English Touring Theatre (ETT), York Theatre Royal and An Tobar and Mull Theatre have announced the UK tour of The Last Picture, a brand-new play by acclaimed writer Catherine Dyson.
Directed by John R. Wilkinson, the production opens at York Theatre Royal on 6 February 2026, with previews from 5 February, and runs until 14 February. It will then tour to HOME Manchester, Bristol Old Vic, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, and conclude at An Tobar and Mull Theatre.
The Last Picture is a powerful exploration of empathy, imagination, and collective memory. Set during a school trip in 2026, a group of Year 9 students — accompanied by Sam, their emotional support dog — are drawn into the story of 1939 Europe. As timelines blur, the play asks what it means to care, to remember, and to connect across generations.
Catherine Dyson said, “At a time when empathy and imagination feel more necessary than ever, The Last Picture asks us to come together – to witness, to listen, and to reflect. It’s a piece where the audience is at the heart, and I can’t wait to see it come to life across the country.”
Director John R. Wilkinson added, “Working once again with ETT, alongside York Theatre Royal and An Tobar and Mull Theatre, is a real privilege. Catherine’s writing has a quiet intensity – precise, poetic, and deeply resonant. The Last Picture leads audiences through time and space, from classrooms to museums, to moments when history shifts. It’s a profoundly human and immersive journey.”
ETT’s Artistic Director Richard Twyman and Executive Producer Sophie Scull commented, “The Last Picture is a moving and innovative new work that speaks to the power of witness. Catherine Dyson’s writing invites us to re-examine the past and confront the present with honesty and compassion. We’re thrilled to be working with John R. Wilkinson again, bringing this extraordinary play to audiences across the UK.”
Paul Crewes, CEO of York Theatre Royal, said, “We’re proud to produce this bold new play with ETT and An Tobar and Mull Theatre. Catherine Dyson’s writing challenges us to think differently about empathy, history, and how we tell stories. We’re excited to present it to our York audiences – and to see it reach communities across the UK.”
Rebecca Atkinson-Lord, Artistic Director of An Tobar and Mull Theatre, added, “Catherine Dyson’s writing glows with emotional intelligence. The Last Picture is a vital reminder of the need for empathy in a world that often feels fractured. The play becomes something rare – generous, haunting, and full of hope. We’re proud to share this work with audiences nationwide.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
