IT IS festival time at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, in Scarborough, as it kick-starts a four-week celebration of the work of its OutReach department.

The second ReachOut Festival has a packed programme of events, including a new National Theatre Connections play performed by the Stephen Joseph Youth Theatre, school performances of Romeo And Juliet and Fame, a creative schools’ festival, young people’s festival, music, half-term drama days and workshops.

It runs from February 10 to March 8 and has something for all ages and interests with innovative productions and various workshop sessions, covering everything from play reading and stage fighting to drumming and poetry.

Denise Gilfoyle, head of OutReach at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, said: “ReachOut is a community festival designed to get everyone involved with and enjoying their theatre whatever their age, experience and background, while also supporting the best of local talent.”

Chris Monks, the theatre’s artistic director, said: “We’re delighted to bring the ReachOut Festival back to Scarborough after a very successful first year.

“Theatre is a collaborative art and this festival not only showcases OutReach’s diverse and dynamic community programme, but also provides an opportunity for everyone to play a part in the future of the theatre and celebrate drama, music and performing arts.”

The ReachOut Festival programme includes:

• February 10, 17 and 24, at 7.30pm: plays and pinot – rehearsed play readings written by members of the OutReach creative writing class and commemorating the centenary of the start of the First World War.

• February 11 and 12, at 7.30pm, and February 13, at 2pm and 7.30pm: Romeo and Juliet presented by Scalby School.

• February 17 to 21, from 10am to 3pm: Dramarama Daze – half-term drama day workshops for ages four to 12.

• February 21, at 7.30pm, and February 22, at 2.30pm and 7.30pm: Pronoun, written by Evan Placey and presented by Stephen Joseph Youth Theatre as part of National Theatre Connections.

• February 27, at 1.30pm, and February 28, at 1.30pm and 7.30pm: Creative Schools’ Theatre Festival – newly-devised plays on the theme of Time Is Ticking.

• March 1, at 1.30pm and 7.30pm: Young People’s Theatre Festival – performances by Scarborough Drama Club, Stephen Joseph Youth Theatre, Whitby and Filey groups and Fuse Youth Theatre.

• March 1, from 10am to 4pm: Writing From The Heart – a creative writing poetry workshop for over 18s.

• March 5 to 7, at 7pm: Fame – Graham School presents the Broadway version of the high school musical.

• March 8, at 8pm: Band and Choir Night Festival Finale – an evening of music with the Stephen Joseph Theatre’s Global Voices Choir, Youth Choir and Funky Choir.

• Workshops including play reading on February 26, at 11.30am, and Beyond The Tea Dance – ReachOut Special, on February 14, at 10.30am, designed for over 50s. For younger participants there is stage fighting on February 17, at 11am, circus and magic skills on February 18, at 11am, recycled rhythm and junk band on February 19, at 11am, production and backstage tour on February 20, at 11am, and musical theatre on February 21, at 11am.

For more information or to request a festival brochure, email outreach@sjt.uk.com or phone 01723 370540.

All events take place at the Stephen Joseph Theatre and tickets can be booked online at www.sjt.uk.com and by phoning the box office on 01723 375041.