Scarborough's Stephen Joseph Theatre Goes To Edinburgh Fringe For First Time

A new show about a young mum from Scarborough marks the Stephen Joseph Theatre's first ever visit to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year.

Hard-hitting yet uplifting, Build a Rocket, by Scarborough-born writer Christopher York, will be seen at the Pleasance Courtyard in Edinburgh throughout August.

A one-woman show directed by the SJT's Artistic Director Paul Robinson, it tells the story of Yasmin, played by Serena Manteghi (My Mother Said I Never Should, The Railway Children).

It will have a single performance at Suffolk's Latitude Festival at 3.30pm on 13 July before returning to the SJT for two previews at 7.45pm on 24 and 25 July.

It then heads to Edinburgh's Pleasance Courtyard from 1 to 27 August (4.30pm each day, including Sundays), before returning to Scarborough for 10 performances between 31 August and 8 September.

Paul Robinson said: "I couldn't be more excited about this play, a stunning debut about a teenager from Scarborough who gets pregnant and decides to keep her baby.

"It doesn't flinch from the issues. The rate of teenage pregnancy in the UK is high compared to other developed countries, and there's a proven relationship between teenage pregnancy and deprivation. But a record number of young women are stepping up to take on the role of parent. They should never face stigma or judgment and deserve to get the support they need to make informed choices about their lives.

"But this isn't a play that deals in statistics or overt politics. Instead, it's like a rocket itself, an explosive and passionate portrait of a young heroine of our times."

Christopher York was born and brought up in Scarborough. His short plays Jimbob, Seven People, A Million Little Hands and Jesus is a Rochdale Girl have been performed at venues such as The Arcola, Southwark Playhouse and The Arts Theatre. Build A Rocket is his first full-length play.

He is a recipient of the High Tide First Commissions Award as well as being shortlisted for the Old Vic 12.

Serena Manteghi played Rosie in My Mother Said I Never Should at St James Theatre, and was Bobbie in the Olivier-Award-winning York Theatre Royal production of The Railway Children at King's Cross Theatre. Last year she was LV in the SJT's production of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice.

For further information on Build A Rocket, and to book, please visit: www.sjt.uk.com or https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on#q=%22build%20a%20rocket%22

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