The presentation took place at the Stephen Joseph Theatre (SJT) in Scarborough, following a rehearsed reading of Ayckbourn’s much-loved play Relatively Speaking. This year marks the 70th anniversary of professional theatre-in-the-round—a movement Sir Alan has championed throughout his remarkable career.

The award was established by the ABTT’s Stephen Joseph Committee (SJC) to commemorate the legacy of Stephen Joseph—a founding member of the ABTT and one of the foremost pioneers of theatre-in-the-round in the UK. The honour is awarded to individuals who, like Joseph, have made lifelong, groundbreaking contributions to theatre practice and innovation.

Sir Alan was presented with a bespoke bronze miniature theatre-in-the-round trophy, inspired by an original sketch by Stephen Joseph and designed by SJC member Andrew Sanders, along with a formal certificate of achievement. Sir Alan Ayckbourn said: “This Award means a lot to me, having spent a good portion of my life trying to spread Stephen’s passion for innovative, practical theatre buildings – in other words building theatres that actually work!”

Figure 1: ABTT CEO Liz Sillett (left) and ABTT Stephen Joseph Committee Chairman, Bob Millington (right) present Sir Alan Ayckbourn with a certificate and bronze miniature theatre-in-the-round trophy. Photo by Chrissie Lewis.

Over his remarkable career Sir Alan Ayckbourn has not only acted major parts for the Theatre in the Round Company but directed over 300 productions in-the-round, written 91 plays – almost all of which have premiered in-the-round, served as Artistic Director of the SJT for 37 years and of course helped to guide the SJT through several key transitions, including the move into its current space, a remodelled 1936 Odeon cinema which is an iconic blend of Art Deco heritage and modern performance space.

His influence on the evolution of British theatre—and his steadfast commitment to the in-the-round format—has shaped how audiences and performers connect in intimate, dynamic ways.

Bob Millington, ABTT Stephen Joseph Chairman who presented the award added “At anniversaries like this, it is usually Sir Alan who stands before us—telling the story of Stephen Joseph and the pioneering work that shaped modern theatre-in-the-round.

But today, we turn the spotlight where it so rightly belongs and ask the world’s leading practitioner of theatre-in-the-round to take the bow himself!”

The Stephen Joseph Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates those who have made lasting, innovative contributions to theatre, especially in the spirit of collaboration, experimentation, and access that Joseph pioneered. The award’s unique design—a polished bronze miniature theatre-in-the-round—is both a tribute to that legacy and a work of art in its own right.

Figure 2: The Stephen Joseph Award, a miniature theatre-in-the-round in polished bronze, designed by SJC Member Andrew Sanders. Photo by @Origin8 Photography

For more information about Stephen Joseph, the ABTT Stephen Joseph Committee, or to learn how you can support the ABTT’s ongoing work to advance theatre practice and innovation, please visit www.abtt.org.uk