Play premiere on moors for son of Ayckbourn (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Play premiere on moors for son of Ayckbourn

11:46am Friday 20th July 2007

• Print
• Email
• Share

THE first professional production of a play written by Alan Ayckbourn's son, Steven, will have its premiere in a village on the North York Moors next month.

Friends Uninvited will be presented by Esk Valley Theatre at the Robinson Institute, Glaisdale, from August 10 to September 1, and the production then transfers to Middlesbrough Theatre from September 4-8.

It takes as its theme the contemporary trend for people to use to internet to make contact with friends from the past.

"It's about a man whose life is going swimmingly until a couple of friends turn up on his doorstep with their own issues to resolve, and then everything turns into chaos," said the aspiring playwright, who admits to feeling nervous about how the comedy will be received.

Though he has written plays experimentally, including for amateur performances, Friends Uninvited is his debut as a professional and his feelings about continuing along this new career path may well hang on audience reactions.

His father - who recently announced that he is to step down as artistic director of Scaborough's Stephen Joseph Theatre - and other family members will attend the Saturday night performance.

Steven Ayckbourn, 47, teaches computer programming in Scarborough, where he lives with his wife and two youngest children - the eldest is in America - but also has a background in stage management after studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

"Comparisons will be made, but I hope I have found my own voice after about 12 years of writing experimentally in my own cloister," he said. "I have also made a point of going to see plays a lot, and that is how I have learnt about the craft."

Since early childhood, of course, he has observed his father at work and attended all the opening nights of his distinguished parent's prodigious output, which numbers 70 full-length plays.

Esk Valley Theatre was founded two years ago by Sheila Carter, a producer who has worked with Ayckbourn senior at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, and Mark Stratton, a drama director.

Over coffee one day in Whitby, Ms Carter mentioned that her company was looking for a play for the summer. "My wife said 'Well, Steven writes plays' and that's how it came about," said Mr Ayckbourn.

The company has been raising money towards productions costs. The third event is a dance tomorrow at the Robinson Institute (8pm-12.30) with blues singer Steve Phillips, from Robin Hood's Bay, and the Rough Diamonds, with Doctor Rock as MC.

Play rehearsals start on Monday with three professional actors chosen from the 30 who auditioned in London.

"The name Ayckbourn means you get publicity, but at the same time there is not much wriggle room," said the hopeful inheritor of the mantle. "If people don't like it, they'll say 'Hasn't he learnt anything?'

"But I hope it's half decent - and that I'll have a slice of beginner's luck."

Tickets for Glaisdale are £8 (£7 concessions) from the box office on 01947-897587. At Middlesbrough Theatre, they cost £10/£9, £6 matinee, from 01642-815181.

* Alan Ayckbourn's supernatural thriller Snake in the Grass is at Middlesbrough Theatre this week, with two nights of the run still to go.

• Print
• Email
• Share