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Published on August 17th, 2026
•Rehearsals are bustling at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough as the team prepares for the exciting new production of The Trial of Romeo Oscar, penned by the renowned playwright Alan Ayckbourn. This innovative show is set to open on 4 September and will run until 3 October 2026, before embarking on a short tour to Bowness-on-Windermere and Newcastle-under-Lyme later in October.
What Is The Trial About?
The story takes place in the year 2194, a time when humanity has spread out across the solar system, and life on Earth has drastically changed. At the centre of the drama is Romeo Oscar, an android designed for military purposes, who finds himself on trial for murder. This marks a significant moment in legal history as he is the first non-human to face a court of law.
The circumstances surrounding the incident that led to the trial are murky, and the evidence presented is divisive. This creates a challenging environment for the selection of an impartial jury, which is an essential part of ensuring a fair trial. The play dives deep into the philosophical question of what it truly means to be human, a theme that has intrigued artists and thinkers for centuries.
Behind The Scenes
The cast features talented actors including Elizabeth Boag, Frances Marshall, Russell Richardson, Richard Stacey, Leigh Symonds, Hayden Wood, and Olivia Woolhouse. Each actor brings their unique skills to the stage, helping to bring Ayckbourn's vision to life. Notably, the playwright himself is directing this production, which adds a special touch to the performance.
The Trial of Romeo Oscar rehearsals © Tony Bartholomew
The Trial of Romeo Oscar rehearsals © Tony Bartholomew
The Trial of Romeo Oscar rehearsals © Tony Bartholomew
The Trial of Romeo Oscar rehearsals © Tony Bartholomew
The Trial of Romeo Oscar rehearsals © Tony Bartholomew
The Trial of Romeo Oscar rehearsals © Tony Bartholomew
The Trial of Romeo Oscar rehearsals © Tony Bartholomew
The Trial of Romeo Oscar rehearsals © Tony Bartholomew
The Trial of Romeo Oscar rehearsals © Tony Bartholomew
The Trial of Romeo Oscar rehearsals © Tony Bartholomew
The Trial of Romeo Oscar rehearsals © Tony Bartholomew
The Trial of Romeo Oscar rehearsals © Tony BartholomewThe production design is in the capable hands of Kevin Jenkins, while Mark ‘Tigger’ Johnson takes charge of the lighting design. Sound will be overseen by Associate Sound Designer Ernest Acquah, and wardrobe details will be managed by Julia Perry-Mook. The casting director for this ambitious project is Sarah Hughes CDG, ensuring that the right actors are chosen for each role.
What Ayckbourn Says
Alan Ayckbourn, a celebrated figure in the theatre world, shared his thoughts on the play:
“When you reach my age, you really only have the choice as a writer of either looking back or moving forward. At the moment, I’m sort of swinging between past and future with each play. But where we’re going, particularly with AI, is always interesting. I don't think it's a bad thing. Look at Shakespeare; he went into complete fantasy and was none the worse for that!”
This perspective highlights Ayckbourn's willingness to explore contemporary issues, such as artificial intelligence, through the lens of theatre. His ability to blend the imaginative elements of storytelling with real-world themes makes this production particularly relevant.
Performance Details
The Trial of Romeo Oscar will be staged at the Stephen Joseph Theatre from 4 September to 3 October 2026. Following its run in Scarborough, the show will tour to:
Victoria Wood Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere: 13 to 17 October
New Vic in Newcastle-under-Lyme: 21 to 31 October
For those interested in attending, tickets for the Scarborough performances can be purchased through the theatre's box office by calling 01723 370541 or visiting their website at www.sjt.uk.com.
