First look production images have been released for The Last Picture at York Theatre Royal.
The brand-new play by Catherine Dyson explores empathy, imagination and collective memory through the eyes of an emotional support dog named Sam.
Directed by John R. Wilkinson, the production stars Robin Simpson in the role of Sam, guiding a group of schoolchildren through an exhibit on Europe in 1939.
York Theatre Royal audiences will recognise Simpson from his acclaimed pantomime performances. Speaking about the role, Robin Simpson said: “I am delighted to be back at York Theatre Royal, this time in the Studio theatre and in a very different kind of production. When I first read Catherine’s extraordinary script I was blown away by how moving and thoughtful it was. The character of Sam is so unique and I am really looking forward to the challenge of the role and going out on tour to venues across the country.”
Playwright Catherine Dyson added: “It’s so wonderful to work with John and the creative team on the play and to be putting it in front of an audience with the very talented Robin Simpson as our Sam. Seeing your work turned into reality on stage is such a joy and I can’t wait for audiences to experience the show.”
Director John R. Wilkinson said: “The Last Picture will offer audiences a profoundly human and immersive journey and we have an incredible team on board to bring the play to life. Robin has a wonderful versatility as a performer – York audiences already know and love him as our warm and funny panto dame – and I am so excited to see what he does with the role of Sam. So much of the show relies on the audience’s imagination and how Sam gets us to experience that together and Robin for me, is the perfect actor to take us on that journey. I can’t wait for rehearsals to start!”
The creative team includes Natasha Jenkins (Designer), Benny Goodman (Lighting Designer), Max Pappenheim (Sound Designer) and Alexia Kalogiannidis (Movement Director).
The Last Picture opens at York Theatre Royal on 6 February 2026, with a preview on 5 February, before touring to HOME Manchester, Bristol Old Vic and Yvonne Arnaud Theatre.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
