The Last Picture – York Theatre Royal

Writer: Catherine Dyson 

Director: John R Wilkinson

The Last Picture at York Theatre Royal is built around a genuinely clever concept: viewing vast human trauma third hand through the eyes of Sam, an emotional support dog, brought in to support a class of Year 9 students. Sam’s perspective offers a softened lens on difficult material, giving the audience a way in that feels compassionate rather than confrontational. It’s an idea that immediately signals the production’s intent – to care for its audience while asking them to imagine and reflect – and for the most part, it succeeds.

At the centre of this one-man show is well respected YTR regular, Robin Simpson, who is excellent, as always. There’s a reassuring quality to his presence: a warm, safe pair of hands guiding us through the story. He builds a relationship with the audience instantly, creating trust within moments and holding it throughout. Even when the material becomes heavy, there’s a sense that we’re being looked after, not lectured to, which is no small achievement given the subject matter.

The Holocaust and the events of the Second World War are clearly of deep importance to the director, and their influence on the production is sincere and heartfelt. These events remain profoundly significant and undeniably inspirational. That said, they are also well-trodden theatrical ground. This familiarity slightly blunts the emotional impact; one can’t help wondering whether if writer Catherine Dyson had anchored the piece in a different conflict or historical moment might have landed with greater force, precisely because it would have felt less expected.

The framing device of a Year 9 class is a smart choice and works well as a narrative vehicle, directed smartly by John R Wilkinson. It opens the door to moments of humour and when those moments arrive, they’re welcome. However, they are perhaps too few. Given the weight of the material, more light relief between the poignant scenes could have helped the overall rhythm of the piece. A little more space to breathe—and to laugh—might have made the emotional beats hit harder when they came.

Overall, The Last Picture is thoughtful, well-performed and clearly made with care. Its concept is inventive, the performance of it compelling, and its intentions admirable. While it holds no real surprises, it is a genuinely well-considered and enjoyable piece of theatre.

Runs until 14th February