Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre company has returned from New York after a triumphant and record-breaking run with Alan Ayckbourn’s A Brief History of Women, which wowed audiences and critics alike.
The show, which was first seen at the Stephen Joseph Theatre last summer, was part of the annual Brits Off Broadway festival organised by 59e59 Theaters. It was seen at the theatre – located at 59 East 59th Street – throughout May, attracting nearly 6,300 theatre-goers, a record for an SJT production in New York: the company has been part of the prestigious festival on six previous occasions since 2005.
And the show was a hit with the reviewers, too, taking the prestigious ‘Critics’ Pick’ slot in The New York Times, and receiving praise from leading critic Terry Teachout of The Wall Street Journal, who said: “The play contains a brief speech so charged with the truth of a lifetime’s experience that it took my breath away… beautifully wrought and unexpectedly poignant… It’s by turns madly funny and touching enough to draw tears.”
Brian Beirne, Managing Director of 59E59 Theaters, said: “59E59 Theaters has had the pleasure of hosting the Stephen Joseph Theatre on multiple occasions during its annual celebration of the best of contemporary British theater in New York City, Brits Off Broadway. Their productions are often the highlight of the season and the members of their acting ensemble are beloved by our audiences.”
Stephen Freeman, Chief Executive of the Stephen Joseph Theatre, said: “I’m delighted that A Brief History of Women has done so well in New York – in fact we smashed our box office targets! Taking a play to New York enables us to fly the flag for Scarborough stateside.”
Alan Ayckbourn’s long association with the Stephen Joseph Theatre continues this summer with a revival of his 1978 hit Joking Apart (26 July to 4 October) and the world premiere of his 82nd play, Better Off Dead (6 September to 6 October). He will direct both productions, which are part of a season that also includes The 39 Steps, adapted from John Buchan’s novel and the Alfred Hitchcock film by Patrick Barlow, from an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon, and Build A Rocket by Christopher York, both directed by Paul Robinson.
American audiences saw the original Scarborough production of A Brief History of Women with cast members Russell Dixon, Antony Eden, Frances Marshall, Laura Matthews, Laurence Pears and Louise Shuttleworth. The show was written and directed by Alan Ayckbourn, with set and costume design by Kevin Jenkins and lighting design by Jason Taylor.
Four of the actors are returning to Scarborough this summer – Frances Marshall and Louise Shuttleworth will be seen in Joking Apart, Russell Dixon in Better Off Dead, whilst Laurence Pears will be in both shows.
