her regular festive fixture at York Barbican, returning with her folk band and the Brass Boys for two sets of jolly carols from South Yorkshire’s pubs, Christmas chart chestnuts and original winter songs.
Christmas Is Merry marks her 20th anniversary of these winter warmers, drawing on her six Christmas studio albums: 2008’s Sweet Bells, 2011’s While Mortals Sleep, 2015’s The Frost Is All Over, 2017’s Angels And Men, 2019’s Holly Head and 2023’s Light Years. Box office: yorkbarbican.co.uk.
Hyde Family Jam’s poster for their brace of Christmas jamborees at The Crescent, York on December 11 and 12
Christmas knees-up of the week: Hyde Family Jam, The Crescent, York, December 11, 7.30pm
FRIENDS! Come celebrate another Christmas with a right thorough knees-up at The Crescent with York buskers supreme Hyde Family Jam, a traditional-looking folk band that couldn’t be less traditional. They perform the songs they love from any decade, any genre, in any way they fancy, played as fast and loud as possible. “We call it ‘folk gone wrong’,” they say. “Expect a few special festive bonuses too!” Box office: thecrescentyork.com.
Recommended but sold out already: Hyde Family Jam’s December 12 gig and The Howl & The Hum’s traditional special Crescent Christmas gig, led as ever by Sam Griffiths after leaving York and Leeds for London.
Setting sail in Pick Me Up Theatre’s Anything Goes: Reno Sweeney (Alexandra Mather, front centre) and her Angels, Sophie Curry, left, Chloe Branton and Sophie Kemp. Picture: Felix Wahlberg
Getting a kick out of you musical of the week: Pick Me Up Theatre in Anything Goes, Theatre@41, Monkgate, York, December 12 to 30
DITCH York’s December chills and climb aboard the S.S. American as it sets sail in Andrew Isherwood’s all-singing, all-dancing staging of Anything Goes!, Cole Porter’s swish musical, charting the madcap antics of a motley crew leaving New York for London on a Christmas-themed steamer.
Meet nightclub singer/evangelist Reno Sweeney (Alexandra Mather) and lovelorn Wall Street broker Billy Crocker (Adam Price), who has stowed away on board in pursuit of his beloved Hope Harcourt (Claire Gordon-Brown). Alas, Hope is engaged to fellow passenger Sir Evelyn Oakleigh (Neil Foster). Enter second-rate conman Moonface Martin (Fergus Powell) to join Reno in trying to help Billy win the love of his life. Box office: tickets.41monkgate.co.uk.
Michael Ball’s poster for his Glow UK Tour 2026, taking in Yorkshire gigs at Bradford Live (September 2), Sheffield City Hall (September 5) and Hull Connexin Live (September 6), as well as York Barbican (September 12)
Concert announcement of the week: Michael Ball, Glow UK Tour, York Barbican, September 12 2026
MUSICAL star and radio and TV presenter Michael Ball will promote his 23rd solo album, Glow, on next year’s 25-date tour. “There’s probably only one thing I enjoy more than being in the studio – writing, producing and singing songs with people I love – and that’s taking it all out on the road and performing those songs as well as all the old favourites to the audiences I love,” he says. “It’s going to be an exciting year, and I can’t wait to see you all.’’ Box office: https://www.yorkbarbican.co.uk/whats-on/michael-ball-2026/.
In Focus: The Christmas Collection at Pyramid Gallery, York, until January 12 2025
Bowl Of Apricots, acrylic painting, by Anita Klein
PYRAMID Gallery’s Christmas Collection, in Stonegate, York, features works by London artist and printmaker Anita Klein, York ceramicist Ben Arnup, Peak District sculptor Paul Smith, South Staffordshire mosaic artist Amanda Anderson and York floral artist Lesley Birch.
Exhibiting too will be Canadian-born painter, printmaker and cartographer Mychael Barratt, Oswestry ceramicist Jacqui Atkin and Perthshire oil painter artist and printmaker Ian MacIntyre, complemented by bird and fish blown glass by Bruce Parks, bronzes by David Meredith, Nerikromi vessels by York ceramist Patricia Qua and studio jewellery for the Christmas season by 50 British makers.
Curator Terry Brett, who has owned the gallery for 31 years, has invited Anita Klein to fill the walls with 15 linocut original prints, new aquatint etchings and two paintings.
Bee Eater, ceramic vase, by Jacqui Atkin
“The gallery has enjoyed a long, unbroken relationship with Anita as a supplier of her extensive catalogue of prints that form a diary of her family life,” he says.
“Over the 28 years in which she has shown more than 800 different pictures at Pyramid Gallery, we have watched her career progress to the point where Anita has become one of the most collectable printmakers in the UK. It seems very fitting that she is the main focus of the Christmas Collection.”
As well as showing new linocut prints, Anita is selling copies of her book Out Of The Ordinary – 40 Years Of Print Making, featuring illustrations of 550 of her best-loved prints, published by Eames Fine Art.
The Christmas Collection at Pyramid Gallery is open 10am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, 11am to 4pm, Sundays, until January 12 2026. Closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
IN a 2003 poll conducted by Q magazine, a panel of music writers voted Black Lace party anthem Agadoo as the worst song of all time. “Magnificently dreadful,” was the verdict.
What happens when you are forever associated with such a derided hit; what comes after fleeting fame, and what does it mean to grow old still chasing a dream?
Former member Dene Michael, originally from the Bradford suburb of Tong, is still singing the Yorkshire band’s 1984 number two – kept off top spot by George Michael’s Careless Whisper – across clubland UK. A story now told in Yorkshire filmmaker Kim Hopkins’s documentary Still Pushing Pineapples, her “elegy for a lost time, a lost culture, a lost Britain”, as the Telegraph deemed it.
On tour from November 28, Hopkins’s humorous, moving, warts’n’all 123-minute film for TullStories and her film company Labour Of Love will play City Screen Picturehouse on Sunday, when Hopkins, Dene Michael and producer Margareta Szabo will hold a post-screening Q&A.
Dene Michael and girlfriend Hayley, sporting her Dene tattoo, in Still Pushing Pineapples
Still Pushing Pineapples, a title taken from Agadoo’s shall-we-say-banal lyrics, is Selby-raised Hopkins’s follow-up to her award-wining portrait of a Bradford film club, A Bunch Of Amateurs, part one of a trilogy to be completed next year.
In her frank and fearless piece of affectionate social realism, Hopkins’s camera follows “former pop star” Dene Michael over two and half years as he clings to the remnants of fame he once had as a member of 1980s’ novelty pop group Black Lace, a band he joined after Alan Barton and Colin Gibb (or Routh as he was first known) had their biggest hit with Agadoo, “the high or low point of any party”.
Now, performing for a dwindling, ageing audience in some of the UK’s most deprived seaside towns and cities, Dene is keen to press on with his music career and free himself from the legacy of the Black Lace songbook to “do something a bit more credible and clever”. A decision enhanced by the management jettisoning him and his Hawaiian wardrobe for a younger Black Lace (featuring Phil Temple and 2008 Britain’s Got Talent contestant Craig Harper since 2023).
Who needs a 1980s’ throwback in a loud pineapple shirt and oversized red specs, singing a tired earworm? Apparently, many do (doo doo). Hence Still Pushing Pineapples traces the path of Dene, his spirited 89-year-old mum Anne and his sassy new girlfriend Hayley (freshly inked Dene tattoo on her arm et al) on their travels across Britain and to Benidorm in a pineapple-decorated camper van.
The poster for TullStories and Labor Of Love Films’ documentary Still Pushing Pineapples
Outwardly, they may look like three unlikely amigos to share such a trip, but those travels are suffused with love, humour and no little drama in Hopkins’s Yorkshire variation on Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris’s 2006 tragicomic American road movie Little Miss Sunshine.
En route, they navigate love, family duty and the relentless pursuit of one last chart success, as entertainment, working-class culture, human connection and the power of pop align in this idiosyncratic documentary that opened this year’s Sheffield DocFest and received a special preview screening at Bradford’s Pictureville cinema on November 14 as part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.
Kim Hopkins describes herself as a “working-class, queer British filmmaker” and is one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary UK documentary film-making. A highly skilled self-shooting director, she brings a distinctive visual world and deep intimacy to her films.
She is a graduate of the National Film and Television School and co-founder of Labor Of Love Films with Margareta Szabo, producer of A Bunch Of Amateurs and Still Pushing Pineapples.
Yorkshire documentary filmmaker Kim Hopkins, Selby-educated director of Still Pushing Pineapples
“Still Pushing Pineapples is the second film in a trilogy I’m making about working-class communities, self-expression, the power of solidarity and escapism,” says Kim. “When Black Lace exploded onto Top Of The Pops with their Agadoo hit in the 1980’s I, like many, dismissed it as a junk novelty song. But every summer since, on every beach holiday, Agadoo has proved inescapable.
“Returning to my Yorkshire roots later in life, I’ve come to understand the power of escapist popular culture. Working-class people need to escape. I decided to ask my family what they thought about me making a film, this time about Black Lace and Agadoo?
“They approved of the idea. Nostalgia gleamed in their eyes. Alexa lit up with party tunes of yesteryear. They wanted to know the whole Black Lace story. Who were they, where did they end up, would it be ‘real’?”
Still Pushing Pineapples, City Screen Picturehouse, York, Sunday, December 7, 5pm. Box office: picturehouses.com/cinema/city-screen-picturehouse. To view the trailer, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZFfsJmGMQU.
