Alan Ayckbourn, Playwright

The Library Theatre: 1970 – Transitions Throughout 2025, the Ayckbourn Blog is celebrating the 70th anniversary of Stephen Joseph founding the UK's first professional theatre in the round company in Scarborough in 1955. Focusing on Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre - the company's first home between 1955 and 1976 - we're celebrating the venue and people involved as well as its historic connection to Alan Ayckbourn.

1970 marks a years of transition for Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre as the Ayckbourn Blog continues its celebration of 70 years since its founding. Bob Peck, Stephanie Turner and Alan Ayckbourn were now all part pf the company, but it was financially more precarious than ever.

Lit Hist for Lit Fest There's less than three weeks until the inaugural Whitby Lit Fest, where Sir Alan Ayckbourn will be giving the final talk of the festival. Here, at the Ayckbourn blog, we thought it a good opportunity to consider Sir Alan's literary publishing history in advance of the talk about his playwriting and theatrical careers with Kate Fenton on Sunday 9 November at 5pm (tickets available…

There's less than three weeks until Sir Alan is in conversation with Kate Fenton at the first Whitby Lit Fest. To mark this, the Ayckbourn blog takes a look at Alan's long literary publishing history and some of the notable publications from the past six decades.

Woman in Mind at 40: Alan Ayckbourn Alan Ayckbourn's classic play Woman in Mind celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025 and is soon to be revived in the West End with a major production starring Sheridan Smith. The blog continues to celebrate the anniversary with an insight into Woman in Mind and its creation. Here is an interview with Alan Ayckbourn which was originally published for the Dundee Rep's 2014 revival of the play.

As Alan Ayckbourn's Woman in Mind celebrates its 40th anniversary and on the eve of its West End revival, the Ayckbourn Blog has an interview with the playwright about the work.

Earth Angel On Tour Alan Ayckbourn's latest acclaimed play, Earth Angel, is now on a short in-the-round tour. The production, directed by Alan Ayckbourn, will visit the New Vic, Newcastle-under-Lyme, from tonight until 25 October (details here). It will then transfer to The Old Laundry Theatre, Bowness-on-Windermere, from 4 - 8 November (details here). The play will be performed in-the-round at both venues.

Alan Ayckbourn's latest play Earth Angel is now on tour to The New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, and The Old Laundry Theatre, Bowness-on-Windermere.

The Library Theatre at 70: The Ayckbourn Plays – Love After All As visitors to the blog will be aware, we've been celebrating the 70th anniversary of Stephen Joseph founding the UK's first professional theatre in the round company in Scarborough in 1955. With the anniversary year in full swing, the blog comes closer to a home with a look at all the plays Alan Ayckbourn wrote for Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre…

Alan Ayckbourn's work with Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre, Scarborough, continues to be explored on the company's 70th anniversary with an in-depth look at his second play, Love After All.

Cast Announced For Woman in Mind The full cast has been announced for the West End revival of Alan Ayckbourn's Woman in Mind starring Sheridan Smith, which also marks the 40th anniversary of the play. As previously announced, double Oiliver Award winner Sheridan Smith will play Susan in the playwright's darkly comic masterpiece. The rest of the cast includes Romesh Ranganathan as Doctor Bill Windsor, Tim McMullan as Susan's Husband Gerald, Louise Brealey as Gerald's sister Muriel, Taylor Uttley as Susan's son Rick, Sule Rimi as Andy, Chris Jenks as Tony, Safia Oakley-Green as Lucy with Kate Buchholz and Michael Woolfitt.

The full cast has been announced for the forthcoming West End revival of Woman in Mind at the Duke of York's Theatre, starring Sheridan Smith.

Earth Angel – Final Week There's just a week left to catch the world premiere of Alan Ayckbourn's play Earth Angel at his home theatre. The acclaimed play is running until Saturday at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough, before heading out on a short in-the-round tour. The playwright's 91st full-length work sees him asking what makes someone a good person and how do we know in a world full of distrust and disinformation...

Alan Ayckbourn's latest play, Earth Angel, is playing for a final week at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough. Catch it before it closes on 11 October!

