ALAN Ayckbourn’s 75th play, Neighbourhood Watch, will head for New York after its world premiere at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough.

Following the September 8 to October 15 run at the North Yorkshire resort, Ayckbourn’s cast will switch east coasts to play the 59E59 Theaters from November 30 to January 1 next year as part of the Brits Off Broadway Festival.

This will become the fourth SJT production of an Ayckbourn to play that festival, following Private Fears In Public Places in 2005, Intimate Exchanges in 2007 and My Wonderful Day in 2009.

Neighbourhood Watch is “ a cautionary play”, says Ayckbourn.

“It addresses modern hang-ups such as law and order, health and safety. It’s in my dark farce mode.

“I’ve always been interested in how, out of tiny things, wars are often fought. Whenever history is examined, you always say: is that really what started it? Helen of Troy was responsible for an awful lot.”

Ayckbourn’s neighbourhood in the spotlight is the Bluebell Hill Development, where theft, petty crime and vandalism, all the ills of modern suburban existence, are on the increase.

When newcomers Martin and his sister, Hilda, are the crime wave’s latest victims – on the very day of their housewarming party, no less – they resolve to take action. After all, the law of the land, all that’s right and proper, and even God, are surely on their side?

“However, what starts out as a well-intentioned neighbourhood watch scheme soon develops into something altogether more sinister. In these matters, it seems the frying pan is closer to the fire than anyone realises,” says Alan.

His cast for Neighbourhood Watch – Eileen Battye, Terence Booth, Phil Cheadle, Matthew Cottle, Richard Derrington, Frances Grey, Amy Loughton and Alexandra Mathie – is at present appearing in Dear Uncle, Ayckbourn’s new adaptation of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, on various dates until September 30.

Tickets for Neighbourhood Watch, the 300th new play to be commissioned by the SJT, are available at £10 to £21 on 01723 370541 or online at sjt.uk.com