YORKSHIRE moorland company Esk Valley Theatre's production of Ben Brown's All Things Considered has opened at the Robinson Institute, Glaisdale, near Whitby.

In Brown's comedy, philosophy professor David Freeman is tired of life as he reaches 50. His only desire is to control the timing and manner of his death, planning how and when he will end his life. All things have been considered on his path to "self-deliverance", except how much his friends and others need him.

Director Mark Stratton gives Charles Hutchinson an insight to his choice of play for Summer 2015.

What attracted you to presenting Ben Brown’s All Things Considered, Mark?

"It's a play that's been at the forefront of my mind ever since I saw the original production at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in 1996. We're always looking for plays that tackle difficult subjects and stimulate debate in an intelligent, witty and thought-provoking way. All Things Considered does exactly that. We've wanted to produce it for a long time and we were delighted when we discovered the rights were available."

What is the tone of the piece, given that the central character, David Freeman, has planned how and when he will finish his life?

"The play celebrates the view that we should be able to determine our own destiny and that as humans we have a distinct freedom to be able to choose how and when we will die.

"It's about a rational, clear-thinking man embracing his own philosophy."

What is the significance of David Freeman being a professor of philosophy?

"Ben Brown got the idea for the play from an obituary he read about a professor of philosophy called Michael Bayles, and in many ways it celebrates Michael's views. It is significant that David Freeman is an intelligent man who has wrestled with his conscience and reached a decision based on sound rationale and reasoning."

The cast is much bigger than for past Esk Valley shows? What made you push the boat out to a company of six, when two or three has been the norm?

"We've had several hugely successful seasons and I think the time comes when you have to take a calculated risk if a company is going to progress further. The play itself represents a considerable artistic risk, both in style and content, and of course it's more of a financial risk. However, those factors can have a positive effect on people, and people are our most valuable resource."

You must be delighted to have Bill Champion in your cast, given his wonderful performances at the Stephen Joseph Theatre. What will be bring to the show?

"Bill is a special actor. We've never worked together before, but we did share a trailer on a TV drama that we appeared in together many years ago. I've always been an admirer of Bill's work and our producer, Sheila Carter, has worked with him many times. He brings great clarity to his performances with an understated and captivating style. I always forget that I'm watching an actor when I watch Bill, and perhaps therein lies the secret to his talents.

"I think he'll be completely at home on the Esk Valley Theatre stage, where the relationship with the audience is up close and personal, and he should be able to give free rein to his considerable talents."

For those yet to see an Esk Valley Theatre show, what can they expect from a night out in Glaisdale?

"The Esk Valley Theatre presents and opportunity to see professional theatre in an unusual location. You can have a local pre-theatre lunch or dinner, and you can enjoy local ice-cream and a drink on the lawn before the show.

"We aim to bring the production standards of a regional theatre into a village location, and give audiences the chance to experience great writing delivered by a team of great actors. Oh, and they can be assured of a warm welcome."

Esk Valley Theatre presents All Things Considered at the Robinson Institute, Glaisdale, near Whitby, until August 29. Performances: 7.30pm, Monday to Saturday, plus Saturday matinees on August 8 and 15; Thursday matinees, August 13, 20 and 27; Tuesday matinees, August 18 and 25, all starting at 2.30pm. Tickets cost £13, concessions £11.50, on 01947 897587 or at eskvalleytheatre.co.uk

Looking ahead to the autumn, Esk Valley Theatre is to tour John Godber's nightclub comedy Bouncers to venues in the Esk Valley and surrounding area from October 16 to 31 with a cast of Lee Bainbridge, Andrew Grose, Gabriel Paul and none other than Mark Stratton himself. He will co-direct the autumn production with Sheila Carter. Booking details and more information will be announced soon.