Ayckbourn Marks 64th Play with Sugar DaddiesDate: 9 July 2003
Two new shows by Alan Ayckbourn will receive their world premieres this summer at the playwright's own Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough. The new comedy Sugar Daddies runs from 17 July to 13 September 2003, taking a break in August for the presentation of the new musical Orvin - Champion of Champions, which has a limited run from 7 to 23 August.
Ayckbourn's 64th play, Sugar Daddies is billed as a cautionary tale of dark intentions. After coming to the aid of Father Christmas, good Samaritan Sasha receives great material rewards. But can she really remain the same humble person while living her new luxurious lifestyle?
The cast features Stephen Joseph regulars Alison Pargeter (who won this year's Critics Circle Most Promising Newcomer Award for the SJT productions of Ayckbourn's Damsels in Distress trilogy when it transferred to the West End) and Terence Booth (House and Garden) as well as Anna Brecon (best known for her role as Lady Tara in the TV soap Emmerdale).
In Orvin - Champion of Champions, the chorus of Gods sets out to retell the story of Great Ulmar, legendary warrior and champion of Sollistis, but problems ensue when Ulmar's squire Orvin oversleeps and the Gods are forced to re-write history.
With music by Denis King (who composed the score for Stepping Out -The Musical and Peter Nichols' Privates on Parade) and a young cast of 40, Orvin - Champion of Champions is a co-production with the National Youth Music Theatre. Both productions are directed by Ayckbourn himself.
Feydeau farce The Game Hunter and Lesley Bruce's comedy Bedtime Stories are currently running in rep at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough until 12 July 2003.
- by Hannah Kennedy
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