STAND Up Stand Up, a brand new play by the Olivier Award-winning Jim Cartwright, visits the Stephen Joseph Theatre (SJT) inScarborough, as part of a UK tour, following its premiere at Theatre Royal Wakefield.

Jim Cartwright is also the author of the award-winning The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, a production of which, directed by Paul Robinson, opens the SJT’s summer season in June.

Produced by the Jim Cartwright Company and Theatre Royal Wakefield, and directed by Cartwright, Stand Up Stand Up is a dark comedy about a struggling comedian who forms an unlikely friendship with a tough bailiff, as they both strive to help each other achieve their dreams.

Chris Hannon, who has starred in John Godber’s Bouncers, CBeebies’ Topsy & Tim and who has been Theatre Royal Wakefield’s hilarious dame for the past seven years of pantomime, plays down-on-his-luck comic Colin. Burly bailiff Biff, who wants to overcome his natural lack of charm to become a funnyman himself, is played by stage and screen actor Andrew Westfield.

The tour is the first co-production in a new partnership between Cartwright and Theatre Royal Wakefield.

Stand Up Stand Up is at the Stephen Joseph Theatre from Thursday 18 May to Saturday 20 May, with performances on Thursday at 7pm, Friday at 7.30pm, and Saturday at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, directed by Paul Robinson, will open the SJT’s summer season on 15 June and plays in rep until Saturday 19 August.

For more information or to book tickets for either show call the box office on 01723 370541 or book online at www.sjt.uk.com