New Writing at the SJT
The Stephen Joseph Theatre is a new writing theatre and over 300 plays have premiered here since 1955.
Stephen Joseph founded the theatre with a passion for presenting innovative new work. This passion has been shared by subsequent Artistic Directors, Alan Ayckbourn and Chris Monks.
In 1959 Alan Ayckbourn wrote his first play, The Square Cat under the pseudonym Roland Allen. He has since gone on to write over 75 plays and continues to premiere his work at the SJT.
Other writers who have premiered plays here include: Alan Plater, Brian Thompson, Peter Tinniswood, Tim Firth, Robert Shearman, Ben Brown, Torben Betts and John Godber.
The Stephen Joseph Theatre in the Round was the first home of the West End hit The Woman In Black which premiered in 1987.
PLEASE NOTE: We are not currently accepting any unsolicited scripts. Please continue to check this website for updates on this situation.
Recent premieres include:
Surprises, Neighbourhood Watch, Dear Uncle, Life Of Riley and My Wonderful Day by Alan Ayckbourn
Lost by Jane Thornton and Found by John Godber
The Nutcracker Prince and The Hunt For The Scroobious Pip by Andrew Pollard
The Price Of Everything and Geordie Sinatra by Fiona Evans
Twenty:20 by James Quinn
Jack Lear by Ben Benison
The Swing Of Things by Torben Betts
"Every play was a 'new' play once. New work is the life-blood of theatre; when there are no new plays theatre will be dead.
Since our company began, we’ve promoted and celebrated new writing: it's in our DNA. We know our future depends on it."
Chris Monks, Artistic Director