Sir Alan Ayckbourn honoured with ABTT Stephen Joseph Lifetime Achievement Award The Association of British Theatre Technicians was privileged to present esteemed playwright and director Sir Alan Ayckbourn with the ABTT Stephen Joseph Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to theatre-in-the-round and his enduring impact on British theatre. The presentation took place at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough on the 28th September 2025, following a rehearsed reading of Ayckbourn’s much-loved play…

Sir Alan Ayckbourn has received the ABTT Stephen Joseph Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to theatre in the round and British Theatre.

The Library Theatre: 1969 – The Ayckbourn Era Throughout 2025, the Ayckbourn Blog is celebrating the 70th anniversary of Stephen Joseph founding the UK's first professional theatre in the round company in Scarborough in 1955. Focusing on Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre - the company's first home between 1955 and 1976 - we're celebrating the venue and people involved as well as its historic connection to Alan Ayckbourn.

The future of theatre in the round is Scarborough looks more secure as the history of the Library Theatre reaches 1969 and with it, the return of Alan Ayckbourn to the company in the wake of Stephen Joseph's death.

Ayckbourn 2025: October Update Here's the latest update of productions and events relating to Alan Ayckbourn over the coming months. Productions Directed by Alan Ayckbourn ◦ Earth Angel at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough (Until 11 October)The world premiere of Alan Ayckbourn's 91st play, directed by the playwright. ◦ Earth Angel at the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme (14 - 25 October)The world premiere production of Alan Ayckbourn's 91st play, directed by the playwright.

The latest update to forthcoming Ayckbourn productions and events from October 2025.

Alan Ayckbourn at Whitby Lit Fest Have you booked yet to see Sir Alan Ayckbourn at the inaugural Whitby Lit Fest? The award-winning playwright of 66 years and 91 plays will be in conversation with the festiuval';s patron Kate Fenton on Sunday 9 November offering an insight into his almost seven decades in theatre. Sir Alan said: “I am delighted to be a part of the inaugural Whitby Literary Festival.

Have you booked your tickets for Sir Alan Ayckbourn at the inaugural Whitby Lit Fest? Find out full details on the Ayckbourn blog.

Sheridan Smith to Star in West End Revival of Woman in Mind Sheridan Smith is to star in Alan Ayckbourn’s Woman in Mind in the West End, directed by Michael Longhurst. The play will run from December 9 to February 28 at the Duke of York’s Theatre, following which it will visit the Sunderland Empire from 4 March to 7 March 2026 and Theatre Royal, Glasgow from 10 March to 14 March 2026.

Sheridan Smith is to star in a West End revival of Alan Ayckbourn's acclaimed play Woman in Mind.

Relatively Speaking Reading The 60th anniversary of Relatively Speaking is being celebrated by the Stephen Joseph Theatre from 26 - 28 September. The Actors, Audiences & Ayckbourn fundraising weekend will feature a rehearsed reading of one of Alan Ayckbourn's most-loved plays, Relatively Speaking, on Sunday 28 September followed by a Q&A with Alan Ayckbourn. The reading of the play will be performed by Georgia Burnell, Liza Goddard, Russell Richardson and Hayden Wood.

The Stephen Joseph Theatre is celebrating the 60th anniversary of Alan Ayckbourn's play Relatively Speaking from 26 - 28 September 2025.

Earth Angel – Images Alan Ayckbourn's new play, Earth Angel, officially opens tonight at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough. To mark the opening of his 91st full-length play, the blog has some images from the show to whet your appetite. Russell Richardson & Iskander Eaton in Earth Angel (©Tony Bartholomew) Alan Ayckbourn directs a cast comprising Elizabeth Boag, Iskandar Eaton, Stuart Fox, Liza Goddard, Russell Richardson and Hayden Wood which runs until 11 October.

Alan Ayckbourn's new play Earth Angel is now running at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough, and the Ayckbourn Blog has production images.

Earth Angel Opens This Week The wait is over - Alan Ayckbourn's latest play Earth Angel opens at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough on Saturday. This is his 91st play - and his 85th to be premiered in Scarborough - sees the playwright asking what makes someone a good person and how do we know in a world full of distrust and disinformation... Alan Ayckbourn directs the play which stars Elizabeth Boag, Stuart Fox, Liza Goddard, Ro Kumar, Russell Richardson and Hayden Wood.