Dene Michael dressed as a pineapple for the finale to Still Pushing Pineapples
Celeste: Promoting new album Woman Of Faces at Leeds Brudenell Social Club tomorrow. Picture: Erika Kamano
CELESTE will showcase her second album, Woman Of Faces, at Leeds Brudenell Social Club tomorrow (18/11/2024) as part of her eight-date outstore promotional tour.
Released on Polydor Records on November 14, the album was produced by multi-Grammy award winner Jeff Bhasker and Beach Noise and features the singles On With The Show, This Is Who I Am and the orchestral title track, whose original demo was accompanied by a French version entitled A Femme aux Mille Visages.
The full track listing is: On With The Show; Keep Smiling; Woman Of Faces; Happening Again; Time Will Tell; People Always Change; Sometimes; Could Be Machine and This Is Who I Am.
Stemming from the slow unravelling of a romantic relationship, and her determination to emerge from the other side triumphant, Woman Of Faces is a body of work born out of pain, but also the steadfast resilience to keep moving forward, even when everything else felt like it was falling apart for the Brighton-raised soul and jazz singer-songwriter.
From the orchestral highs to the gut-wrenching lows, this unflinching, unfiltered chronicle of heartbreak, recovery and reclaiming control is the sound of an artist learning to trust herself.
The artwork for Celeste’s Woman Of Faces
On the title song, Celeste burrows into her own complexities as she learns to accept the unknowable sides of herself. The production could be plucked from an old Hollywood score, with sweeping string arrangements contrasting against a modern meditation on multifaceted womanhood.
“Initially, the song was about realising I have shades of complexity within my mind and not being able to pinpoint what or why they were there,” says Celeste, 31. “It gave me a sort of diagnosis. Like, yes, I find it hard to navigate, but at least I can begin to adapt.”
She hopes other women will see themselves in the song, particularly the unsung heroes of daily life, who are always there to lean on and expect nothing in return. “I want it to speak for people who don’t feel seen,” she says. “There are some women who are like constant caregivers that just go unnoticed, they’re always waiting in the wings. People don’t thank them, but they’re always there. I want that song to be for those people.”
Earlier single On With The Show is an expansive, cinematic ballad that reckons with the battle to put on a brave face and push through anguish. Written with frequent collaborator Matt Maltese in 2022, it was the first song Celeste made specifically for the album.
“I was very much in the moment of experiencing feelings of loss and needing to carry on, almost like an exaggerated hero’s journey,” she says. “This feeling of needing to trudge on through heavier feelings, knowing you have another purpose that’s attached to something bigger than yourself, so you willingly go towards it and sacrifice your sense of wellbeing.”
“This Is Who I Am is an important song for me that identified the world in which I wanted to inhabit sonically and thematically,” says Celeste
This Is Who I Am wraps Celeste’s old-world voice wraps around melancholic piano chords and cinematic strings. “The song aligns with all of my being. It allows me to channel all of my influences, things that I’ve taken in over the years, since being a child,” she says, referencing a range of creative touchstones that span Édith Piaf, Oscar Lavant, Eartha Kitt and, from her contemporaries, the song-writing of Anohni.
Produced by Kendrick collaborators Beach Noise and written during the final stages of putting Not Your Muse together in 2020, Celeste has held the song close for almost four years. “This Is Who I Am is an important song for me, which I wrote in collaboration, that identified the world In which I wanted to inhabit sonically and thematically,” she says.
That song leads the soundtrack for Sky’s television series The Day Of The Jackal, selected for the opening credits by lead actor Eddie Redmayne and co-star Lashana Lynch.
Celeste has been been undertaking her outstore itinerary since November 3 after summer appearances at London’s KOKO and LIDO Festival, Glastonbury (on the Pyramid stage), Werchter Boutique, Belgium, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, and North Sea Jazz Festival, Netherlands.
Celeste’s spell-binding performance of her breakout song Strange at the 2020 BRIT Awards placed her firmly in the global spotlight. The English-Jamaican singer landed the double win of the BRITs Rising Star Award and BBC Music’s Sound of 2020 and that year her song A Little Love featured in the John Lewis Christmas advertisement, written expressly by Celeste for the advert.
Celeste’s artwork for This Is Who I Am
In 2021, she topped the UK charts with her debut album Not Your Muse, a year when she received Mercury Prize, Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for Hear My Voice, her lead single from Aaron Sorkin’s 2020’s film The Trial Of The Chicago 7, for which she wrote three songs.
Since then, Celeste has taken a step back from the glare of mainstage spotlights to recalibrate and reconnect with herself, figuring out how to stay true to her vision and sense of authenticity in her work. “I felt like I had to start making decisions really carefully [in terms of] what to be associated with and what pieces of music I would put out, just trying to regain some agency over maintaining authenticity in my work,” she says.
This mentality led Celeste to collaborate with the Tate Modern for the launch of her 2022 single To Love A Man. “What has been most important to me in the last couple of years has been navigating [the industry] gently, bit by bit.”
She made a striking return in November 2024, releasing This Is Who I Am, followed by Everyday’s release on vinylfor Record Store Day 2024, when she performed at Rough Trade in London.
That year too she made her acting debut in Steve McQueen’s Second World War film Blitz, playing the jazz singer who performed at the Café de Paris in London just before it was bombed. McQueen’s re-enactment of the performance is not exactly true to life: in reality, swing band leader Ken “Snakehips” Johnson sang for the last time that night.
Celeste’s artwork for On With The Show
Celeste’s rendition of Oh Johnny, Johnson’s signature song that closed his last performance, is a poignant tribute, one that contrasts the hedonism of high society during the raids with the stark, brutal reality of war. “Meeting Steve McQueen was one of the most inspiring and significant moments of my life in the last two years,” she says.
Witnessing the director’s uncompromising attention to detail on set, she explains, helped reaffirm Celeste’s belief in artistic intuition, aligning with the core statement of This Is Who I Am and her subsequent approach to writing music; a conviction that comes from within, unaffected by external voices.
“When I saw someone [like McQueen] working in that way, it reinstalled that confidence and sense of navigation within myself. It was like, yeah, don’t let that thing slip, don’t let that core alignment get interfered with.”
An Evening With Celeste, Album Launch Show, Leeds Brudenell Social Club, November 18; presented in tandem with Crash Records, Leeds. Doors open at 7pm. SOLD OUT.
Did you know?
CELESTE Epiphany Waite was born in Culver City, California, on May 5 1994 to a Jamaican father and English mother. She moved to the United Kingdom with her mother at the age three, after her parents separated, settling initially in Dagenham, then moving to Saltdean, Brighton, at five.
Celeste’s poster for her Woman Of Faces album shows
DILETTANTE is the real thing! She has won the inaugural New Music Stage showcase for the UK’s most exciting emerging musical talent at York’s Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2025.
At last Saturday’s event, part of the festival’s debut Beyond the Frame strand at York Theatre Royal, Dilettante delivered a set that captivated audience and jury alike with emotive vocals, layered textures and commanding stage presence.
Reflecting on her victory, she said: “What a massive honour to win this inaugural award. I’m a massive film nerd and I’m really excited to see both film and music festivals starting to work together to support artists across forms. Especially great to win in my home county of Yorkshire and in such a beautiful theatre!”
Signed to EMI North, praised by Mojo and Uncut magazines and featured at SXSW(South By Southwest) and The Great Escape, Dilettante – the inventive art-pop project of Francesca Pidgeon – has risen from Manchester basements to now embarking on festival appearances and cross-disciplinary collaborations across music, film and XR (Extended Reality).
Daisy Gill: From The Voice UK to New Music Stage at Aesthetica Short Film Festival
Last Saturday’s 2pm to 11pm curated line-up of breakthrough talent featured acts championed by tastemakers such as BBC Radio 1, BBC 6Music, RTÉ Radio 1 and Mojo and Rolling Stone magazines.
Taking part were winner Dilettante; BLÁNID, an Irish singer-songwriter with one million Spotify streams; Crazy James, lauded by BBC Introducing for his high-energy rap; Daisy Gill, alumna of The Voice UK with Glastonbury and Royal Albert Hall appearances to her name, and Ewan Sim, featured on Spotify Fresh Finds.
Participating too were Isabel Maria, BBC Introducing One-to-Watch and North East Culture Award winner; Emma Johnson, an alt-pop artist featured on BBC Radio 1 and Radio X; Kengo, BBC Introducing-supported hip-hop talent; Messy Eater, immersive art-rock innovator, and Tarian, a Welsh artist who blends hip-hop with emotive pop and classical roots.
The New Music Stage jury brought together leading industry representatives including James Matthew, from Universal Music Group; Rachel Hill, of Futuresound Group, Leeds; Pablo Ettinger, Caffè Nero co-founder; Emma Stakes, of Production Park; Rob Clark, head of media at Imagesound, plus plus musical artists such as Jack Savoretti, The Dunwells, Fauzia Habib, Kat Day (The KVB) and singer-songwriter Rachel Croft, formerly of York, now based in London.
Messy Eater: Replaced Scarborough’s Pleasure Centre in the New Music Stage line-up at York Theatre Royal
The New Music Stage aims to be about “more than performance”, connecting artists with the broader cultural ecosystem being built through such festivals as ASFF.
The showcase combines collaborations with Universal Music A&R and Imagesound with opportunities for national airplay across Caffè Nero as the festival creates a pipeline to connect grassroots talent with national and international audiences.
