For the first year, the festival’s Honorary Patron, Sir Alan Ayckbourn, has selected a writer to feature in a Patron Spotlight event.

This year, he has chosen the award-winning writer Robert Shearman, whose work spans theatre, television, radio and fiction. Alongside his acclaimed stage plays, Rob has written for Doctor Who and has received numerous awards for his fantasy fiction.

Sir Alan first discovered Rob's work in 1993, when he won the Sunday Times Playwriting Award. He later commissioned Rob to write for the Stephen Joseph Theatre, where White Lies became the first of five plays Rob premiered in Scarborough.

Reflecting on his choice, Sir Alan said: "What unites all of Rob's writing is his voice. It has always been original, distinctive and never predictable. He is enormously talented, and I'm delighted to have played an early part in his development and to see him as the first Patron Spotlight at Whitby Lit Fest."

Rob will be interviewed on stage by Simon Murgatroyd, Sir Alan's archivist, in a conversation exploring his career, writing and creative journey.

Description supplied by the event organiser.