Alan Ayckbourn's latest play, Earth Angel, premieres at the Stephen Joseph Theatre on Saturday. Find out more on the Ayckbourn blog.

The Library Theatre: 1968 – The Doctor Is In Throughout 2025, the Ayckbourn Blog is celebrating the 70th anniversary of Stephen Joseph founding the UK's first professional theatre in the round company in Scarborough in 1955. Focusing on Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre - the company's first home between 1955 and 1976 - we're celebrating the venue and people involved as well as its historic connection to Alan Ayckbourn.

The blog's celebration of The Library Theatre in Scarborough at 70 continues with a look at the 1968 season and in particular, the actor Tom Baker joining the company. The Doctor is in!

The Library Theatre at 70: The Ayckbourn Plays – The Square Cat As visitors to the blog will be aware, we've been celebrating the 70th anniversary of Stephen Joseph founding the UK's first professional theatre in the round company in Scarborough in 1955. With the anniversary year in full swing, the blog comes closer to home with a look at all the plays Alan Ayckbourn wrote for Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre…

Success and tragedy come to the fore as the Ayckbourn Blog's history of Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre hits 1967 and a notable success by Alan Ayckbourn and the untimely death of its founder, Stephen Joseph.

Ayckbourn 2025: September Update Here's the latest update of productions and events relating to Alan Ayckbourn over the coming months. Productions Directed by Alan Ayckbourn ◦ Earth Angel at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough (13 September - 11 October)The world premiere of Alan Ayckbourn's 91st play, directed by the playwright. ◦ Earth Angel at the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme (14 - 25 October)

The latest update for forthcoming professional productions of Alan Ayckbourn's plays and related events.

Whitby Lit Fest with Alan Ayckbourn Don't leave it too late to book your tickets for Sir Alan Ayckbourn at the inaugural Whitby Lit fest in November. The playwright will be discussing his career and life with the festival's patron, Kate Fenton, on Sunday 9 November at 5pm at Eighteen91 on Brunswick Street. Tickets are priced at £15 and can be booked here. The new festival will feature more than 50 authors in venues across the coastal town from Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 November.

Don't forget book your tickets for Sir Alan Ayckbourn at the inaugural Whitby Lit Fest in November!

Ayckbourn’s Earth Angel Opens Soon Alan Ayckbourn's 91st play Earth Angel will soon be premiering at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough. Alan Ayckbourn will be directing the play which asks what makes someone a good person - particularly in an age where we are so quick to distrust. It opens on 13 September at the playwright's home theatre. The production will star Elizabeth Boag, Stuart Fox, Liza Goddard, Ro Kumar, Russell Richardson and Hayden Wood.

There's less than two weeks until the premiere of Sir Alan Ayckbourn's latest play, Earth Angel, at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough.

Lost & Found… Two fascinating lost plays which received their world premieres in theatre in the round in Scarborough more than six decades ago are being revived in October. The Lost and Found Collective in association with the Stephen Joseph Theatre will be presenting a double bill of the uncut version of James Saunders Alas, Poor Fred and Clifford Williams' The Disguises of Arlecchino.

A double bill of lost plays from the early years of Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre is being presented at the Stephen Joseph Theatre on 3 October with the Lost and Found Collective presenting Alas, Poor Fred (Uncut) by James Saunders and The Disguises of Arlecchino by Clifford Williams.

Snake in the Grass – Casting The cast has been announced for a major revival of Alan Ayckbourn's popular thriller Snake in the Grass. The co-production between Bolton Octagon and Theatr Clwyd will star Sue Cleaver as Annabel Chester, Nicola Stephenson as Miriam Chester and Liza Sahra as Moody. It will be directed by Francesca Goodridge. Family secrets and buried truths resurface between sisters Annabel and Miriam following the death of their father in this darkly comic thriller that explores toxic secrets we keep.

Casting for Alan Ayckbourn's Snake in the Grass, a co-production between Bolton Octagon and Theatr Clwyd, has been announced.

Celebrating Relatively Speaking The 60th anniversary of Relatively Speaking is being celebrated by the Stephen Joseph Theatre this September with an altered event. The Actors, Audiences & Ayckbourn fundraising weekend from 26 - 28 September will now feature a rehearsed reading of one of Alan Ayckbourn's most-loved plays, Relatively Speaking, on Sunday 28 September followed by a Q&A with Alan Ayckbourn. This will tie in with the weekend's opening event,

The SJT is celebrating the 60th anniversary of Alan Ayckbourn's much-loved play with a rehearsed reading of the play on Sunday 28 September.

