Ayckbourn replacement

Sir Alan Ayckbourn replacement revealed

Chris Monks

A DIRECTOR and writer, who specialises in modern interpretations of well-known operas, will replace Sir Alan Ayckbourn at the Stephen Joseph Theatre.

The Scarborough Evening News can exclusively reveal the appointment of Chris Monks as its new artistic director.Mr Monks will succeed Sir Alan in the new year for the start of the theatre's 2009/10 season.

He said: "I feel honoured and excited to follow Stephen Joseph and Alan Ayckbourn, to provide the artistic vision for this renowned theatre company."It's a dream come true and I can't wait to start. Moving back to Yorkshire, I'll be returning to my roots."

Mr Monks was born and brought up in Sheffield and studied in Leeds.His family spent their holidays in Filey and Bridlington and his cousin lives in Whitby.

Mr Monks is a freelance theatre director and writer and an associate director at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester.

Since 1995, he has produced modern adaptations of classic operas which have won the praise of critics and thousands of theatregoers.

As a resident at the New Vic Theatre in Staffordshire, he has adapted a range of opera such as Johann Strauss's Die Fledermaus, which translates as The Bat.Some of his other work includes a Reservoir Dogs version of The Pirates of Penzance and an X Files theme for Mozart's The Magic Flute.His interpretation of The Marriage of Figaro was set in a contemporary presidential palace with similarities to the White House during the Clinton administration.In an interview about his enthusiasm for opera, Mr Monks once said: "I've tried to take opera back to its roots but to make it as accessible as it was in Mozart's time, you need to update it for a 21st century audience. I love opera and would like more people to enjoy it."

Sir Alan announced he was stepping down as the theatre's artistic director last June after more than 30 years in the role and a panel of the theatre board led the recruitment process.He was appointed artistic director in 1972 and has been part of the theatre for almost all of its 51-year history.Sir Alan will continue to direct revivals of his plays and premiere new work.His 71st play Life and Beth will premiere during the theatre's summer season and forms a trilogy with Haunting Julia and Snake in the Grass.