“Dilettante’s win demonstrates the extraordinary potential of the next generation of musicians,” said festival director Cherie Federico.
Caffe Nero founder Pablo Ettinger highlighted the industry opportunities for emerging talent: “Supporting emerging talent at this level is vital,” he said. “These stages give artists the chance to reach audiences and figures they might not meet otherwise.”
“The New Music Stage promises to grow into a landmark event for UK and global music, reaffirming the vital role of live discovery in the cultural ecosystem,” says ASFF director Cherie Federico
The New Music Stage was set up against the backdrop of the culture of discovering new music live being in decline. Between 2022 and 2023, the UK lost roughly 13 per cent of grassroots music venues, compounded by more than 15 per cent closing or ceasing live music activity last year alone, while audience numbers for live shows have fallen by nearly 17 cent since 2019.
“The New Music Stage addresses this gap, giving audiences the thrill of experiencing music at its moment of emergence, just as grassroots venues once did,” said Cherie.
“By integrating the New Music Stage with film, games and XR, Aesthetica fosters a multidisciplinary creative community. Audiences can witness performances in context with broader creative innovation, and artists gain exposure to delegates from more than 60 countries, industry leaders and tastemakers, helping to launch careers on a global scale.
Rachel Croft: York singer-songwriter on the New Music Stage jury
Running from November 5 to 9, the 15th BAFTA-qualifying ASFF brought together together 300 films, music, games, podcasting, the UNESCO City Of Media Arts EXPO, masterclasses, workshops, the VR Lab, the first Aesthetica Fringe and Beyond the Frame in one immersive environment in York, providing a platform for collaboration, discovery and cultural exchange.
Across five days, York became a hub for creativity, where tomorrow’s stars in film, music, VR, games, and podcasts were discovered first. The festival’s international reach and multidisciplinary programming ensure it is not only a British event but also a meeting point for the most exciting voices in global screen and creative media.
Summarising the festival’s vision, Cherie said: “We’re building a festival where creativity meets opportunity. It’s not just about performances; it’s about creating connections, sparking collaborations and nurturing the next generation of artists across multiple disciplines.
“With this international scale, the New Music Stage promises to grow into a landmark event for UK and global music, reaffirming the vital role of live discovery in the cultural ecosystem.”
Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2025 Best Documentary and Best of Fest winner: JD Donnelly’s The Hold
YORK’S Aesthetica Short Film Festival has concluded its landmark 15th anniversary edition by announcing 2025’s award-winning filmmakers: a new generation of talent poised to shape the future of screen culture.
For 15 years, Aesthetica has been the home of new voices in film, where tomorrow’s BAFTA and Oscar nominees and winners are first discovered.
Across five transformative days, fromNovember 5 to 9, York welcomed filmmakers, delegates and industry professionals from more than 60 countries worldwide, underscoring the BAFTA-qualifying festival’s significance as an international platform for storytelling and creative exchange.
This year’s winners, selected from more than 300 films spanning 15 categories, represent the best in innovation, creativity and emotional storytelling. Audiences were reminded that the filmmakers, writers and artists celebrated here are the stars of tomorrow, destined to become household names on the international stage.
Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2025 Best Director: Reiff Gaskell for Cuerpos
2025 Award Winners
Genre awards:
Best Advertising: Swimming With Butterflies – Karl Stelter
Best Animation: Wild Animal – Tianyun Lyu
Best Artists’ Film: Mother Company – Alexandros Raptotasios; Konstantinos Thomaidis
Best Comedy: Dating In Your 20s – Lily Rutterford; Lucy Minderides
Best Dance: Spoken Movement Family Honour – Daniel Gurton
Best Documentary: The Hold – JD Donnelly
Best Drama: El Corazón – Oscar Simmons
Best Experimental: We Will Be Who We Are – Priscillia Kounkou Hoveyda
Best Fashion: Fugue – Nastassia Nikè Swan Yin Winge
Best Family Friendly: Girls Together – Christie Arnold
Best Music Video: Tank – Garath Whyte
Best Thriller: Scope – Emma Moffat
Best VR & Immersive: Xian’er (Chinese Immortals) – Fang Zhou
Best Game: Blue Prince – Dogubomb
Best Feature (Documentary): Torn – Kullar Viimne
Best Feature (Narrative): Disremember – Matthew Simpson
Best Podcast: Reality Looks Back – Anne Jeppesen
Craft & special awards:
Best Director: Cuerpos – Reiff Gaskell
Best Cinematography: Baby – Simisolaoluwa Akande
Best Editing: No One Really Knows Me Well – Gaia
Best Screenplay: Giants – Alex Oates, Andy Berriman
Best of Fest: The Hold – JD Donnelly
Mark Kermode: Busy festival, playing with his band The Dodge Brothers twice, first at Silent Cinema with Live Score screening of 1928’s Beggars Of Life, starring Louise Brooks, at York Theatre Royal on November 6, then at The Basement, City Screen Picturehouse, on November 7, after his In Conversation with Mark Kermode book discussion with Surround Sound co-author Jenny Nelson at York Theatre Royal. Picture: Julie Edwards
Festival Highlights: Five days of creativity, performance and innovation
A Global Programme of Film
Aesthetica 2025 screened more than 300 films across multiple venues, representing genres from drama and documentary to experimental work and immersive VR projects. Filmmakers from around the world attended in person, sparking conversations and collaborations that extended beyond the cinemas into York’s streets and cafés. The festival’s international scale reinforces its role as a launchpad for talent on a global stage.
Masterclasses and industry insight
THE festival’s Masterclass series offered audiences unparalleled access to industry leaders, including:
Peter Straughan (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy)
Jasmin John(Adolescence, Boiling Point)
Mick Audsley (Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire)
Industry organisations such as Aardman, BBC, Film4, Framestore, The New York Times, ITV, Industrial Light & Magic and Ridley Scott Associates shared insights into directing, screenwriting, post-production and the creative use of emerging technologies.
Beyond the Frame: Live performance, comedy & music
York Theatre Royal played host to live events and performances:
Comedy Night with Sophie Duker & Friends, featuring Eleanor Tiernan and Bella Hull.
Silent Cinema with Live Score, featuring Louise Brooks in 1928’s Beggars Of Life accompanied by bass player Mark Kermode’s band The Dodge Brothers and Neil Brand.
Mark Kermode in Conversation with Surround Sound co-author Jenny Nelson, exploring the role of music in film storytelling.
The New Music Stage, showcasing ten emerging acts, with Universal Music A&R and singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti attending.
The poster for Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2025
Immersive & Interactive: The EXPO, VR & Games Lab
THE VR & Games Lab pushed the boundaries of storytelling through interactive and immersive media. The Podcasting Lounge celebrated excellence in audio storytelling, while the York UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO highlighted cutting-edge innovation across digital media, visual effects and design. Workshops for children and teens in filmmaking, animation, and coding nurtured the next generation of creative talent.
UK Film Production Summit
THE UK Film Production Summit, held at The Grand, York, brought together more than 150 leading production companies, development executives and commissioners. Chaired by Ridley Scott Associates, discussions explored The Future of Production: Scripted, Unscripted, Film, TV & Streaming, with sessions on AI, virtual production, global streaming and investment models.
Mark Herbert, CEO of Warp Films, delivered a keynote speech on independent storytelling and the future of British production, joined by representatives from BBC Films, Film4, Working Title, Paramount, Clerkenwell (Baby Reindeer), Scott Free and many more.
Festival director Cherie Federicosaid: “Aesthetica is about discovery, ambition, and possibility. Over five days, York becomes a place where the next generation of talent is seen first, where ideas collide, and where creativity thrives across every discipline – from film and music to VR, games and podcasts.
“This festival is the beating heartbeat of the UK’s creative sector, a space where innovation, culture and storytelling converge, shaping the future of our industry.”
Continuing online
AESTHETICA 2025 continues online until November 30, offering audiences the chance to catch up on all the films, see the winners and discover the brightest and boldest talent in screen from around the world. This digital extension ensures the festival’s creativity, innovation and international spirit can reach audiences across the UK and globally. Visit: www.asff.co.uk.
York actress Constance Peel in Service Please at Micklegate Social on November 9
IN its 15th year, York’s Aesthetica Short Film Festival introduces its debut Aesthetica Fringe in a celebration of emerging talent across music, comedy, exhibitions, installations, and performance.
These artist-led events are part of a citywide cultural programme, transforming York into a creative playground throughout November.
“York is a UNESCO City of Media Arts, and our Fringe embodies this status by activating galleries, venues and public spaces with diverse work,” says festival director Cherie Federico. “Together, we bring art, performance and audiences into a shared, inspiring moment.”
Pilot Theatre presents A Guide To Now For Those In The Future, York Explore, Library Square, York, November 5 to 9
YORK company Pilot Theatre’s unique installation, A Guide To Now For Those In The Future, is a bold and immersive experience remixing interviews and footage into a vibrant explosion of sight and sound. Capturing the emotions, dreams and perspectives of young people, it acts as a digital time capsule, reflecting life, culture, and concerns in 2025. Supported by Portakabin Community Support Fund and York Common Good Trust.Age rating: PG.
Wonkystuff and The Sounen Project’s Change Of Phase
Change Of Phase, National Centre for Early Music, Walmgate, York, November 5 to 9, 6-8pm
ICE into water, liquid into solid, sound into light, noise into music, soundscapes into stories, digital into analogue: Change Of Phase is a series of sound and light installations with performances, all set around a single, illuminated table. Wonkystuff and The Sounen Project provide the experimental audio landscape guiding the audience through moods. Age rating: PG.
