THE Stephen Joseph Theatre is celebrating a milestone birthday of Alan Ayckbourn in a special concert and party night on Sunday, April 6.

Top musicians will be coming together at the Stephen Joseph Theatre to perform for Ayckbourn and guests to mark his 75th birthday. To get into the party spirit there will be something sparkling, a bit of birthday cake and some fine music to honour the playwright.

The Celebrating 75 line-up includes Scarborough singer/songwriter Tom Townsend, ten times winner of the British Jazz Award for Jazz Pianist, David Newton, blues guitar great Steve Phillips, a string trio lead by the renowned Peter Cropper and, of course, the evening wouldn’t be complete without a birthday surprise.

Alan Ayckbourn was given his first break by his mentor Stephen Joseph who was an advocate of new writing and new playwrights. The SJT continues to support young talent and money raised from this event will go towards the charity’s new fund to support the next generation of writers and to secure the future of new work at the SJT. All donations received will also be doubled by Arts Council Catalyst funding.

Ayckbourn was Artistic Director of the Stephen Joseph Theatre for 37 years until 2009. The majority of his 77 plays have premiered in Scarborough, where he continues to debut his work. Later this year he will direct a new musical adaptation of his 1998 play The Boy Who Fell Into A Book, playing from July to August, and the world premiere of his 78th play Roundelay in September.

Tickets for Celebrating 75, priced from £15 to £45 to include cake and a glass of wine are available from the Box Office on 01723 370541 and online at www.sjt.uk.com. Tickets including a private after show supper have now sold out. Doors open from 7.15pm ready for an 8pm concert start.