Theatre’s executive director Stephen bows out after 25 years
Guardian of the company’s principles of innovation and excitement – Alan Ayckbourn’s tribute
by
Executive director of the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough Stephen Wood is moving on after 25 years with the company.
Si r Alan Ayckbourn s poke warmly about Mr Wood who has worked with t he pl aywright since the company’s Li brary Theatre days. The two men have been friends for more than 40 years.
“Stephen has l ong been associated with the company throughout its various incarnations ever since its Library Theatre days,” he said.
“Throughout his association with it, initially as press officer and finally as executive director, he has played a huge part in its growth and development.
“He is someone I have always considered a guardian of the company’s founding principles, innovation, originality and excitement, pursued through the highest achievable artistic standards.
“The Stephen Joseph will badly miss his passion and integrity. It is my hope that our own friendship of more than 40 years will continue on.”
Mr Wood will stay on to oversee t he t heatre’s 60th anniversary celebrations.
He will also pursue freelance and consultancy p ro j e c t s ba s e d i n L o ndon which i s cl oser t o hi s new grandson and the Oval Cricket Ground.
As a start he will be doing some work with a well-known London- based charity and working on two theatre building projects.
“I’ve been with the Stephen Joseph in this building since 1 996, t he l ongest I ’ ve ever worked for a theatre company.
“It’s time to move on and the 60th anniversary year of the company feels l i ke the right time. I have a number of projects to get into but based in London, I intend to work less and play more.
“The chairman has asked me to see through the cur- rent building project and to continue to work on the planning and implementation of the 60th anniversary celebrations.
“I will, of course, remain at the theatre to see my successor into post.”