Absurdly Entertaining

As well as thematic depth, the play is also notable for its technical elegance. The division of the acts into three separate drinks parties is a simple but effective device, and Ayckbourn builds up to a climax of great pathos, as we laugh through gritted teeth.

The playwright also foregrounds every party’s backstage area - the kitchen – in a striking comment on the performance aspect of human interaction.The much alluded to Dick and Lottie Potter never enter the kitchen and are, therefore, never seen.

For the last five years, a disenchanted Ayckbourn has not allowed his plays to be staged in the West End.This extraordinary work – which anticipates classics like ‘Abigail’s Party’ and 'Noises Off’, shows us what we’ve been missing.