Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre: 1961
This page contains a more detailed guide to significant events concerning Scarborough's Theatre in the Round at the Library in 1961.1961
Year-by-Year
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- 2 January: At a Scarborough town council meeting, the funding of an adaptable theatre (priced at £50,000) is discussed and declined with the majority of the council voting against funding the venture.
- February: Newcastle-under-Lyme town council approves funding for £99,000 for a purpose-built theatre-in-the-round in the town. Stephen Joseph confirms Studio Theatre Ltd will leave Scarborough if the venue is built; the purpose-built venue never comes to fruition.
- 10 June: An article in the Yorkshire Post declares that Alan Ayckbourn "is ready for the commercial theatre and should progress to the proscenium arch" and move away from theatre-in-the-round!
- 12 June: The summer season opens with Laurence Hausman's Victoria Regina; apparently one of Stephen Joseph's favourite plays.
- Arguably Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre's first repertory company is formed when the same company performs both the summer and winter seasons at the venue for the first time. Stephen Joseph notes this is to the benefit of the company and patrons: "This is a great advantage as it means that we are all experienced in working in-the-round and are used to working together - both factors important to a company trying to achieve a high standard."
- 7 - 8 September: The popularity of Alan Ayckbourn's fourth play Standing Room Only leads to extra performances being arranged at the end of the season.
- 14 September: The Stage announces Peter Cheeseman is to leave Derby Playhouse to become Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre's new manager.
- 2 November: The Studio Theatre company performs at the Wellingborough Trade Union Festival.
- 11 December: The winter season opens with an adaptation of David Copperfield by Joan Macalpine, who had previously staged-managed at the theatre.
Article by and copyright of Simon Murgatroyd. Please do not reproduce this article without permission of the copyright holder.