A special fund-raising event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Alan Ayckbourn's Absurd Person Singular will take place at Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre on June 26 – exactly 50 years after its premiere.

Considered by many to be the world-famous and prolific writer’s greatest play, Absurd Person Singular received its premiere at the SJT’s former home in Scarborough Library on June 26, 1972, and the author is currently directing a cast of some of his favourite actors – Elizabeth Boag, Bill Champion, Russell Dixon, Linford Johnson, Alexandra Mathie and Naomi Petersen – in a rehearsed reading to raise money for the New Writing Fund at the SJT, a registered charity.

Set in three kitchens over three Christmases, Absurd Person Singular charts the relentless rise of the socially-aspiring Hopcrofts at the expense of two other, more affluent couples.

Alan Ayckbourn explained: “Absurd Person Singular was never originally the intended title for this particular play but, come to think of it, is one that describes all my plays in a way, both the funny and the sad ones.

"Indeed someone once pointed out it is a description that could even apply to their author!”

The afternoon will start with a talk by Alan’s Archivist, Simon Murgatroyd, at noon, followed by the reading at 3pm. The event will end with a Q&A with Alan and the cast. Tickets (talk £5, reading £15 and £35) are available on 01723 370541 or online, with more information, here