Stepping Out In Scarborough

The Stephen Joseph Theatre’s summer season gets under way on the 20th of June with what is believed to be the first in-the-round production of Richard Harris’s ever-popular comedy, Stepping Out. Known to millions from the BAFTA-nominated film, of 1991, starring Liza Minnelli, Julie Walters and Shelley Winters, it’s about a group of strangers who come together every week for a tap-dancing class in the local church hall, gradually forming friendships, revealing secrets and buying into the fantasy of show business.

Paul Robinson who directs a cast of ten says, “This summer at the SJT, things will kick off – literally – with the joy that is Stepping Out. You can expect laughter, drama and plenty of razzle-dazzle.” Paul joined the SJT as Artistic Director in the summer of 2016, since when he has directed The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, Goth Weekend, The 39 Steps and three Christmas shows – Pinocchio, A (Scarborough) Christmas Carol and Alice in Wonderland.

The creative team comprises designer Helen Coyston, lighting designer Jason Taylor and Simon Slater, Musical Director of the National Theatre’s highly acclaimed recent production of Amadeus. The cast is: Natasha Calland, Alix Dunmore, Claire Eden, Joanne Heywood, David McKechnie, Fenella Norman, Gemma Page, Sarah Pearman, Angela Phinnimore and Suzanne Procter.

The playwright, Richard Harris, now in his eighty-fifth year, is excited by the project. He says: " I'm really looking forward to seeing how it works. Not that I have any doubts because if anyone knows how to do ‘in the round’, it's my new friends at the SJT."

Stepping Out is at SJT on various dates from Thursday 20 June to Saturday 3 August. Tickets, priced from £10, are available from the box office on 01723 370541 and online at www.sjt.uk.com.