Alan Ayckbourn Celebrates Milestone with New Play at Stephen Joseph Theatre

In early September, the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough will host the premiere of "Show & Tell," marking the 90th play by renowned playwright Alan Ayckbourn. Reflecting on his prolific career, Ayckbourn shared that during the COVID-19 pandemic, he took the opportunity to stockpile new works. Each year, he stages a reading of one of his plays during a special weekend in Scarborough, showcasing his ongoing commitment to the theatre. Ayckbourn's latest work is inspired by his lifelong passion for theatre, depicting a fictional folk group in pursuit of their audience across various pubs. He expressed curiosity about the changes in his own writing and the broader theatre landscape since his debut in 1959, a time when the Stephen Joseph Theatre was known for earnest productions that also brought laughter. He noted a shift from actor-driven to writer-driven and eventually director-driven theatre, while humorously recalling Stephen Joseph's quip about directors merely being there to make tea. Despite his critical views on certain modern theatrical trends, Ayckbourn remains optimistic and engaged. He recounted a challenging period following a stroke when he struggled to generate new ideas. However, after weeks of uncertainty, inspiration struck, reaffirming his belief in the unpredictable nature of creativity. As he prepares for the debut of "Show & Tell," Ayckbourn continues to celebrate the art of theatre and its enduring impact on his life.