Celebrating Creativity in Creative Ways, York Explore, November 5 to 9
CREATIVE Ways showcases powerful artworks inspired by York’s rich stained-glass heritage. Created by participants exploring creativity for both wellbeing and belonging, the exhibition celebrates connection, confidence and community and reflects the impact of art in a testament to how art can illuminate lives, provide hope and foster inclusion. Age rating: PG.
Bard At The Bar, Cat In The Wall, The Stonebow, York, November 5, 7.30pm
HAVE you always fancied yourself taking to the stage to try out one of Shakespeare’s great soliloquies? Bard At The Bar is a raucous, no-holds-barred night of “karaoke” Shakespeare. This is your opportunity to grab a drink, take a script and climb onto the stage to perform your favourite scenes. No experience necessary, just bring passion. Age rating: 18+.
Erler and Pilot in Crossroads, York Explore, Library Lawn, York, November 5, 5pm and 6pm; November 6, 6pm and 7pm; November 7,12 noon, 1pm, 4pm and 5pm
STEP inside and take the journey to the crossroads in a spooky immersive experience for teenagers and the young-at-heart by Erler and Pilot on Library Lawn, where you will meet your guide beside her trailer of truth. There she will drive you to the place where dreams come true. Age rating: 12+.
Griffonage Theatre’s poster for Kafka By Candlelight at The House of Trembling Madness
Griffonage Theatre presents Kafka By Candlelight, The House Of Trembling Madness, Lendal, York, November 5 to 7, 6.30pm & 8.30pm
DEEP in the cavernous belly of The House Of Trembling Madness, Griffonage Theatre, York purveyors of the madcap and the macabre, present Kafka By Candlelight, an unsettling adaptation of five of Franz Kafka’s strangest short stories, told in the dark, where each piece invites you to confront the bizarre with no guarantee of resolution or escape. Will you be able to stomach it? Audiences will be invited to wear theatrical masks (optional). Age rating: 18+.
Letterpress and Film, Thin Ice Press, York Centre for Print, A Celebration of Silence, Peasholme Green, York, November 5, 2pm to 5pm
EXPLORE the intersection of film and print in hands-on workshops that invite you to experiment with letterpress printing and create title cards inspired by the artistry of silent film. Bring your phone or camera to capture the process and discover the tactile beauty of print while celebrating the visual language of cinema. Age Rating: 12+.
Letterpress Film Night: Helvetica Screening, Thin Ice Press, York Centre for Print, Peasholme Green, York November 5, 7pm to 9pm
ENJOY a screening of Helvetica, a celebration of silent film, and the chance to try letterpress printing. Design and print title cards with the team, capture the process and explore the endangered craft of letterpress printing while embracing the timeless aesthetics of ink. This experience is a chance to explore how film and print intersect. Age rating: 13+.
Black Sheep Theatre Productions in The Inner Selves, The White Horse, Bootham, York, November 5 to 8, 10:30am, 1pm, 3pm
A VIEW into a dying marriage, wherein Henry and Nora represent the end of a marriage torn apart by the loss of their child, alcoholism and depression. They are joined by their Inner Selves (Henry’s Self and Nora’s Self) who torment them about what their lives could have been. Every interaction is heavy with the things left unsaid. Age Rating: 16+.
Dan Poppitt in Black Sheep Theatre Productions’ Inner Selves
The Bluffs present Unwritten, Rise@Bluebird Bakery, Acomb Road, Acomb, York, November 5, 8pm
IMPROV based on your literary suggestion, wherein York group The Bluffs take classic short-form improv games and infuse them with storytelling flair. Every show is unique, shaped by audience suggestions and spontaneous creativity. “Who knows where this evening will take us but it will be entertaining, inventive, and entirely in the moment,” they promise. Age rating: 12+.
York Fire Walk, York Minster, November 5, 2pm to 3pm; November 9, 12.30pm to 1.30pm
JOIN York Fire Walk to embark on a journey through the city’s fiery history, meeting by the Roman Column in Minster Yard, and finishing at City Screen Picturehouse. In the company of expert guides, discover how York Minster popped up in the Land of Fire – and then there’s some guy called Fawkes. There’s bound to be fireworks! Age rating: 8+.
Compulsive Light Art Show, Fabrication Store, Stonegate, York, November 6 to 8, 6pm to 8pm
THE inside of the Fabrication shop front is transformed into a living light installation in an exploration of the coexistence between art and inspiration. The window becomes a canvas where the very act of making becomes a performance of dancing light. Passers-by are invited to pause, watch and reflect on the journey from idea to creation. Age rating: PG.
Alice May in Sweet Pea & The Beech Tree, Patch@Bonding Warehouse, Terry Avenue, York, November 6, 7pm to 9pm
JOIN York actress Alice May for a script-in-hand performance of a new one-woman play, then offer feedback to help develop it for stage and screen. Sweet Pea & The Beech Tree is a comic tale of a granddaughter caring for her terminally ill grandmother that asks what caring for someone facing death can teach us. This opportunity invites you to engage with the work in progress. Age rating: 14+.
The Compulsive Light Art Show asks “Why Make Art?”
City Folk & York Creatives, Patch@Bonding Warehouse, Terry Avenue, York, November 7, 6.30pm
DROP into Patch for an all-vinyl DJ set by Mat Lazenby and Jono spinning a curated mix. Meet York creatives. Grab a drink, discuss ideas, find out how to be involved with City Folk magazine, a new publication made in the heart of the city, and be in with a chance to win a print by illustrator Tony Allen. This event is the perfect way to connect. Age rating: 14+.
Kids Just Wanna Fly, Ben Porter photobook launch, Patch@Bonding Warehouse, Terry Avenue, York, November 7, 6pm to 7pm |
LEAP into the unknown, through disposable cameras, polaroids and early iPhones. This is a tale of youthful ambition and the quest to craft an identity through the tumultuous years of young adulthood, comprising an exhibition, a photobook launch and short performances. Audiences are invited to reflect on who they are amidst their youth. Age rating: 16+.
Lara McClure in Oral Tradition, Amnesty Bookshop, Micklegate, York, November 7, 7pm
IN Iron Age Ulster, stories travelled from the mouths of bards into the ears of everyone else, with nothing written down. Storyteller, hypnotherapist and medieval historian Dr Lara McClure’s Edinburgh Fringe show offers a gnarly earful of ancient Ulsterwomen who used sex as a weapon – or, at least, so said the bards. The performance unpacks these bold yet provocative tales. Age rating: 16+.
Transmute- Live, Micklegate Social, Micklegate York, November 7, 8pm to 9.30pm
A SEMI-GENERATIVE particle system moves to an evocative mix of electronica, ambient, orchestral and techno sound. Immersive visuals and rich soundscapes merge, creating a mesmerising, cinematic experience that seamlessly blurs the boundaries between sight, sound and emotion in this exploration of movement, transformation, and connectivity. Agerating: PG.
Dr Lara McClure: Presenting Oral Tradition at Amnesty Bookshop
Rock Soil Scrape, West Park Bowling Club, November 8, 1.30pm to 4pm
AN installation inspired by the earth’s sediments, bringing together interviews with York workers and video projections, as well as food and drink to connect us to our physical environment, cultural histories and deep time. Presented in what was once a bakery, then a bottle shop and bar, the installation highlights the change of the site. Age rating: 12+.
In Limbo, De Grey Rooms, York, November 8, 4pm to 6.30pm
SOPHIE is dead. Probably. She thinks. Maybe. How could the happiest time of her life turn to this? Welcome to a rehearsed reading of In Limbo, Judi Amato’s new play about the realities of early parenthood and postpartum depression. A feedback session will follow the performance to help shape and deepen the development of the show. Age rating: 12+.
Constance Peel in Service Please, Micklegate Social, Micklegate, York, November 9, 2pm & 8pm
ALL Lara wanted was an easy job as she started to write her novel, but she is confronted with the sexist, stressful and chaotic reality of the service industry. This one-woman show by York-born, University of York-educated actress, writer, director (and waitress) Constance Peel plays the Aesthetica Fringe after a four-star debut run at this summer’s Edinburgh Fringe, and is marked by bright humour, artistic ambition and raw honesty. Age rating: 16+.
More, Spark:York, Piccadilly,York, November 9, 6.30pm to 7.30pm
MORE is a raw performance blending dance, visuals and music to explore the restless pulse of addiction – the craving for sensation, escape and wholeness. Through movement and image, it unravels cycles of desire and release in an intimate, sensory journey through the body’s aching longing to feel more and be enough.
The Storytelling Ensemble, Patch@Bonding Warehouse, Terry Avenue, York, November 9, 7.30pm
JOIN The Storytelling Ensemble for tales brought vividly to life with improvised music and original composition. Led by storyteller and composer Joe Allen, the ensemble breathes new life into fascinating fables and yearnful yarns, contributing to the magic of stories told aloud, inviting listeners to lose themselves in worlds ancient and new. Age rating: 12+.
For tickets, go to: asff.co.uk/fringe.
Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2025: Filmmaking In Schools
AESTHETICA Short Film Festival is putting young people at the heart of the festival run from November 5 to 9.
More than 150 students from seven York high schools – Huntington, Joseph Rowntree, Milthorpe, York High, All Saints, Fulford and Archbishop Holgate – will take part in the Filmmaking in Schools initiative, now in its second year.
