IN a Yorkshire autumn season where so many theatre shows are seeking to break new ground, none sums up that policy better than the union of York Theatre Royal with Full Body And The Voice and The Shysters.

These two companies are working together for the first time, pooling their experience of working with actors with learning disabilities for a production of Pinocchio in which they will collaborate with actors from the Theatre Royal.

Produced by Theatre Royal artistic director Damian Cruden and directed by Richard Hayhow, of The Shysters, and Jon Palmer, from Full Body, Pinocchio will run from next Friday to October 27.

The show is suitable for anyone aged five or over (a change from the eight-plus age limit printed in the Theatre Royal autumn brochure).

Significantly, Pinocchio will be staged in the main house and not tucked away in The Studio.

"We could have done it in The Studio but that would run counter to the whole idea of what we're doing, and that was not to apologise about the work we're doing here, " says Damian.

"You only develop when you have to come up against new challenges, and that is true of any company of actors; you're always looking to develop and stretch them. As a company, York Theatre Royal will learn because we're engaging with two companies that do things differently and it's a process where something shared benefits us all."

  • For tickets, ring 01904 623568 or book online at www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk