Thu Sep 12 23:36:00 UTC 2024: ## Ayckbourn’s 90th Play Premieres in Scarborough, While New Drama About Sex Offender Falls Flat in London

**Scarborough, UK** – Sir Alan Ayckbourn, the prolific British playwright, has reached another milestone with the premiere of his 90th play, “Show & Tell,” at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough. This latest work, directed by Ayckbourn himself, follows Jack Bothridge, a former department store owner who has fallen into dementia and imagines his late wife is still by his side. The play cleverly blends Jack’s delusions with the theatrical illusions of a struggling theatre company, creating a humorous and poignant exploration of memory, grief, and the enduring power of love.

**London, UK** – Meanwhile, in London, the Park Theatre is hosting “23.5 Hours,” a new play by Carey Crim that explores the complicated aftermath of a convicted sex offender’s release from prison. The play centers on Tom, a drama teacher who served two years for an inappropriate relationship with a student, and his wife, Leigh, who remains steadfastly by his side. Critics have found the play lacking, with its weak plot and underdeveloped characters failing to deliver a compelling or thought-provoking drama. The title itself refers to the fleeting moments of doubt that Leigh experiences, highlighting the play’s shallow exploration of a complex issue.

**John Bishop Returns to the Stage** – Finally, comedian John Bishop is back on stage with his new show, “Back At It,” at the Bloomsbury Theatre and on tour. Bishop, known for his warm and relatable humor, delves into his own mid-life crisis and the changes it brought to his life, including buying a motorbike and embracing new experiences. The show is a pleasant, if somewhat meandering, journey through Bishop’s life and career, filled with anecdotes about his family, his experiences on “Doctor Who,” and his unlikely friendship with Hugh Bonneville.

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