Casting announced for THE OFFING at Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre

Casting has been revealed for a new adaptation of Benjamin Myers’s best-selling novel, The Offing, at Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre from 14-30 October, in a co-production with Live Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Janice Okoh’s sensitive new adaptation, with additional material by Paul Robinson, brings to the stage all the vibrant colour and warmth of the much-loved coming-of age story, which captured the hearts and minds of so many readers on its publication in 2019, when it was a BBC Radio 2 Book Club Pick.

Featuring in the cast are James Gladdon as Robert, Cate Hamer as Dulcie and Ingvild Lakou as Romy in the story of 16-year-old Robert Appleyard who, in a Britain still reeling from the Second World War, sets out on an adventure – to walk from his home in Durham to Scarborough, where he hopes to find work.

But he never gets there. Just up the coast at Robin Hood’s Bay, a chance encounter with the bohemian and eccentric Dulcie Piper leads to a lifelong friendship that will come to define them both.

She introduces him to the joys of good food and wine, of art and literature. He helps her lay to rest a ghost from the past. 

Director Paul Robinson says: “I first came across The Offing when I heard Benjamin Myers talking to Jo Whiley on the BBC Radio 2 Book Club back in 2019. By the end of the interview, I’d contacted Benjamin’s agent: I knew it would be perfect for our stage – wise, lyrically beautiful, and as an added bonus, it’s set just up the road in Robin Hood’s Bay.

“I’m delighted to be able to bring it there this autumn in this sensitive new adaption by Janice Okoh, writer of Egusi Soup, Three Birds and The Gift.”

The Offing is designed by Helen Goddard, with lighting by Sally Ferguson, and composition and sound by Ana Silvera.

Following its run in Scarborough, the show will then be performed at Live Theatre in Newcastle upon Tyne from 3-27 November.

For more information and to book tickets, please click here.