We seem to end up performing the plays of our greatest living playwright every year. This one is a fairly early one but considered to be one of Ayckbourn's best.
I'm not going to confuse you with the plot. The plot will do that itself but, although most of the time is almost farcical, it never suspends belief. We hope that you will enjoy the play for the comedy it is but I would ask you to spare a thought or two for the brilliant mind that can keep so many balls in the air at the same time - it must be as near to genius as makes no difference.
Running The Other Theatre Company is becoming more and more difficult. Costs are for ever increasing; the village hall, because of pre-lets, often poses serious logistical problems in terms of staging and arranging the seating. Playing 'in the round' has helped somewhat but not entirely. Like most companies we are short of players, particularly men. Speaking for myself, I sometimes wish that I could return to the days when I was a member of a big, wealthy company, all I had to do was turn up for rehearsal, learn my lines and take the applause. But, a fairly big 'but', I and the rest of us love a challenge and hope, trust, believe whatever it is, that we somehow bring a few hours of happiness to this village, a little bit of magic of which we can all be proud.
This is a four hander. We welcome Joe to our productions for the first time. He's worked hard and will be a big asset for us. Sarah and Dave have played many times and are stalwarts of the company. Anne-Marie is appearing for the third time in two years. Ex Garrick Theatre, like me, she is a huge boost to The Other Theatre Company.
-- Harry Kennedy
Director
The Cast
| Joe Moore | Greg |
| Anne-Marie Lonsdale | Ginny |
| Dave Thornton | Phillip |
| Sarah Sherwood | Sheila |
Production Team
| Director | Harry Kennedy |
| Producer | Sophia Kennedy |
| Stage Manager and Properties | John Newton |
| Lighting and Sound | Andrew Poole |
| Front of House Managers | Alison Dunabin Glen Godson |
| Publicity | Alison Dunabin |
| Programme Sales | Sybil Crossman |
| Assistant Stage Managers | Sophia Kennedy Caitlin Sherwood |
| Prompt | Val Thornton |
| Bar Managers | Gordon McGrath Joe Hague Keith Phillips Tom Lloyd Colin Gidman Janet Gidman |
Our thanks are due to Kevin Atkins, Ian Appleyard, Chris Wilson, Keith Phillips and Norman Wythenshawe for the huge amount of help they give in constructing and delivering the set and properties.