FIRST Foot is a new showcase feature for 2002 at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough. From February 5 to March 16 in the McCarthy auditorium, the focus falls on new writing in a trio of premieres by Meredith Oakes, Paul Lucas and Gill Adams.

First into the spotlight is Man For Hire, written by Oakes, directed by Annie Castledine, and running from February 5 to 16. The Star Throwers by Lucas follows from February 19 to March 2, then Something Blue by Adams, March 5 to 16.

In Oakes's comedy with "an explosive edge", Kev takes up a job that represents a big step up with a lot of responsibility. The place is immaculate, discreetly tucked away in the middle of London; the people seem very friendly but what exactly are they expecting? Kev just wants to do an honest day's work for an honest day's pay. Will it be enough?

Events take a turn for the unexpected, and for the far worse, as the unsuspecting Kev is thrust into a world of devious grannies and menacing Russians. Honesty must fight corruption and the truth isn't all it appears to be in a story inspired by the strange movement of objects in the Kensington home of a godmother of Oakes's husband.

For Meredith Oakes, a seventh-generation Australian from Sydney who has lived and worked in London since 1970, Man For Hire will be her first play to be staged in Scarborough.

A journalist and music critic, as well as a playwright, translator and opera libretto writer, she has written for the Royal National Theatre, Royal Court, Hampstead Theatre and the Royal Opera House, and yet she admits to nerves ahead next Tuesday's opening night. "You have first-play nerves every time," says Meredith, who is 54 this year.

There is, too, the Alan Ayckbourn factor: the Stephen Joseph Theatre is synonymous with its artistic director, Britain's most performed living playwright, and so the theatre is a magnet to other writers too, who know he gives new works plenty of air.

"Of course, Alan Ayckbourn's reputation is one of the key points in attracting you to Scarborough. When the new theatre opened with its second space he was looking to bring in more people and more new plays; he knew my work and so, about three years ago, he put the idea to me of writing a play for Scarborough," Meredith recalls. "I had a couple of things I had to finish off before I could write this play but now it's finished."

Finished indeed, and ready do be judged in the kingdom of Ayckbourn.

"It's a big challenge, and you have fears about doing a carbon copy of an Ayckbourn play, so that's part of the challenge. You want to be comparable to him without copying."

Tickets for each of the First Foot productions at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough, are at the special price of £7.50 or £20 for all three shows. To book, ring 01723 370541.

Updated: 09:09 Friday, February 01, 2002