To mark the 50th anniversary of the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Sir Alan’s team is having a clear out of some of the furniture used in his productions over half a century.With the sale ending on Monday, bidding was hotting up yesterday for a chance to own a bit of theatre history, plus a certificate signed by Sir Alan to confirm that the item was used in the production.Executive Director Stephen Wood, who runs the Stephen Joseph with Sir Alan, said: “The most extraordinary things get sold on eBay and we thought we would give it a whirl.”They are unlikely to be used again and rather than having them just sit in storage they are better earning some money back for the company. Even if someone only bids a pound, it is better than nothing.”The pieces for sale include two high bar stools and a table, which were used in last year’s premiere of Alan Ayckbourn’s Private Fears In Public Places, which also toured the USA and was a massive hit off Broadway. Also for sale is a coffee table which appeared in Ayckbourn’s Christmas show, The Jollies, and a sofa and garden swing bench that appeared in A Chorus Of Disapproval.The top bid so far of £100 is for a chaise longue sat on by Stephen Beckett (Dr Matt from Coronation Street) and Billie Claire Wright, DS Leanna Pugh from Emmerdale. To bid visit www.ebay.co.uk and type Alan Ayckbourn into the search engine before Monday.

Posted: 09|2|05 at 7:49 am. Filed under: UK News.