Stephen Joseph 1921- 1967

Plaque unveiled by Sir Alan Ayckbourn on 14th July 2005, the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Theatre in the Round.
In 1955 Stephen Joseph, the son of Hermione Gingold and publisher Michael Joseph established the UK's first theatre in the round on the first floor of Scarborough's Public Library.
After leaving school, Stephen Joseph attended drama school in London; he then gained experience in broadcasting and television - both new mediums - and stage management. In 1939 he joined the Royal Navy, gained a commission and was awarded a DSC for service as a gunnery officer.
The first performance at the library theatre was The Circle of Love' on 14th July 1955. The Civic Society unveiled its blue plaque on 14th July 2005 to mark the 50th anniversary of this event. Stephen Joseph fell ill with cancer and died on October 4th 1967. His influence can be seen in Manchester's Royal Exchange, The National Theatre and the Sheffield Crucible.