A visceral and playful theatrical production of the classic legend, adapted and directed by Emma Rice.
Tristan & Yseult comes to the York Theatre Royal from Tuesday 6 April to Saturday 17 April 2027, playing in the Main House. It's a production with a long history behind it, originally created in 2003 by the company Kneehigh. It started out in the open air at Restormel Castle and Rufford Abbey before it was reimagined as an indoor show for the National Theatre in 2005. Since then, it's been widely cited as one of the most influential theatre productions of the 21st century.
Emma Rice adapted and directed the piece, and it's known for being visceral, playful, and heartbreakingly beautiful. It blends myth, music, movement, and storytelling, and has earned a reputation as a landmark production that's inspired a generation of artists and audiences. The story itself is the legend of Tristan and Iseult, a cornerstone of Western literature and art that dates back to the 12th century. It's been adapted countless times over the centuries, from the poetic works of Béroul and Thomas of Britain to Richard Wagner's influential 19th-century opera.
Every week we pick 🏆 the 5 best 🏆 things to do in York and send them to your inbox. Just one weekly email, no spam.
By submitting your email, you accept our Privacy Policy
So, if you're into theatre that mixes music and movement with a story that's been told in a dozen different ways over nearly a thousand years, this is one to keep on your radar. It runs from Tuesday 6 April to Saturday 17 April 2027 in the Main House at the York Theatre Royal.
