The Trial of Romeo Oscar by Alan Ayckbourn
The annual premiere of Alan Ayckbourn's latest play. A court-room drama exploring a question that artists have been pursuing for centuries – what makes us human?
From £10
The Round
Approx. 2h 30m (including interval)
About
In space no one can hear you dream.
In the year 2194, humanity is scattered around the solar system and day-to-day life on earth looks very different. Preparations are underway for a landmark legal case.
Romeo Oscar, a military issue android, is on trial for murder. The first non-human to be tried in a court of law. The circumstances surrounding the incident are unclear, the evidence is polarising and selecting an impartial jury is proving a challenge.
Alan Ayckbourn’s latest play is a court-room drama exploring a question that artists have been pursuing for centuries – what makes us human?
The Trial of Romeo Oscar will go on sale to SJT Members at 10am on Wednesday 12 November. General on sale will be 10am on Wednesday 19 November. You can become a member from just £3.33 a month here.
Reviews:
“He is a kind of English Chekhov who is also an incomparably fine director of his own serious comedies”
The Wall Street Journal on The Girl Next Door (2021)
“Ayckbourn’s deft and light touch takes you deviously into darker reaches of the soul”
Scarborough News on Family Album (2022)
"Smart, funny, speculative sci-fi comedy”
The Stage on Constant Companions (2023)
"Very funny... a beautifully performed drama"
The Observer on Show & Tell (2024)
"A gift from a god of playwriting"
The Yorkshire Post on Earth Angel (2025)
Preview: On Friday 4 September ticket prices are capped at £16 for all seats.
Post-show Q&A: Thursday 1 October, 7.30pm
Age guidance: 12+
Dementia-friendly & captioned: Thursday 24 September, 1.30pm
Captioned: Thursday 24 September, 7.30pm
BSL interpreted & audio-described: Saturday 26 September, 2.30pm
Credits
A Stephen Joseph Theatre production
Written and directed by Alan Ayckbourn
Dates & Tickets
FAQ's
Exchanges and Refunds
Tickets are non-refundable, unless an event is cancelled or rescheduled. We can exchange your tickets for a different instance of the same production / screening, but tickets cannot be exchanged between different productions / screenings. This is provided you contact us at least 3 working days in advance of the performance / screening. This service is offered at a rate of £1.50 per ticket. If the value of the new tickets is higher than the original tickets the difference must be paid, however no refunds will be given if you choose tickets of a lesser value.
Tickets for events that are cancelled or rescheduled after purchase are eligible for exchange and refund and our Box Office team will be in touch with you by email or phone with information specific to your booking.
Please note that the Stephen Joseph Theatre is not liable for any additional costs or expenses you may incur as a result of a cancelled or rescheduled event, including for travel, accommodation or hospitality.
Complaints
If you experience a problem whilst at the Stephen Joseph Theatre or during an event, please bring it to the attention of the Duty Manager immediately. We regret we may not be able to offer refunds or exchanges retrospectively unless you have let us know of a problem during your visit.
Reselling
Tickets must not be resold. This includes the resale of tickets for profit, in which circumstances the Stephen Joseph Theatre reserves the right to cancel the booking or refuse admission without notice and without being obliged to refund monies. If you can no longer attend the performance we are able resell your tickets once an event is sold out. If you have purchased physical tickets those must be returned to Box Office before they can be resold.
Seat Allocation
Occasionally it may be necessary to change a customer’s seat allocation. The Stephen Joseph Theatre reserves the right to make these changes without prior notification or obligation to refund monies or exchange tickets. We will make every endeavour to contact customers in advance to advise of any changes at the earliest opportunity.
Content Warnings
Where possible we indicate any content warnings on the show page. Please click the ‘Content warning’ button to view them. Please contact the Box Office with any concerns before booking tickets.
Admission
The Stephen Joseph Theatre reserves the right to refuse admission to any ticket holder to ensure the comfort and safety of our staff and audiences.
Audience members are not permitted to bring alcohol onto Stephen Joseph Theatre premises.
Latecomers will be admitted at the discretion of the Duty Manager at a suitable point in the performance. Please note, some performances have a strict no latecomers policy and we are unable to refund ticket purchases if you miss the performance start time.
During Your Visit
For reasons of safety audience members are not permitted to go onto, or cross the stage in The Round auditorium.
Stephen Joseph Theatre has zero tolerance of all forms of abuse, harassment, sexual harassment and bullying. We expect that all visitors will treat staff, performers and each other with courtesy and respect. We reserve the right to end any visit without warning and will report all incidents of threats, harassment, or discrimination to North Yorkshire Police.
Photography & Video
Photography, video and sound recording of performances is strictly forbidden. Anyone found to be recording a performance may be asked to leave.
The use of mobile phones is not permitted during performances.
You may also like
Stay in the loop - join our mailing list.
Join our community:
- Find out about new shows first
- Get special offers and discounts
- Latest news and behind the scenes
Help SJT continue to thrive
Your donations keep the magic alive for generations to come. Thank you!