Stephen Joseph: Frequently Asked Questions

This page contains some of the frequently asked questions about Stephen Joseph, founder of theatre in the round in Scarborough and Alan Ayckbourn's most influential mentor.

Questions

1) Who was Stephen Joseph?
2) What was his connection to Scarborough?
3) What was his connection to Alan Ayckbourn?
4) Where can I find out more about Stephen Joseph?
5) Can you recommend any books about Stephen Joseph?

Answers

1) Who was Stephen Joseph?
Stephen Joseph was a British theatre pioneer during the 1950s and 1960s who championed new theatre forms and new writing. He is best known for founding the UK's first professional theatre in the round company in Scarborough [Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre] and the UK's first professional theatre in the round venue in Stoke-on-Trent [The Victoria Theatre]. He was also the founder of the UK's first dedicated university drama department in Manchester and a founding member of their Association of British Theatre Technicians and the Society of Theatre Consultants. Click here to find out more about Stephen.

2) What was his connection to Scarborough?
In 1955, Stephen Joseph established the UK's first professional theatre in the round company in Scarborough at the public library. For the next ten years, he was the Artistic Director of the company. Stephen had no previous connection to the town, although he did buy a home there in 1955 where he later died in 1967.

3) When was his connection to Alan Ayckbourn?
Stephen Joseph employed Alan Ayckbourn at Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre, Scarborough, in 1957 when Alan was 18. He encouraged Alan to write and direct, commissioning his first professional play and employing him as director. From Alan's perspective, Stephen is the most influential figure in his life and he regards not only as his most significant mentor but also a father figure.

4) Where can I find out more about Stephen Joseph?
This website includes a substantial section relating to Stephen Joseph and, primarily, his work in Scarborough. A guide to resources relating to Stephen Joseph has been produced by the Stephen Joseph Committee in association with the Association of British Theatre Technicians (click here to read more). Stephen's archive is held in the John Ryland's Library at the University of Manchester. A number of significant items relating to Stephen Joseph are also held in the Ayckbourn Collection at Scarborough Museums and Galleries.

5) Can you recommend any books about Stephen Joseph?
There are two go-to books relating to Stephen Joseph in my opinion. The first is his own book, Theatre in the Round, which explores his views and theories on the theatre form he is most associated with as well as giving a potted history to the first 10 years of Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre, Scarborough. The second is Stephen Joseph: Theatre Pioneer and Provocateur by Dr Paul Elsam, a biography which takes an in-depth look at Stephen's entire career in theatre and his impact and influence. Details about both books can be found here.

Article by and copyright of Simon Murgatroyd. Please do not reproduce this article without permission of the copyright holder.