Alan Ayckbourn’s 87th play, a new stage version of a classic novel; an adaptation of a favourite British movie; a time-bending romance and a new version of Cinderella are all in the newly-announced 2022 season at Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre.
Family Album, written and directed by Alan Ayckbourn, opens in September (September 2-October 1), Auckbourn's 87th play, about the trials and temptations of three generations of a family across 70 years in the same home.
In 1952, RAF veteran John and his wife Peggy move into their first home, while in 1992, daughter Sandra frantically negotiates the challenges of a 10 year old’s birthday party without her husband and and in 2022 granddaughter Alison finally leaves the house she has somewhat unwillingly inherited.
While we are on the subject of Ayckbourn himself, the theatre is presenting a special reading of one of his biggest early hits, Absurd Person Singular, on the occasion of its 50th anniversary in June (June 26).
Before that the theatre has plenty of treats in store. Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre is adapted by Chris Bush in a co-production with the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme from April 8-30. The play presents the famous story for a new audience while staying true to the original's revolutionary spirit. Actor-musicians take on multiple roles and add a few 19th century pop hits!
Noel Coward's still-popular romantic screenplay Brief Encounter comes up in July (July 22-August 27), in a not-entirely slavish adaptation by Emma Rice that adds musical numbers and physical comedy to the classic railway-station romance of the original. It's a co-production with Bolton's Octagon Theatre and Theatre by the Lake in Keswick.
Nick Payne's much-
feted play Constellations plays at SJT from October 28-November 12. Those who haven't seen it might not be particularly enthused by the description of a "play about quantum multiverse theory, love and honey", about the romance of beekeeper Roland and astrophysicist Marianne. But go anyway; it's short and simply magnificent.
Christmas brings happy, jangling theatre tills and the fun of family shows as Cinderella, adapted by Nick Lane, with music and lyrics by Simon Slater, takes over proceedings from December 2-31. The team that sailed audiences to Treasure Island, took them up the beanstalk and down the rabbit hole to Wonderland present an adventure filled with dastardly deeds, nutty mice and a pumpkin with a mind of its own...
Information and tickets here