The programme gives students the chance to develop practical filmmaking skills across storytelling, directing, writing, cinematography, editing and technical production, while also nurturing teamwork, creative collaboration and problem- solving. These skills are highly transferable, helping young people build confidence and abilities that extend far beyond the classroom.
York’s status as a UNESCO City of Media Arts provides a unique backdrop for creativity and innovation. In a city celebrated for its thriving digital media and creative industries, it is vital that students are offered hands-on, practical opportunities to bring their ideas to life.
Councillor Pete Kilbane, deputy leader of City of York Council and executive member for Economy and Culture, says: “It’s fantastic to see so many York youngsters getting hands-on experience in filmmaking. Through initiatives like this, students discover their creativity, learn new skills and get to see the wide range of exciting job opportunities that the film industry has to offer.
The Filmmaking in Schools programme puts this philosophy into practice, enabling students to write, direct and produce their own short films, while applying problem-solving and technical skills in a real-world environment.
Festival director Cherie Federico adds: “Our aim is to give young people a real chance to explore their creativity and find their voice. Filmmaking is a powerful tool for learning, teamwork, and self-expression – and by putting it in the hands of students, we are investing in the next generation of storytellers and innovators.”
Through mentorship, collaboration and the festival environment, students gain practical skills and inspiration that link directly to potential careers in media arts.
Stuart Campbell, head of communications at LNER, highlights the impact of industry partnerships: “The Railway 200 programme is all about supporting and fostering new talent,” he says. “It starts with young people, and here in York, we have the chance to do something truly different, giving students real-world opportunities to explore creativity and storytelling through film.”
The Filmmaking in Schools initiative sits within the context of the BAFTA-Qualifying Aesthetica Short Film Festival, giving students exposure to the professional world of film and insight into the wider creative industries. By combining mentorship, hands-on experience and festival immersion, the programme nurtures the next generation of screen innovators.
While young people are at the centre of this initiative, Aesthetica 2025 also provides opportunities for families to engage with creativity. From specially curated U and PG film screenings to VR and games workshops, interactive art, live music and city-wide Fringe events, the festival offers experiences that encourage children and adults to explore, learn and play together.
By blending professional insight, imaginative activities, and cultural exploration, Aesthetica ensures that creativity is accessible to all ages, inspiring the next generation while bringing the wider York community together.
Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2025: Launching Beyond the Frame programme at York Theatre Royal, November 5 to 8
Comedian Sophie Duker
Sophie Duker & Friends, Wednesday, 7.30m
TASKMASTER champion Sophie Duker, from Mock The Week and Frankie Boyle’s New World Order, tops the bill featuring Eleanor Tiernan and Bella Hull.
Silent Cinema & Live Score with The Dodge Brothers, Thursday, 7.30pm
IN a dazzling collision of classic cinema and live music, The Dodge Brothers bring their live score to Beggars Of Life, the 1928 landmark American silent film starring Louise Brooks.
The Dodge Brothers
Film critic and BBC presenter Mark Kermode, on double bass and harmonica, is joined Neil Brand, celebrated silent film accompanist and star of BBC Four’s Sound Of Cinema, on piano, as this electrifying ensemble transforms a black-and-white masterpiece into a full-blooded cinematic event.
Mark Kermode: In Conversation with Jenny Nelson, Friday, 7pm
HEAR from the co-authors of Mark Kermode’s Surround Sound about the magic of film music. Join film critic Mark Kermode and award-winning radio producer Jenny Nelson for an evening of cinematic insight, sharp wit and passionate debate.
Together, they explore the power of film music, inspired by their new book. From cult classics to blockbuster scores, expect passionate discussion, revealing stories and plenty of chances to ask questions and join the debate. Expect honest, humorous and informed film talk.
Mark Kermode: Discussing his new book, Mark Kermode’s Surround Sound, with co-author Jenny Nelson at York Theatre Royal. Picture: Julie Edwards Visuals
Aesthetica New Music Stage, Saturday, 2pm to 11pm
IN the UK’s first national New Music Stage, BLANID, Jemma Johnson, Crazy Mark, Kengo, Ewan Sim, Daisy Gill, Dilettante, Tarian, Isabel Maria and North Yorkshire band Pleasure Centre will compete in a showcase supported by Universal Music A&R, Imagesound and Caffe Nero. Anglo-Italian singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti will be on the judging panel.
Tickets (and New Stage Passes for the New Music Stage) are available from the York Theatre Royal box office, 01904 623568, or online at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.
York Theatre Royal is a venue for the ASFF 2025 line-up of film screenings and masterclasses too. More details on booking festival passes can be found at asff.co.uk/tickets/.
Daisy Gill: Taking part in the Aesthetica New Music Stage event
Mark Kermode Taking part in Aesthetica Short Film Festival’s Beyond the Frame strand at York Theatre Royal. Picture: Julie Edwards Visuals
THE 15th Aesthetica Short Film Festival tops the bill in a week when hauntings and musical buns rise to the occasion, as Charles Hutchinson highlights.
Festival of the week: Aesthetica Short Film Festival, all over York, today to Sunday
NOT so much a film festival as a “screen and media event”, in its 15th year, York’s Aesthetica Short Film Festival is bigger and broader than ever. Not only more than 300 shorts, features, documentaries, animations and experimental films, but also the VR & Games Lab; masterclasses and panels; workshops and roundtables; networking and pitching; Listening Pitch premieres; the inaugural New Music Stage and Aesthetica Fringe shows; Beyond the Frame events at York Theatre Royal; the UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO and the Podcasting strand. For the full programme and tickets, go to: asff.co.uk.
Mary Gauthier: Playing Pocklington Arts Centre tonight
Troubadour of the week: Mary Gauthier, Pocklington Arts Centre, tonight, 7pm
MARY Gauthier hung up her chef’s coat to move to Nashville at 40 to start a troubadour career, going from open-mic gigs to playing Newport Folk Festival a year later. Twenty-five years ago, this courageous lesbian songwriter’s groundbreaking debut album Drag Queens In Limousines announced: “Drag queens in limousines, nuns in blue jeans, dreamers with big dreams, they all took me in.”
The song has become an anthem for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider: as it turns out, all of us. It is typical of her deeply personal, yet paradoxically universal work, written in reaction to what matters most to her, as Gauthier expresses boldly what is often too hard for us to say. Box office: 01759 301547 or pocklingtonartscentre.co.uk.
Bugsy at the double: Zachary Stoney, from Team Malone, left, and Dan Tomlin, from Team Bugsy, in Pick Me Up Theatre’s Bugsy Malone
Young performers of the week: Pick Me Up Theatre in Bugsy Malone, Grand Opera House, York, until Saturday, 7.30pm plus 2.30pm Saturday matinee
LESLEY Hill directs and choreographs York company Pick Me Up Theatre’s cast of more than 40 young performers in Alan Parker and Paul Williams’s musical, replete with the film songs You Give A Little Love, My Name Is Tallulah, So You Wanna Be A Boxer?, Fat Sam’s Grand Slam and Bugsy Malone.
In Prohibition-era New York, rival gangsters Fat Sam and Dandy Dan are at loggerheads. As custard pies fly and Dan’s splurge guns wreak havoc, penniless ex-boxer and all-round nice guy Bugsy Malone falls for aspiring singer Blousey Brown. Can Bugsy resist seductive songstress Tallulah, Fat Sam’s moll and Bugsy’s old flame, and stay out of trouble while helping Fat Sam to defend his business? Box office: atgtickets.com/york.
David Sturzaker’s Gareth Southgate giving a team talk in James Graham’s Dear England, on tour at Leeds Grand Theatre
Sporting drama of the week: National Theatre in Dear England, Leeds Grand Theatre, until Saturday, kick-off at 7.30pm plus 2pm Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday matinees
JAMES Graham’s Olivier Award-winning play (and forthcoming television drama) takes its name from revolutionary England football manager Gareth Southgate’s open letter during the Covid-19 pandemic.
David Sturzaker plays Southgate, Samantha Womack, team psychologist Pippa Grange, in this “inspiring, at times heart-breaking and ultimately uplifting story” of England, penalties, lost finals and a new-found national identity. Box office: 0113 243 0808 or leedsheritagetheatres.com.
Ben Rosenfield and Laura McKeller in Neon Crypt and The Deathly Dark Tours’ The Wetwang Hauntings– Live!
Halloween horrors and jump scares of the week: Neon Crypt and The Deathly Dark Tours in The Wetwang Hauntings – Live!, Theatre@41, Monkgate, York, Monkgate, York, until Saturday, 7.30pm plus 2.30pm Saturday matinee
BETWEEN 1986 and 1993, a series of often violent hauntings rocked the small Yorkshire town of Wetwang. The cases went cold and all the records were lost…until now! Join York ghost walk guide Dr Dorian Deathly and his team as they dig into the history and horrors of these cases. “This show is not for the faint of heart,” he forewarns. Suitable for age 13 upwards. Box office: tickets.41monkgate.co.uk.
Jessica Shaw’s Forms Of Water, on show at Pocklington Arts Centre
Ryedale exhibition of the week: Jessica Shaw, Forms Of Water, Helmsley Arts Centre, until February 27 2026
BASED on the edge of the North York Moors, printmaker Jessica Shaw explores the impact of water and ice on landscape, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s assertion that “in time and with water, everything changes”.
Combining screenprint, woodcut, monoprint and etching with diverse media such as gouache and acrylic ink, her work draws from organic patterns and shapes made by water and ice, detailing their effect on the North York Moors National Park’s topography by highlighting the shapes of its high ground and the curls of its rivers, to the ephemeral ice patterns found in puddles and windows in winter.