The Woman in Black The Guardian has recently published a fascinating insight into the creation of The Woman in Black - which originated at Alan Ayckbourn's home theatre in Scarborough in 1987. Programme cover for the world premiere production of The Woman in Black (© Scarborough Theatre Trust) Then the director Robin Herford, designer Michael Holt and writer Stephen Mallatratt adapted Susan Hill's acclaimed novella for the stage on a shoe-string budget with memorable results.

The Woman in Black has recently come under the spotlight in an article in The Guardian looking at the play's origins - but did you know there's an entire section of the A Round Town website dedicated to the play?

Farcebook Some of you may be wondering why the Alan Ayckbourn Facebook page suddenly vanished this week. You're not alone. I am too. Earlier in the week, our 'benevolent' digital overlords decided that the page had broken 'Community Standards'. If you're familiar with stories such as this, you know how it goes. No specific reasons are given for the suspension and you have one appeal - but can't address what happened (if you knew what it was anyway) or offer to rectify whatever it is you've done wrong.

If you're wondering why there's suddenly no Ayckbourn page omn Facebook. Wonder no more! The Ayckbourn Blog has the answers. Or rather it doesn't, but it does explain what's happening. Sort of.

The Library Theatre: 1967 – Success & Tragedy Throughout 2025, the Ayckbourn Blog is celebrating the 70th anniversary of Stephen Joseph founding the UK's first professional theatre in the round company in Scarborough in 1955. Focusing on Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre - the company's first home between 1955 and 1976 - we're celebrating the venue and people involved as well as its historic connection to Alan Ayckbourn.

The story of the UK's first professional theatre in the round on its 70th anniversary continues as we hit 1967 and a year marked by both success and tragedy...

House & Garden: The NT at 25 Twenty-five years ago this week, an extraordinary production opened any the National Theatre in London. On 9 August 2020, Alan Ayckbourn's House & Garden opened in The Olivier... and The Lyttelton... and across the theatre's foyer. Alan Ayckbourn essentially took over the NT for that summer with his ambitious and profoundly theatrical piece of event theatre. The play, premiered in Scarborough the previous year, consists of two plays running simultaneously in two auditoria with a single cast moving back and forth between each play and stage.

To mark the 25th anniversary of its triumphant run at the National Theatre, the blog celebrates Alan Ayckbourn's House & Garden with an article by the playwright about the creation and challenges of the work.

Alan Ayckbourn at Whitby Lit Fest A celebrated playwright, a national treasure, and a host of bestselling authors and household names are to take part in the first ever Whitby Lit Fest. Sir Alan Ayckbourn will be appearing in the event which features more than 50 authors in venues across the coastal town from Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 November. Sir Alan will be in conversation with the festival's patron, Kate Fenton, on Sunday 9 November at 5pm at Eighteen91 on Brunswick Street.

Tickets are now on sale for Whitby Lit Fest including Sir Alan Ayckbourn in Conversation with Kate Fenton - find out more on the Ayckbourn Blog.

Relatively Speaking at 60: The Evolving Play Alan Ayckbourn's Relatively Speaking celebrates its 60th anniversary this month and for this final celebration piece on the blog, we're going to back to 1965. It's not widely known that the original production of Relatively Speaking was considerably different ton the play we know today. Firstly, it had a completely different title - Meet My Father. It was changed in 1967 as the play's West End producer, Peter Bridge, wanted a title that sounded "less provincial".

Continuing its celebration of the 60th anniversary of Alan Ayckbourn's Relatively Speaking, the Ayckbourn Blog looks at how the play was significantly different when first performed in 1965 to the play we know today.

Ayckbourn 2025: August Update Here's the latest update of productions and events relating to Alan Ayckbourn over the coming months. Productions Directed by Alan Ayckbourn ◦ Earth Angel at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough (12 September - 11 October)The world premiere of Alan Ayckbourn's 91st play, directed by the playwright. ◦ Men, Meals & Me at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough (28 September)

What's On listing for forthcoming Alan Ayckbourn productions and related events.