THE Stephen Joseph Theatre (SJT), in Scarborough, welcomes a big-hearted, bittersweet play from the New Vic this month.

The Memory of Water by Shelagh Stephenson mixes hilarity and regret in a moving look at families and childhood memory.

It was the winner of the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy in 2000 and voted UK Play of the Year in 2001.

This is the only chance to see this new production, directed by Nikolai Foster, after its original run at the New Vic, in Stoke-on-Trent, where it opened on March 7. Bossy big-sister Teresa, over-achieving Mary and attention-seeking Catherine are three grown-up sisters with a history of not getting on.

When they gather at the family home on the Yorkshire coast, it is not long before a storm is brewing.

It is a funny, angry and awkward reunion haunted by their glamorous mother. Childhood conflicts re-emerge, memories collide, and the secrets of their separate lives are finally revealed.

Foster said: “It is hard to believe The Memory of Water is Shelagh Stephenson’s debut play. It is a work of real maturity and deals with grief, family relationships and the complexities of love, with exceptional depth.

“I was drawn to the play because it is everything great theatre should be: entertaining, thought provoking, witty, deeply moving and it truly reflects life. It is tender and beautiful without ever being sentimental or emotive.” The cast features Lynn Farleigh (EastEnders, Casualty, BBC; Great Expectations, Watford Palace Theatre and tour), Caroline Langrishe (The Handyman, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre), Paul Opacic (The Mysterious Mr Love, Oldham Coliseum; Hollyoaks, Channel 4; Bad Girls, ITV), Steven Pinder (Keeping Up Appearances, UK tour; Brookside, Channel 4), Mary Jo Randle (The Syndicate, Da Vinci’s Demons, BBC; Monster, Royal Exchange Theatre) and Amanda Ryan (The Astronaut’s Chair, Drum Theatre Plymouth; Notes to Future Self, Birmingham Rep; Casualty, BBC).

The Memory of Water can be seen at the SJT from Wednesday, March 26 to Saturday, April 5, at 7.30pm, except Sunday, with matinees on Thursdays at 1.30pm and Saturdays at 2.30pm.

Tickets, priced from £10 to £24.50, are available on 01723 370541 or at sjt.uk.com