Katie Leckey: Directing Griffonage Theatre in Kafka By Candlelight
Deliciously disturbing stories of the week: Griffonage Theatre, Kafka By Candlelight, The House Of Trembling Madness, Lendal, York, tonight to Friday, 6.30pm and 8.30pm
“NO rest for the week,” say Griffonage Theatre, York’s purveyors of the madcap and the macabre, who are performing Kafka By Candlelight in the cavernous belly of the House Of Trembling Madness cellar as part of Aesthetica Short Film Festival’s debut Aesthetica Fringe, featuring 25 shows across the city.
This one showcases five of Franz Kafka’s strangest short stories, told disturbingly in the darkness with the audience in masks (optional). “Dare to join us?” they tease. Box office: eventbrite.com/e/kafka-by-candlelight-tickets-1815618316259.
Entwined: Nik Briggs’s cooking copper, Ben, and Harriet Yorke’s carer, Gemma, in York Stage’s York premiere of The Great British Bake Off Musical
York musical premiere of the week: York Stage in The Great British Bake Off Musical, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, tonight to Saturday, 7.30pm plus 2.30pm Saturday matinee
BAKING battles, singing sponges and a sprinkling of hilarity is the recipe for York Stage’s York premiere of The Great British Bake Off Musical, rising to the occasion under the direction of Nik Briggs, who also makes a rare stage appearance as one of the Bake Off contestants.
Expect a sweet and savoury symphony of British wit and oven mitts, propelled by a menu of jazz hands and jubilant original songs that capture the essence of the Bake Off tent, from nerve-wracking technical challenges to triumphant showstoppers. Be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster ride, where cakes crumble, friendships form and dreams become fruitful reality. Box office: 01904 501935 or josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk.
Understaffed and overworked: The hotel workforce on clean-up duty in John Godber Company’s Black Tie Ball. Picture: John Godber Company
One helluva party of the week: John Godber’s Black Tie Ball, Pocklington Arts Centre, Thursday to Saturday, 7.30pm plus 2.30pm Saturday matinee
ON the glitziest East Yorkshire fundraising night of the year, everyone wants to be there. The Bentleys are parked, the jazz band has arrived, the magician will be magic, but behind the bow ties, fake tans and equally fake booming laughter lie jealousies and avarice, divorces and affairs, as overdressed upstairs meets understaffed downstairs through a drunken gaze.
The raffle is ridiculously competitive, the coffee, cold, the service, awful, the guest speaker, drunk, and the hard -pressed caterers just want to go home. Welcome to the Brechtian hotel hell of John Godber’s satirical, visceral comedy drama, as told by the exasperated hotel staff, recounting the night’s mishaps at breakneck speed in the manner of Godber’s fellow wearers of tuxedos, Bouncers. Box office: 01759 301547 or pocklingtonartscentre.co.uk.
Offcut Theatre’s poster for Libby Pearson’s Four By Three
Uplifting mini-dramas of the week: Offcut Theatre in Libby Pearson’s Four by Three, Milton Rooms, Malton, Thursday, 7.30pm
PAULINE, Bill and Martin invite you into parts of their lives through three separate monologues before coming together in a short play in Libby Pearson’s hopeful, uplifting, light-hearted look at the need for human contact.
In The Woman Next Door, is Pauline a lonely, nosey neighbour or a woman full of unfulfilled longing? In Silk FM, Bill runs a very local radio station; catch it on Thursdays, 1pm to 3pm, term-time only. In The Picker, Martin is desperate to be acknowledged for his innovative litter-picking ideas. In Shelved, Pauline, Bill and Martin run a volunteer-led library, where the council may have plans for it, but so do they. Box office: 01653 696240 or themiltonrooms.com.
Film critic Mark Kermode: Book talk and gig with his band Dodge Brothers at York Theatre Royal in the Beyond the Frame strand of Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2025. Picture: Julie Edwards Visuals
THE 15th Aesthetica Short Film Festival tops the bill in a week when Sir Gareth Southgate and David Walliams are keen to talk too, as Charles Hutchinson highlights.
Festival of the week: Aesthetica Short Film Festival, all over York, November 5 to 9
NOT so much a film festival as a “screen and media event”, in its 15th year, York’s Aesthetica Short Film Festival is bigger and broader than ever. Not only more than 300 shorts, features, documentaries, animations and experimental films, but also the VR & Games Lab; masterclasses and panels; workshops and roundtables; networking and pitching; Listening Pitch premieres; the inaugural New Music Stage and Aesthetica Fringe shows; Beyond the Frame events at York Theatre Royal; the UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO and the Podcasting strand. For the full programme and tickets, go to: asff.co.uk.
Joseph Egan’s club boss Fat Sam from the Team Bugsy cast for Pick Me Up Theatre’s Bugsy Malone
Young swells of the week: Pick Me Up Theatre in Bugsy Malone, Grand Opera House, York, until November 8, 7.30pm, except Sunday and Monday; 2.30pm, both Saturdays and Sunday
LESLEY Hill directs and choreographs York company Pick Me Up Theatre’s cast of more than 40 young performers in Alan Parker and Paul Williams’s Jazz Age musical, replete with the film songs You Give A Little Love, My Name Is Tallulah, So You Wanna Be A Boxer?, Fat Sam’s Grand Slam and Bugsy Malone.
In Prohibition-era New York, rival gangsters Fat Sam and Dandy Dan are at loggerheads. As custard pies fly and Dan’s splurge guns wreak havoc, penniless ex-boxer and all-round nice guy Bugsy Malone falls for aspiring singer Blousey Brown. Can Bugsy resist seductive songstress Tallulah, Fat Sam’s moll and Bugsy’s old flame, and stay out of trouble while helping Fat Sam to defend his business? Box office: atgtickets.com/york.
Mark Steel: Addressing the leopard in his house at York Theatre Royal tonight
“Leftie, working-class, BBC Radio 4 favourite” comedy gig of the week: Mark Steel: The Leopard In My House, York Theatre Royal, tonight, 7.30pm
COMEDIAN, nation-travelling radio presenter and writer Mark Steel has not so much an elephant in the room as The Leopard In My House. Under discussion is his battle with throat cancer, one that he is winning (thankfully) and that has spawned his new comedy tour show. Cancer, by the way, has done nothing to dull the edge of Steel’s trademark acute political and cultural observations.
“This show is the story of my year, of wonderful characters and often tricky but bafflingly positive experiences,” says Steel. “Doing the show doesn’t quite make me glad that it happened, but it definitely makes up for it quite a bit”. Box office: 01904 623568 or yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.
The Magpies: Launching new EP at the NCEM
Folk gig of the week: The Magpies, National Centre for Early Music, York, tonight, 7.30pm
THE Magpies, the folk trio that hosts The Magpies Festival at Sutton House, near York, every summer, combine rich harmonies with fiddle-led fire and lyrical storytelling, wherein Bella Gaffney (banjo, vocals), Holly Brandon (fiddle, vocals) and Ellie Gowers (guitar, vocals) meld Anglo and American traditions.
Tonight’s intimate gig marks the launch of this autumn’s EP, The One Thing That I Know. Lead single Painted Pony is a stirring tribute to the St John and St Lawrence rivers of Canada: a song that flows with memory, movement and the quiet majesty of nature’s imprint. Box office for returns only: 01904 658338 or ncem.co.uk.
George Stagnell in the short film Bomb Happy, part of an Everwitch Theatre double bill
Theatre and film memorial of the week: Everwitch Theatre in Bomb Happy VE Day double bill, Milton Rooms, Malton, Sunday, 3pm
PRESENTED in the lead-up to Remembrance Sunday, whose focus this year falls on 80th anniversary of VE Day, Bomb Happy has been created by writer-performer Helena Fox and actor-vocalist Natasha Jones, of Everwitch Theatre.
From D-Day to VE Day, this powerful one-hour double bill of live performance (30 minutes) and short film (30 minutes) brings to life the verbatim accounts of two working-class Yorkshire Normandy veterans, highlighting the lifelong impact of post-traumatic stress disorder and sleep trauma, not only on war veterans but on their families too. Box office: 01653 696240 or themiltonrooms.com.
Leading light Mad Alice: Welcoming passengers to her Ghost Train on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Train ride of the week: Mad Alice’s Ghost Train, North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Pickering Station, Sunday, 6.15pm and 8pm
JOIN York ghost walk hostess Mad Alice as she takes a spine-tingling ghost-train ride through the haunted heart of the North York Moors from Pickering to Levisham and back again in an hour-long eerie adventure. “I’ll be joined by Jonny Holbek, from York Light Opera Company, and professional actor Joe Standerline to help me tell stories in the carriage,” says Mad Alice. “Plus a few extra ‘ghosts’, who are actually either NYMR volunteers or York Light members – and even my own niece!”
All on board to learn of the mysterious ghosts that still haunt the carriages and stations; hear of supernatural tales and folklore of the land, and enjoy a special retelling of Charles Dickens’s ghost story, The Signal Man, all while sipping Mini Mad Alice’s Bloody Orange Gin & Tonic from York Gin (age 18 upwards). Box office for waiting list only: nymr.co.uk/Event/ghosttrain.
