Alan Ayckbourn: Stepping Down as Artistic Director of the Stephen Joseph Theatre

On 1 June 2007, the Scarborough Theatre Trust board announced Alan Ayckbourn was to step down as Artistic Director of the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough, in 2009. Below are the pertinent details and comments.

The Original Statement (issued 01 June 2007)

Following the last Scarborough Theatre Trust Board meeting, the chairman of the Board, Sue Truefitt, now releases the following statement:
"Over the last couple of years, Alan Ayckbourn's day-to-day involvement in the running of the Stephen Joseph Theatre has been decreasing, although his directing work has continued as normal (If I Were You, 2006 and Intimate Exchanges, 2007). In the forthcoming season he will be directing Relatively Speaking and A Trip to Scarborough and he is planning for the 2008/09 season. This decrease in his workload will lead to the appointment of a new Artistic Director in the Summer of 2008, to plan the 2009/10 season. Alan intends to continue to direct revivals of his plays at the theatre as well as premiering any of his new work there."

Timeline (Pertinent details)

1957: June - Alan Ayckbourn joins Studio Theatre Ltd based at the Library Theatre, Scarborough
1972: Alan Ayckbourn becomes Artistic Director of the Library Theatre (not 1971 as has repeatedly been inaccurately reported)
1999: April - In interviews at the time of his 60th birthday, Alan Ayckbourn expresses his intention to begin lightening his workload over the coming years. Initially this means only directing the premieres and revivals of his own plays
2006: 21 February - Alan Ayckbourn suffers a stroke
2006: September - Alan Ayckbourn returns to the Stephen Joseph Theatre to direct his play If I Were You
2007: 23 May - Alan Ayckbourn announces his decision to step down as Artistic Director to the SJT company and the Board
2007: 1 June - The Scarborough Theatre Trust board announces Alan Ayckbourn is to step down as Artistic Director in 2009 (see above)
2007: 5 November - The position of Artistic Director of the Stephen Joseph Theatre is advertised in The Guardian
2008: 8 February - Initial interviews for Artistic Director of Stephen Joseph Theatre
2008: 26 April - Second interviews for Artistic Director of Stephen Joseph Theatre
2008: 28 April - Confirmation that an offer for the position of Artistic Director has been made, but no official announcement made
2008: 14 May - Appointment of unnamed new Artistic Director confirmed by press release
2008: 28 May: The SJT company is informed a new Artistic Director has been appointed
2008: 29 May - The SJT Board is informed of the Artistic Director decision at the monthly meeting of the full Board
2008: 30 May - An official statement regarding the Artistic Director appointment is released to the press
2009: 17 January - Alan Ayckbourn unofficially steps down as Artistic Director of the Stephen Joseph Theatre
2009: 31 March - Alan Ayckbourn officially steps down as Artistic Director of the Stephen Joseph Theatre after 37 year roles in the role from 1972 to 2009 - additionally serving as Director of Productions during the 1969, 1970 and 1972 summer seasons.

For details of the Stephen Joseph Theatre subsequent to 31 March 2009, visit the Stephen Joseph Theatre's website.

Research by Simon Murgatroyd. Copyright: Haydonning Ltd. Please do not reproduce without permission of the copyright holder.