THE last act is being played out for a piece of York's theatrical history.

The Rowntree Players' production of The Importance Of Being Earnest will be their last play to be rehearsed in the Nestl dining block, on Haxby Road.

The players have rehearsed plays and pantomimes in the building since 1918.

Now the canteen is being sold and the land used to build a new private hospital, which will replace the Purey Cust in the city centre.

Earlier this year the Evening Press reported that members of the many groups who use the block were protesting against the sale.

But the show will go on for the players. Along with several other societies, they are moving their rehearsals for future productions to Joseph Rowntree School in New Earswick.

The Importance of Being Earnest is at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre in Haxby Road from Thursday, May 1, to Saturday, May 3, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £7, with £6 concessions.

For more information, phone Eileen Lavender on 01904 468476.

The players have presented £500, part of their proceeds from their panto night,to York Against Motor Neurone Disease.

Updated: 08:47 Wednesday, April 23, 2003