Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre: Designs

Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre, Scarborough, was Stephen Joseph's first practical attempt at a theatre-in-the-round space and home to the UK's first professional in-the-round company. It opened on 14 July 1955.
The venue was based in the Concert Room on the first floor of Scarborough Library and was a temporary build - the theatre was seasonal throughout its 21 years at the venue. The theatre was based on portable rostra for the seating (which also facilitated touring of the space) and was limited to the two existing entrances to the room. The venue held 248 seats.

Stephen Joseph’s sketch for Scarborough Library’s Concert Room laid out for theatre-in-the-round. The sketch was included in a letter to the Chief Librarian William Smettem from 23 February 1955. (© Scarborough Theatre Trust)

A sketch by Stephen Joseph of the interior of the Concert Room at Scarborough Library converted to a theatre-in-the-round space. (© Scarborough Theatre Trust)

The foyer of Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre during the 1970s. (© Scarborough Theatre Trust)

A more detailed drawing of the layout of Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre in Scarborough, following its opening in July 1955, which was used in various promotional leaflets advertising the work of Studio Theatre Ltd. (© Scarborough Theatre Trust)

A photograph from Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre’s first year in 1955 - possibly showing the set for its initial production Circle Of Love. (© Scarborough Theatre Trust)

A plan for the layout of the Library Theatre in the Concert Room at Scarborough Library. The plan shows the location of the raised rostra which held the seats as well as heights, stairs and the various exits from the room. This plan dates back to circa 1964. (© Scarborough Theatre Trust)

All research by Simon Murgatroyd. Images copyright of Scarborough Theatre Trust. Please do not reproduce without permission of the copyright holder.