IF you missed Shelagh Stephenson’s big-hearted, bittersweet play The Memory Of Water when it won the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy in 2000 and UK Play of the Year in 2001, here is another chance more than a decade later.

North Yorkshire director Nikolai Foster’s production for the New Vic Theatre is on tour at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough, from Wednesday to April 5.

In Stephenson’s humorous, moving yet regretful look at families and childhood memory, bossy big sis Teresa, over-achieving Mary and attention-seeking Catherine are three grown-up sisters with a history of not getting on.

When they gather at the family home on the Yorkshire coast, a storm is soon brewing as their angry and awkward re-union is haunted by their glamorous mother. Childhood conflicts re-emerge, memories collide and the secrets of their separate lives are finally revealed.

“It’s hard to believe The Memory Of Water is Shelagh Stephenson’s debut play,” says Skipton-born Nikolai. “It’s a work of real maturity and deals with grief, family relationships and the complexities of love with exceptional depth.

“I was drawn to the play because it’s everything great theatre should be: entertaining, thought-provoking, witty, deeply moving and it truly reflects life. It’s tender, beautiful and moving, without ever being sentimental or emotive. There’s masses of humour in the play and it’s this uncompromising, true-to-life balance that makes it such a joy to direct.”

Foster’s cast features Lynn Farleigh, Caroline Langrishe, Paul Opacic, Steven Pinder, Mary Jo Randle and Amanda Ryan.

The Memory Of Water brings the New Vic north from Stoke-on-Trent once more after presenting The Thrill Of Love in 2013, Alfie in 2012, Bus Stop in 2011 and And A Nightingale Sang in 2010 at the SJT.

Tickets for the 7.30pm evening performances, 1.30pm Thursday matinees and 2.30pm Saturday shows can be booked on 01723 370541 or at sjt.uk.com