Ayckbourn premieres new play to mark Stephen Joseph Theatre's 60th year
The Stephen Joseph Theatre has announced plans for its 60th anniversary year in 2015.
Established by Stephen Joseph in 1955, the in-the-round Scarborough venue is known for its association with new writing, particularly by the playwright Alan Ayckbourn, who served for many years as artistic director.
To start the year, the theatre will undergo a £350,000 renovation project to create a "brand new OutReach centre and onsite wardrobe and prop storage facilities", enabling the theatre to expand its work with the community.
Among the main on stage events, Ayckbourn will direct a revival of his 1974 play Confusions (9 July-26 September) and the world premiere of his 79th play Hero's Welcome (3 September-3 October).
The anniversary year will also see original SJT productions return home and special guests will join the theatre for a series of special events including talks and master classes.
Robin Herford will direct The Woman In Black (18 June-1 August), first staged at the Stephen Joseph in 1987, in a production created especially for the theatre's diamond jubilee and with a cast who "will go direct to London's West End".
And a revival of Tim Firth’s Neville's Island, currently being staged in the West End, will also be mounted, running from 6 August to 3 October.
*Please note the dates given for all productions are subject to change
