YORK Musical Theatre Company has selected its spring and autumn productions. Both shows will be staged at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, first Me And My Girl from April 9 to 13 and then Grease from November 12 to 16.

In a break from tradition, the long-running York society will not be performing at York Theatre Royal this year.

“We’re making some financially led decisions so that we can hopefully do a Theatre Royal ‘wow’ of a show again with big sets, costumes and a large cast when the theatre reopens after its refurbishment,” says press officer and actress Anna Mitchelson.

“We’re going full steam ahead for 2013, following an exciting 2012 that saw the election of a new chairman and a new executive committee and a fantastic selection of shows, including a celebration of the centenary of the Titanic sinking with a sell-out York Theatre Royal concert version of Titanic the Musical.”

Director and new chairman Paul Laidlaw will hold an introductory rehearsal for Me And My Girl at New Earswick School on Monday, January 14 at 7.30pm. This gathering is open to all, as will be the auditions on Saturday, February 9 from 10am onwards, again at New Earswick School.

Me And My Girl had an Olivier Award-winning run in the West End, with a script revived by Stephen Fry. Robert Lindsay, Emma Thompson and Gary Wilmot starred in the subsequent national tours of a show that raises the spirits with such songs as Leaning On A Lamp Post, Me And My Girl, The Sun Has Got His Hat On and The Lambeth Walk.

Audition dates for Grease will be announced later and competition for roles is sure to be stiff for a musical that was voted number one in Channel 4’s 100 Greatest Musicals.

“Ever since the film was produced in 1978, it’s built up new generations of fans each year through the stage musical, touring internationally and with sell-out runs in the West End and on Broadway,” says Anna.

In 2012, York Musical Theatre Company’s 110th year, the society announced a new production team. At the annual general meeting last September, Jim Welsman retired as chairman after 13 years, when members paid tribute to all his efforts in steering the society through tricky waters.

As well as artistic director Paul Laidlaw’s election as chairman, Pat Kay and Derek McMahon were elected to continue in the roles of secretary and treasurer.

The full committee now includes Gill Baldwin, Richard Bainbridge, Mark Hall, Anna Mitchelson, Moira Murphy, Malcolm Poole, Angela Snaddon and Jo Wragg.

John Warburton has agreed to remain in his role as president, while life membership has been awarded to Jenny Cohen, Pat Kay, Jessa Liversidge and Derek McMahon.

Tickets for Me And My Girl are on sale at £13 to £15 at the Theatre Royal box office, 01904 623568 or online at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk