Alan Ayckbourn to Direct World Premieres of Two of His Plays at Stephen Joseph Theatre; Season Announced

The Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough has announced plans for its 2011-2012 season, which will include two world premieres from Alan Ayckbourn, directed by the playwright himself, according to Whatsonstage.com.

Ayckbourn’s Dear Uncle (July 12-September 30) is adapted from Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, and set in 1935 in the Lake District. His 75th play, Neighbourhood Watch (September 8-October 15) is described as a “cautionary tale of the dangers of taking the law into your own hands.”

The season will also include Arthur Miller’s The Price, directed by David Thacker (April 5-30); Pam Gems’ Marlene, directed by Chris Monks (May 26-June 18, August 24 – September 3); a double bill of Brian Friel’s The Yalta Game and Miller’s Elegy for a Lady (June 28-September 10); and a new version of Bizet’s Carmen, adapted and directed by Chris Monks (July 28-September 3).

In addition, SJT’s 2010 production of Ayckbourn’s Communicating Doors will begin a national tour at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre on May 5, with additional stops including Brighton, Oxford and Richmond with more to be announced.