Simon, who also maintains The Bob Watson Archive at the SJT, was interviewed by Press Officer Jeannie Swales and was delighted with the event.
"This is the first time I've had an actual book launch and to do it in the theatre I love in front of passionate supporters of the Stephen Joseph Theatre was a wonderful experience."
This edition marks the first time Unseen Ayckbourn has featured illustrations with 20 pictures of material drawn from the Ayckbourn Archive, highlighting some of the notes and items which have informed the research of the books.
It includes the playwright's own notes for unwritten plays such as Sight Unseen as well as for early versions of Neighbourhood Watch, Ten Times Table and Sisterly Feelings as well as newspaper articles and concept publicity.
Updated for 2016, the book includes more than 30 new entries relating both to more recent work such as Roundelay, Surprises and My Wonderful Day. Many of the existing entries have been updated with new information as well.
Written by Sir Alan's Archivist, Simon Murgatroyd, Unseen Ayckbourn explores the Ayckbourn Archive for withdrawn and lost work, unpublished pieces, alternative versions of existing plays, alternative titles to plays, unused or revised ideas and concept as well as other ephemera.
The previous edition of the book was named as one of The Stage newspaper's Theatre Books of 2013.
Unseen Ayckbourn is priced at £12 and is available via amazon.co.uk, Lulu Books, amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. A PDF ebook is also available from Lulu Books priced at £9.50.
Alternatively signed copies can be obtained by contacting the author at admin@ayckbourn.net which cost £12 plays £2.95 postage and packing; payment can only be made via PayPal.
