RICHARD Harris’s much-loved comedy Stepping Out has opened at Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre (SJT).

The feel-good show, with live music and tap dancing, will have what’s believed to be its first-ever in-the-round production, brought to the stage by the same team that created last summer’s sell-out The 39 Steps.

With a cast of ten, Stepping Out is about a group of strangers who come together every week for a tap class in the local church hall, gradually forming friendships and revealing secrets.

The cast is: Natasha Calland, Alix Dunmore, Claire Eden, Joanne Heywood, David McKechnie, Fenella Norman, Gemma Page, Sarah Pearman, Angela Phinnimore and Suzanne Procter.

Richard Harris said: “To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time the play has been performed in the round and I’m really looking forward to seeing how it works. Not that I have any doubts because if anyone knows how to do ‘in the round’, it’s my new friends at the SJT.”

Director Paul Robinson trained at The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. He then received an Arts Council Directing Bursary at The Manchester Royal Exchange. He was selected to attend the National Theatre’s Advanced Directors’ Course and was then Staff Director at the National Theatre for three years.

Paul was Joint Artistic Director of Theatre503 from 2007 to 2012 and joined the SJT as Artistic Director in the summer of 2016, since when he has directed The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, Goth Weekend, The 39 Steps and three Christmas shows – Pinocchio, A (Scarborough) Christmas Carol and Alice in Wonderland.

He said: “This summer at the SJT, things are kicking off – literally – with the joy that is Stepping Out. With a cast of ten high-kicking, tap-dancing, hugely talented actors, you can expect laughter, drama and plenty of razzle dazzle.”

Paul’s creative team comprises designer Helen Coyston, lighting designer Jason Taylor, and Simon Slater.

Stepping Out can be seen in the Round at the SJT on various dates until Saturday, A August3. Tickets, priced from £10, are available from the box office on 01723 370541 and online at www.sjt.uk.com