A Trip to Scarborough
Alan Ayckbourn is in devilish teasing mood. He has revived and updated his 1982 play A Trip to Scarborough, which takes its title, and a little action, from a Sheridan comedy which is in turn based on Vanbrugh’s much bawdier romp The Relapse. Ayckbourn’s play centres on incidents at Scarborough’s Royal Hotel, which take place in 1800, 1942 and the present day.
The structure is rather like having three cog wheels waiting to be spun. Which one, or two, for how long and at what speed is entirely at the whim of the author.
Twelve actors take on roles in each historical period and their characters share similar names, plus there are three musicians led by Denis King. Patently, this play could not succeed were it not for the calm skills of the theatre’s stage management team, led by Emily Vickers.
All 12 actors deserve fulsome praise. Dominic Hecht is an interesting focus as the hotel’s receptionist in each period. Ben Lambert has developed markedly during his season at the Stephen Joseph and Robert Austin is revelling in his cheery, bluff, no-nonsense roles.
The denouement, when the modern folk are gathered for a Regency-themed dance, is sweet delight.
Production information
- By:
- Alan Ayckbourn, who also directs. Variations on the origianl play by RB Sheridan
- Management:
- Stephen Joseph Theatre Company
- Cast:
- Terence Booth, Lavinia Bertram, Robert Austin, Adrian McLoughlin, Sarah Moyle, Katie Foster-Barnes, Ben Fox, Dominic Hecht, Ben Lambert, Marc Small, Richard Stacey
- Design:
- Michael Holt
- Lighting:
- Jason Taylor
- Choreography:
- Sheila Carter
- Musical direction:
- Denis King
Production information can change over the run of the show.
Run sheet
- Stephen Joseph Scarborough
- December 6 2007-January 5
- Yvonne Arnaud Guildford
- January 23-February 2
- Playhouse Oxford
- February 4- 9
- Connaught Worthing
- February 12-16
- Devonshire Park Eastbourne
- February 18-23
- Theatre Royal Bath
- February 25-March 1
- Arts Cambridge
- March 3- 8
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