Sir Gareth Southgate: Discussing his new book Dear England at York Barbican…and the subject of James Graham’s play of that title at Leeds Grand Theatre
Ex-England manager at the double: In Conversation with Gareth Southgate, Lessons In Leadership, York Barbican, November 3, 7.30pm; National Theatre in Dear England, Leeds Grand Theatre, November 4 to 8, kick-off at 7.30pm plus 2pm Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday matinees
SIR Gareth Southgate, of Swinsty Hall, Fewston, Harrogate, makes the comparatively short trip to York Barbican to discuss his eight years of leading England’s footballers on the world stage with a revolutionary management style that combined calm empathy with mental resilience, courageous integrity with strong accountability.
David Sturzaker’s Gareth Southgate, in trademark waistcoat, in James Graham’s play Dear England, on tour at Leeds Grand Theatre. Picture: Mark Brenner
He will discuss his new book Dear England: Lessons In Leadership, a title shared with James Graham’s Olivier Award-winning play (and forthcoming television drama) that takes its name from Southgate’s open letter during the Covid-19 pandemic.
David Sturzaker plays Southgate, Samantha Womack, team psychologist Pippa Grange, in this “inspiring, at times heart-breaking and ultimately uplifting story” of England, penalties, lost finals and a new-found national identity. Box office: York, yorkbarbican.co.uk; Leeds, 0113 243 0808 or leedsheritagetheatres.com.
David Walliams: An evening of frank chat and outrageous anecdotes at York Barbican. Picture: Charlie Clift
Candid comedic conversation of the week: An Evening With David Walliams, York Barbican, November 4, 7.30pm
SKETCH comedian, prolific author, talent show judge and English Channel swimmer David Walliams presents an evening of laughter, storytelling and surprises, discussing his Little Britain breakthrough, Come Fly With Me and his days on Britain’s Got Talent.
Expect the stories behind legendary TV sketches and reflections on his myriad books and the highs and lows of a career. Prepare for candid conversation and outrageous anecdotes, topped off with the chance to put questions to Walliams in the Q&A. Box office: yorkbarbican.co.uk.
Ben Rosenfield and Laura McKeller in The Wetwang Hauntings – Live. Picture: Emma Warley
Halloween horrors and jump scares of the week: Neon Crypt & The Deathly Dark Tours present The Wetwang Hauntings – Live!, Theatre@41, Monkgate, York, November 4 to 8, 7.30pm plus 2.30pm Saturday matinee
BETWEEN 1986 and 1993, a series of often violent hauntings rocked the small Yorkshire town of Wetwang. The cases went cold and all the records were lost…until now! Join York ghost walk guide Dr Dorian Deathly as the Neon Crypt and The Deathly Dark Tours team digs into the history and horrors of these cases. “This show is not for the faint of heart,” he forewarns. Suitable for age 13 upwards. Box office: tickets.41monkgate.co.uk.
Nik Briggs: York Stage director back on stage to play a contestant in The Great British Bake Off Musical
York musical premiere of the week: York Stage in The Great British Bake Off Musical, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, November 5 to 8, 7.30pm plus 2.30pm Saturday matinee
BAKING battles, singing sponges and a sprinkling of hilarity is the recipe for York Stage’s York premiere of The Great British Bake Off Musical, rising to the occasion under the direction of Nik Briggs, who also makes a rare stage appearance as one of the Bake Off contestants.
Expect a sweet and savoury symphony of British wit and oven mitts, propelled by a menu of jazz hands and jubilant original songs that capture the essence of the Bake Off tent, from nerve-wracking technical challenges to triumphant showstoppers. Be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster ride, where cakes crumble, friendships form and dreams become fruitful reality. Box office: 01904 501935 or josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk.
Katie Leckey: Directing Griffonage Theatre’s three nights of Kafka’ strangest short stories in the House of Trembling Madness cellar in Lendal
Deliciously disturbing stories of the week: Griffonage Theatre, Kafka By Candlelight, The House Of Trembling Madness, Lendal, York, November 5 to 7. 6.30pm and 8.30pm
“NO rest for the week,” say Griffonage Theatre, York’s purveyors of the madcap and the macabre, who are performing Kafka By Candlelight in the cavernous belly of the House Of Trembling Madness cellar as part of Aesthetica Short Film Festival’s debut Aesthetica Fringe, featuring 25 shows across the city.
This one showcases five of Franz Kafka’s strangest short stories, told disturbingly in the darkness with the audience in masks (optional). “Dare to join us?” they tease. Box office: eventbrite.com/e/kafka-by-candlelight-tickets-1815618316259.
York actor, writer and director Constance Peel: Presenting Service Please at Aesthetica Fringe 2025
In Focus: Introducing Constance Peel, Service Please, Aesthetica Fringe, Rise@Bluebird Bakery, Acomb Road, Acomb, York, November 4 and 7, 8.30pm; Micklegate Social, Micklegate, York, November 9, 2pm and 8pm
CONSTANCE (Connie) Peel, York-born director, producer, writer and performer, will present her debut one-woman show Service Please as part of the inaugural Aesthetica Fringe.
“I’ve been working as an assistant director and performer in theatre professionally for the past two years, since graduating from the University of York,” says Connie, 24. “This show explores the reality of working in hospitality, including the harassment and sexism you can face as a young woman.”
Service Please is billed as “a relatable and comedic monologue that follows Lara, a creative writing graduate, who hopes to write the next best-selling fantasy romance novel. There’s only one thing standing in her way, her casual waitressing job that keeps the money coming in.”
“We’ve all been there, but Lara wasn’t ready for the stressful and chaotic reality of working in the service industry,” says Connie, introducing her monodrama. “Can Lara keep her sanity and get her big writing break or will she crumble under the pressure of understaffed shifts, creepy comments and customers who say their only food allergies are ‘women’?”
Hospitality is the fastest-growing economic sector, worth £93 billion to the UK economy. “But it’s under severe pressure with more than 100,000 job losses predicted by the time of this month’s Budget, due to National Insurance rises (according to UK Hospitality),” says Connie.
“It’s evident working in the sector that to continue profits and keep up with the cost of living, food prices and discounts both need to increase while labour hours decrease. Being a server has never been more stressful and unpredictable and this experience (as other working-class experiences) is so often overlooked by theatre.”
Sexual harassment is an epidemic in the hospitality industry too, says Connie. “As many as 47 per cent of workers having experienced it – and 69 per cent witnessed it in 2021 (Culture Shift).
“These statistics, though informative, mask the personal cost to the individuals harassed and abused. My play presents interpretations of my own personal experiences, including those with harassment, and they’re an unfortunate part of the job when working as a waitress.
“They shouldn’t be, and awareness of this experience even in Fringe-scale theatre is always beneficial to the cause.”
Lastly, says Connie, Service Please tells the story of an artist with no clear way into her industry. “This is the most personally accurate part of my script. I wrote and performed the 50-minute monologue while producing and marketing it alone for its six-day debut run at the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe, where it won plaudits from critics and top reviews.
“Though this is hopeful for creatives, both in the execution of the play and my own story behind it, I wanted to show the emotional toll of struggling as an artist, especially as in the past five years there has been one third fewer art jobs (directly impacting my career).
“It was important that I brought this show back to where my career started, in York where I graduated from the University of York and where I’ve been working for the past three years between York and Leeds. I hope this production and my story makes people see the importance of a small-scale play like this in today’s society.”
Aesthetica Short Film Festival director Cherie Federico
THE 15th Aesthetica Short Film Festival, York’s festival of storytelling, creativity and culture, will run from November 5 to 9 in a celebration of film, art and innovation.
The festival has become a transformative force for the creative industries in York, the UNESCO City of Media Arts. Over its 15-year history, the festival has grown from a niche celebration of short films into an internationally recognised event that drives economic, cultural and social impact across York, the North and the UK.
“Beyond screenings, Aesthetica shows us what we can achieve as a city and region, opening doors and creating opportunities for emerging and established creatives alike,” says festival founder and artistic director Cherie Federico. “It brings fresh perspectives, proving that world-class creative innovation does not have to be London-centric.
“By attracting filmmakers, musicians, media artists and industry professionals from around the globe, the festival creates a platform for collaboration, professional development and experimentation.
“It positions York as a hub for cutting-edge media arts, immersive experiences and industry-leading conversations, while championing the UK’s creative industries and nurturing bold new voices.”
Reflecting on 15 years of Aesthetica Short Film Festival, Cherie says: “The festival started 15 years ago as an idea to screen amazing talent in a city that had never had a film festival before. It was an incredible opportunity to break new ground.
“Over the years, it has grown into a globally recognised platform, attracting submissions from more than 80 countries and programming across film, animation, VR, games, podcasts and media arts.
“York itself has grown alongside the festival, evolving into an internationally visible hub for creativity. The festival now bridges traditional cinema with innovative storytelling, offering audiences and industry professionals alike a space to discover, collaborate and experiment.”
Picking the festival’s greatest achievement, Cherie says: “We’ve proved that something of this scale and ambition can thrive outside London. From York, a city traditionally celebrated for its heritage, rather than contemporary creative industries, Aesthetica has built a platform with real global reach.
“For 22 years, it has published and supported independent art and film through the Aesthetica Art Prize, curated programmes and festival screenings, connecting creators from around the world with audiences, industry and media.
“It opens doors to new perspectives and possibilities, showing the city – and the wider UK – what can be achieved with ambition, creativity and vision.”
Mark Kermode: Participating in Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2025 with a talk and a concert by his band Dodge Brothers. Picture: Julie Edwards Visuals
Cherie continues: “Launching initiatives such as the UK Film Production Summit, immersive media labs and national education strands demonstrates how Aesthetica embraces York as a place of innovation, bringing the world to the city, rather than expecting everyone to come to traditional hubs.
