From The Archives: Ayckbourn & Gambon

On 26 September 1990, Alan Ayckbourn premiered what was notably his first (and so far last) production of a Shakespeare play.
He directed Othello at the Stephen Joseph Theatre In The Round, Scarborough, with a cast which included Michael Gambon, Ken Stott, Claire Skinner, Elizabeth Bell and Adam Godley amongst others.
This extraordinary casting coup for the regional theatre saw the play run in repertory with Alan Ayckbourn's own play Taking Steps, featuring the same company.
The picture below was an early publicity shot for the season featuring Alan Ayckbourn and Michael Gambon launching Othello; Gambon has previously worked extensively with Ayckbourn, most recently during Alan's two years as a company director at the National Theatre.

It's also interesting to note that Alan Ayckbourn's production of Othello starring Michael Gambon was originally conceived as being for the West End in a repertory season with Man Of The Moment. Unfortunately, fascinating as this idea was, it was never realised and instead Alan invited Michael Gambon to Scarborough instead!
Further details about the proposed West End productions of Othello and Man Of The Moment can be found at Alan Ayckbourn's Official Website by clicking here.