Edward Albee’s 'The Zoo Story', a timely, award-winning play exploring young male loneliness, comes to Harrogate from 28th February, starring ex-St.John Fisher actor Frankie Bounds
The Classic Theatre Project of Yorkshire, presents this gripping, 60-minute, one-act play that feels as urgent today as when it premiered in 1959.
The production stars Frankie Bounds, former Ashville and St John Fisher's Student, bringing a strong local connection to this internationally celebrated work.
Performed as lunchtime theatre on a Saturday and Sunday afternoon, The Zoo Story offers an intense, thought-provoking experience in just one hour.
To encourage young people back into theatre, tickets for Under 25s are free.
Set on a park bench in New York’s Central Park, the play charts a chance encounter between Jerry, a young man isolated from society, and Peter, a comfortable middle-class professional living safely within his own “zoo.” What begins as conversation becomes confrontation — exposing loneliness, disconnection and the fragile structures that hold modern life together.
The themes resonate strongly today. In the UK, over one in eight young people aged 16–24 are currently not in education, employment or training, with young men disproportionately affected.
Against this backdrop, 'The Zoo Story' speaks directly to a growing crisis of young male loneliness, social alienation and loss of purpose.
The company said:
“If this is your first Albee play, you’re in for a rare treat,
“The writing is wickedly funny, deeply unsettling and ends with a rug-pulled-from-under-you climax that leaves audiences breathless.”
The Classic Theatre Project's mission is to bring meaningful, high-quality theatre to discerning Yorkshire audiences — theatre that entertains, provokes and lingers long after the final line.
Performances:
- 28 February, 2:30–3:30pm — The Stage at the Stable, Huby (near Harrogate)
- 4 March, 7:30–8:30pm — The Cardigan Arms, Kirkstall, Leeds
- 8 March, 2:30–3:30pm — The Wesley Centre, Harrogate
Tickets: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/theclassictheatreproject
The Zoo Story by Edward Albee — 60 minutes. Two characters. One bench. No escape.
Here Frankie's full chat with Your Harrogate's George Dickson here:
Marie Curie appeals for Harrogate volunteers this summer
Boroughbridge clinic celebrates hat-trick of industry awards
New day service for people with complex needs opens at Rossett School
Call for review after Allerton Waste Recovery Park misses targets for seventh consecutive year
Harrogate MP welcomes £2 bus fare cap but calls for further reforms
Yorkshire's biggest ever pug meet to be held at Harewood House
Bin fires prompt call for public to dispose of batteries responsibly
Knaresborough Mayor to open town's first padel venue
New award launched to find Yorkshire's best pub
Vale of York services given go-ahead despite "rape of countryside" claim
Traffic to use new A59 Kex Gill route for first time tomorrow
Annual Tour de Aky set to hit £10,000 target
Harrogate bus staff nominated for national award
Parking warning issued after Burnsall car park closes
Spire Harrogate Clinic earns top housekeeping award
Otley music studio launches six-week daytime courses
New guide helps families find free and low-cost summer fun
Much-loved Slingsby Gin becomes new Festivals' partner
Princess Royal to become Great Yorkshire Show President
Concern over lack of consultation ahead of Lifeline cuts decision