“The festival consistently champions bold, original voices, elevates independent arts and merges cultural, social, and economic impact, while showing that excellence in creative industries is not limited to London.”
Beyond being a film festival, the annual event continues to evolve its identity. “The festival has grown beyond a traditional film festival to celebrate all forms of screen and media arts,” highlights Cherie.
“With strands covering VR [virtual reality], gaming, podcasts, music and interactive media, the festival reflects the evolving landscape of storytelling. While a name change could emphasise this broader remit, the festival’s established brand carries heritage, international recognition and prestige. The programming itself now embodies the expansion, giving audiences a rich, multidisciplinary experience.”
Among the initiatives for 2025 is the Beyond The Frame strand of wider programming. “Our Fringe programme’s expansion into Beyond The Frame reflects the festival’s commitment to experimental, cross-disciplinary and interactive media,” says Cherie.
“Partnering with York Theatre Royal, it offers audiences immersive live experiences, combining performance, film and storytelling in innovative ways. Highlights include comedy from Sophie Duker, screenings from Silent Cinema, and special industry talks with Mark Kermode, among others.”
“Beyond The Frame demonstrates the festival’s ambition to push creative boundaries, attract diverse audiences, and provide a platform for both emerging talent and established international artists. It shows York what is possible creatively, blending heritage venues with cutting-edge programming and reinforcing the festival’s role in opening doors and offering new perspectives beyond London.”
This festival may have an international reach but it celebrates York’s identity too, being as much a festival for York and about York as it is a magnet for overseas talent and visitors.
“While the Aesthetica Film Festival has grown into a truly international platform – attracting submissions and participants from more than 60 countries – it remains deeply rooted in York,” says Cherie.
“Local schools, creative hubs and venues are central to the festival experience, ensuring it celebrates the city’s culture alongside global talent. Aesthetica shows York what it can achieve, opening doors to new opportunities and perspectives that are not London-centric.
“By connecting York-based creatives with international filmmakers, musicians, media artists and industry professionals, it provides exposure, networks, and inspiration that would otherwise be less accessible outside traditional industry hubs.”
Cherie continues: “Our initiatives such as Filmmaking in Schools, the New Music Stage, VR and Games Lab and the UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO at the Guildhall ensure that local talent benefits from international engagement.
Aesthetica Short Film Festival: A hub of creative activity in York for five days each November. Picture: Jim Poyner Photography
“This dual identity strengthens community engagement, supports careers and demonstrates that world-class creative innovation can flourish anywhere in the UK, not just in London.”
Launching the UK Film Production Summit positions the festival at the heart of the British screen industry, says Cherie. “More than 100 production companies, commissioners and development executives – including BBC Films, Film4, Working Title, Warp Films, Paramount, Scott Free, and BFI – converge to tackle pressing industry questions, from AI and virtual production to the rise of streaming platforms.
Mark Herbert, CEO of Warp Films, will headline the summit, bringing with him the weight of critically acclaimed productions such as This Is England, Four Lions, and Adolescence.
“Landmark sessions such as The Future of Production: Scripted, Unscripted, Film, TV & Streaming demonstrate the festival’s strategic influence,” says Cherie. “Hosting the summit in York shows that the festival is no longer just a showcase for films. It’s a national platform shaping the future of UK production.”
Looking forward to Aesthetica 2025, Cherie says: “What I’m most excited to see is the seamless integration of new and traditional media across the programme, which reflects the festival’s forward-thinking approach to storytelling.
“The VR and Games Lab pushes the boundaries of immersive and interactive experiences, while the Podcasting strand embraces innovative audio narratives, and the New Music Stage highlights emerging talent and the crossover between sound, performance and media arts.
“Meanwhile, the expansion of Filmmaking in Schools demonstrates the festival’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation, equipping young people with the skills, confidence and opportunities to shape the future of creative industries.
“The UK Film Production Summit is another standout moment. Bringing together the country’s leading producers, commissioners and creative decision-makers in York is both inspiring and transformative.
“These conversations don’t just define what gets made; they influence how stories are told, who gets to tell them, and where creative opportunities can flourish.”
Summing up the ever-growing impact of the Aesthetica Film Festival, Cherie concludes: “The festival offers a dynamic, multi-dimensional experience that celebrates innovation, champions new voices and showcases the full scale, ambition and influence of Aesthetica, positioning York as a hub for creativity and a centre for the future of storytelling in the UK.”
The poster for Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2025
More questions for Cherie
What will happen on the New Music Stage?
“DUBBED by many as the UK’s version of SXSW (South By Southwest in Austin, Texas), the New Music Stage is a major innovation for the Aesthetica Film Festival, celebrating emerging musical talent while driving economic, cultural, and social impact for York, the North,and the UK,” says Cherie.
“The stage brings together acts championed by major tastemakers such as BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music, RTÉ Radio 1, MOJO and Rolling Stone, offering national and international exposure to artists across genres.
Highlights include Irish singer-songwriter BLÁNID, who has graced RTÉ 1’s The Late Late Show and surpassed one million Spotify streams; Crazy James, celebrated by BBC Introducing; Daisy Gill, who followed her The Voice UK exposure with performances at Glastonbury and the Royal Albert Hall; Dilettante, praised by MOJO and featured at SXSW and The Great Escape, and Ewan Sim, showcased at SXSW London and featured on Spotify Fresh Finds.
Taking part too are Isabel Maria, BBC Introducing One-to-Watch and North East Culture Award winner; Jemma Johnson, whose alt-pop has featured on BBC Radio 1 and Radio X; Kengo, who has earned BBC Introducing support for her introspective hip-hop; Scarborough’s Pleasure Centre, celebrated for their immersive art-rock sound; and Tarian, praised by BBC Radio Wales with millions of listeners.
“By combining live performance with media innovation, the New Music Stage exemplifies the festival’s commitment to championing new voices, supporting creative industries, and positioning York as a vibrant hub for contemporary culture,” says Cherie.
The VR Lab: very much a reality at Aesthetica Short Film Festival
Why has the VR & Games Lab become so integral to ASFF’s expansion?
“Aesthetica is the only festival in the UK to include gaming as part of its public programme, making us a pioneer in showcasing interactive and immersive storytelling to general audiences,” says Cherie.
“As early adopters of VR technology, the festival has championed virtual reality and gaming as vital mediums for the future of storytelling, long before they became mainstream.”
In 2025, the Lab features more than 50 stations for immersive experiences, giving audiences hands-on opportunities to explore narrative innovation, interactive gameplay, and experimental media.
“It provides a space for collaboration, experimentation and learning, enabling developers, artists and audiences to engage directly with cutting-edge technology,” says Cherie.
“This strand reinforces the festival’s reputation as a thought-leader in creative innovation, demonstrating how film, VR and games intersect to push storytelling into bold new territories while engaging the public with emerging media in an accessible and inspiring way.”
Why has Aesthetica introduced the Podcasting strand for the 2025 festival?
“THE introduction of a Podcasting strand reflects the festival’s commitment to embracing different ways of telling stories, responding to the evolving landscape of narrative and media,” says Cherie.
“Aesthetica was the first UK film festival to include this dedicated strand, recognising that podcasts have become a major platform for storytelling, investigative journalism, audio drama and experimental sound art.
“By incorporating this medium, the festival supports creators in developing, showcasing and networking around audio storytelling, providing practical insight into production, distribution and audience engagement.
“This strand not only expands the festival’s creative scope beyond visual media but also celebrates the diversity of contemporary narrative forms, encouraging innovation and experimentation while offering audiences a rich, multi-sensory experience.”
You champion York’s status as a UNESCO City of Media Arts at every opportunity, hence its prominent involvement in the 2025 festival with the UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO. Discuss…
“Running at the Guildhall from November 6 to 8, it brings together more than 40 creative businesses from film, TV, gaming, VR, design, publishing and interactive media, the EXPO showcases York and North Yorkshire’s role at the forefront of the UK’s creative industries.
“It highlights the economic, cultural, and social impact of the sector, while providing meaningful opportunities for young people and emerging talent.”
The EXPO features such innovative companies as York’s Viridian FX (visual effects for House Of The Dragon), Revolution Games (Broken Sword series), Orillo Productions (Netflix and Amazon Prime collaborations) and Beckview Studios (state-of-the-art recording studio).
Complementing the EXPO are Media Arts exhibitions at York Art Gallery and a vibrant Festival Fringe, turning the city into a living showcase of creativity and innovation.
How important is the Filmmaking in Schools strand?
“The Filmmaking in Schools programme has expanded significantly in 2025, offering workshops, mentorship and screenings for students across York and the wider region,” says Cherie.
“It introduces young people to technical skills, creative storytelling and professional pathways in film and media. This strand demonstrates the festival’s broader commitment to the next generation, ensuring that York’s designation as a UNESCO City of Media Arts is meaningful in practice, not just in title.
“By providing hands-on learning, professional mentorship and exposure to international standards, the programme helps students develop real-world skills, creative confidence and industry awareness.
“It opens doors to future careers in the creative industries, fostering the talent pipeline that underpins the UK’s cultural and economic growth. Through this initiative, Aesthetica not only inspires young people but also showcases how a city can leverage its creative credentials to deliver demonstrable opportunities, nurturing the next generation of filmmakers, media artists and storytellers.”
York Theatre Royal audience on day three of the Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2024
