Rehearsals are under way for the Stephen Joseph Theatre’s production of Alan Ayckbourn’s latest show, The Trial of Romeo Oscar.
The cast – Elizabeth Boag, Frances Marshall, Russell Richardson, Richard Stacey, Leigh Symonds, Hayden Wood and Olivia Woolhouse – are directed by the author.

The show, at the SJT from 4 September to 3 October, takes us to the year 2194, when 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 to be a challenge.

This courtroom drama explores a question that artists have been pursuing for centuries – what makes us human?

Alan Ayckbourn says: “When you reach my age, you really only have the choice as a writer of either looking back or moving forward. At the moment, I’m sort of swinging between past and future with each play. But where we’re going, particularly with AI, is always interesting. I don't think it's a bad thing. Look at Shakespeare; he went into complete fantasy and was none the worse for that!”

The Trial of Romeo Oscar can be seen at the Stephen Joseph Theatre from 4 September to 3 October, and then tours to the Victoria Wood Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere (13 to 17 October) and the New Vic in Newcastle-under-Lyme (21 to 31 October).
Tickets for the SJT are available from the box office on 01723 370541 and online at www.sjt.uk.com