Stephen Joseph Theatre Announces Winter Season

There's a warming winter line-up at Scarborough's Stephen Joseph Theatre this year, including a brand new play by Alan Ayckbourn and the Scarborough directorial debut of the theatre's new Artistic Director, Paul Robinson.

Alan Ayckbourn will direct his latest play, No Knowing, which runs in the endstage McCarthy auditorium from 1 to 24 December. Elspeth and Arthur are celebrating 40 years of quiet, safe, unspectacular, ordinary marriage. But knowing her and him as they do, their son and daughter know differently...

Director Paul Robinson, who joined the SJT in June from London's Theatre503, is in charge of the Christmas family show, Pinocchio. Adapted by Nick Lane from the classic tale by Carlo Collodi about a wooden puppet who just wants to be a real boy, this festive show will be full of family fun, live music and original songs. It plays in the Round from 8 to 31 December.

For smaller members of the family, How to Catch a Fairy - a Beginner's Guide, written and directed by Cheryl Govan, is the Christmas offering from the SJT Youth Theatre. It plays in the McCarthy from 10 to 17 December.

Completing the programme are:

12 October: The Pearl of Africa Choir - 15 talented young people from Uganda who perform concerts to raise awareness and funds for Ugandan schools.

13-15 October: Russell Howard Tour Warm-up (sold out).

19-20 October: And Then Come the Nightjars - directed by Paul Robinson, Bea Roberts's play set during the foot-and-mouth crisis of 2001 is a tender and funny story of male friendship. Presented by Theatre503 and Bristol Old Vic in association with Tara Finney Productions.

21-22 October: How to Date a Feminist - Laundry Productions present Samantha Ellis's hilarious spin on the Hollywood romcom as old-fashioned romantic Kate falls for feminist Steve.

22 October & 19 November: Tiny Time Tales - Charlie and the Light Fantastic. Continuing our tradition ofSaturday morning entertainment for the smallest members of the family, Tom Dalton Bidwell's play follows clever Charlie who has invented a spaceship for him and his clever Cat Elwood to have adventures in.

25-29 October: When We Are Married - Northern Broadsides and York Theatre Royal present JB Priestley's classic Northern comedy in which three couples who are highly respected pillars of society all married on the same day gather to celebrate their silver wedding - only to find out they were never actually married. Barrie Rutter directs.

3 November: The Wish House - North Country Theatre's comedy of rural superstition and urban myth based on a short story by Rudyard Kipling.

8-12 November: Broken Biscuits - the latest from Paines Plough and Live Theatre, written by Tom Wells (Jumpers for Goalposts) is the hilarious tale of three teenagers who want to change their lives through the power of song.

14-19 November: This Might Hurt - the new comedy from John Godber, presented by the John Godber Company and Theatre Royal Wakefield. Told in a bold physical theatre style, it's Godber's typically gritty and honest take on our health service.

24 November: O Duo - infectiously energetic percussionists O Duo present and eclectic programme spanning 300 years of music.

8 December: Holly at Christmas - Buddy Holly and the Cricketers herald in the Yuletide festivities with a show that's now as traditional as mince pies!

11 December: The Albion Christmas Band - The Combined talents of Fairport Convention's Simon Nicol, Kellie While (Albion Band), Simon Care (Edward II) and the 'guvnor' himself, Ashely Hutchings.

14-15 January: Hammonds Saltaire Band - it wouldn't be January at the SJT without a visit from our favourite brass band!

There'll also be a packed programme of films and live streamings in our cinema, and additional events may be added through the season.

Booking for all the events opens on Monday 12 September - please visit the website for further information, more detail on times and dates, and ticket prices. Tickets can be booked by calling the box office on 01723 370541 or via the website: www.sjt.uk.com

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