Raiders of the Lost Archive - Simon Murgatroyd - Whitby Museum

What happens when a priceless piece of cultural history disappears?

Join Simon Murgatroyd, Sir Alan Ayckbourn's archivist and one of the UK's leading authorities on theatre history, for the extraordinary story of a lost archive, a remarkable rescue mission and Scarborough's unique place at the heart of British theatre.

When the archive of the Stephen Joseph Theatre was destroyed, decades of invaluable theatrical history appeared to have vanished. Simon reveals how Scarborough Library played a crucial role in recovering and rebuilding what was thought to be lost forever, preserving the legacy of one of Britain's most influential theatrical institutions.

He will also discuss his acclaimed book A Theatrical Revolution, which uncovers why Scarborough became the birthplace of the UK's first professional theatre-in-the-round and how this innovative approach transformed British theatre.

An acknowledged expert on Alan Ayckbourn and theatre in the round, Simon is the author of Unseen Ayckbourn and A Theatrical Revolution, a contributor to numerous publications, and the creator of definitive online resources celebrating Ayckbourn's work and Scarborough's theatrical heritage.

A fascinating journey into forgotten stories, theatrical treasures and the importance of preserving the past for future generations.