A Round Town: Talks & Events
This website is part of a project to highlight theatre in the round's contribution to Scarborough's cultural heritage & history.To that end, Simon Murgatroyd - theatre historian and Alan Ayckbourn's archivist - gives regular talks in the Scarborough community about theatre in the round, its history in Scarborough and significant figures such as Alan Ayckbourn and Stephen Joseph. From the people to the companies, historical events to places and buildings, Simon is delving into theatre in the round and its place in the town.
Simon also hopes to forge links with organisations around the town in order to emphasise the rich cultural contribution that theatre in the round made to Scarborough in its formative decades. To contact Simon about talks, visit his website here.
Events
◦ The Library Theatre at 70 - Celebrating Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre (1955 - 1976)
Dates: Thursday 10 - Saturday 12 July, 10am - 5pm (2pm on Saturday) - Free Entry
Venue: Scarborough Library, Vernon Road, Scarborough
Theatre historian and Alan Ayckbourn's archivist Simon Murgatroyd, celebrates the 70th anniversary of Stephen Joseph opening the UK's first professional theatre in the round company with an exhibition celebrating its time at Scarborough Library. A photographic exhibition, video presentation, talks and display of historical pieces related to the company's early years will be taking place in this free event. More details here.
Dates: Thursday 10 - Saturday 12 July, 10am - 5pm (2pm on Saturday) - Free Entry
Venue: Scarborough Library, Vernon Road, Scarborough
Theatre historian and Alan Ayckbourn's archivist Simon Murgatroyd, celebrates the 70th anniversary of Stephen Joseph opening the UK's first professional theatre in the round company with an exhibition celebrating its time at Scarborough Library. A photographic exhibition, video presentation, talks and display of historical pieces related to the company's early years will be taking place in this free event. More details here.
Talks with Simon Murgatroyd M.A.
◦ Celebrating The Library Theatre at 70
Details: Thursday 10 July at 6pm / Saturday 12 July at 11am, Concert Room, Scarborough Library
As part of The Library Theatre at 70 exhibition at Scarborough Library from 10 - 12 July 2025, Simon Murgatroyd will be giving a talk celebrating the achievements of Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre and arguing the case for why Scarborough Library should be considered a significant part of the UK's theatrical history from 1955 to 1976.
Details: Thursday 10 July at 6pm / Saturday 12 July at 11am, Concert Room, Scarborough Library
As part of The Library Theatre at 70 exhibition at Scarborough Library from 10 - 12 July 2025, Simon Murgatroyd will be giving a talk celebrating the achievements of Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre and arguing the case for why Scarborough Library should be considered a significant part of the UK's theatrical history from 1955 to 1976.
◦ It's All Relative
Details: Friday 26 September at 7pm, Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
As part of an evening celebrating Alan Ayckbourn, Simon Murgatroyd will be giving a talk to mark the 60th anniversary of the playwright's classic work, Relatively Speaking. He'll be followed by some of Alan Ayckbourn's favourite actors talking about their experiences with the playwright over the decades.
Details: Friday 26 September at 7pm, Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
As part of an evening celebrating Alan Ayckbourn, Simon Murgatroyd will be giving a talk to mark the 60th anniversary of the playwright's classic work, Relatively Speaking. He'll be followed by some of Alan Ayckbourn's favourite actors talking about their experiences with the playwright over the decades.
Price: £20
Videos / Podcasts / Other Projects
◦ Ayckbourn at the Library Theatre: A Talk with Simon Murgatroyd M.A.A recording of Simon Murgatroyd's talk at Scarborough Library looking at Alan Ayckbourn's connection with Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre between 1957 and 1976 in which he forged his first links with the theatre company he would have a lifelong association with.
Link: YouTube
◦ Scarborough Spotlight Podcast: Simon Murgatroyd
Alan Ayckbourn's Archivist Simon Murgatroyd is interviewed for the 22 January 2024 edition of Scarborough Spotlight Podcast looking at his work and Alan Ayckbourn's relationship with Scarborough.
Link: Apple Podcasts / Spotify Podcasts
Bonus Episode: Apple Podcasts
◦ Ayckbourn's Gardens: A Talk with Simon Murgatroyd M.A.
A recording of Simon Murgatroyd's talk Ayckbourn's Gardens which took place in the Italian Gardens on Scarborough's South Cliff during July 2023. Simon talks about how and why Alan Ayckbourn uses gardens within his plays.
Link: The Ayckbourn YouTube Channel
◦ Alan Ayckbourn - From Actor to Artistic Director: A Talk with Simon Murgatroyd M.A.
A recording of Simon Murgatroyd's talk Alan Ayckbourn: From Actor to Artistic Director recorded at Filey Library in 2023 looking at the playwright's rise in the Theatre at the Round at the Library Theatre company from 1957 to 1972.
Link: The Ayckbourn YouTube Channel