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Alan Ayckbourn
Birth Place: London, ENGLAND
Latest News on Alan Ayckbourn:
The Top 10 Theater Productions in St. Louis for 2024 (Dec 11, 2024)
Cast Set For London Classic Theatre's 25th Anniversary Production of JUST BETWEEN OURSELVES (Dec 10, 2024)
Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre Celebrates its 70th Birthday in 2025 (Nov 8, 2024)
The Top 10 Theater Productions in St. Louis for 2024 (Dec 11, 2024)
Cast Set For London Classic Theatre's 25th Anniversary Production of JUST BETWEEN OURSELVES (Dec 10, 2024)
Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre Celebrates its 70th Birthday in 2025 (Nov 8, 2024)
BIO
Alan Ayckbourn is a prolific British playwright and director who has made a significant contribution to the world of theater. Born in London in 1939, Ayckbourn began his career in the theater as an actor, but soon turned his attention to writing and directing. He has written over 80 plays, many of which have been performed on stages around the world.
Ayckbourn's first major success came in 1969 with the play "Relatively Speaking," which became a hit in London's West End and on Broadway. This was followed by a string of successful plays, including "How the Other Half Loves," "Absurd Person Singular," and "The Norman Conquests." These plays are known for their sharp wit and insightful commentary on the foibles of human behavior.
In addition to his work as a playwright, Ayckbourn is also an accomplished director. He served as the artistic director of the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough, England, from 1972 to 2009, where he directed many of his own plays as well as works by other writers. He has also directed productions in London's West End and on Broadway.
Ayckbourn's contributions to the world of theater have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was knighted in 1997 for his services to theater, and has received the Laurence Olivier Award for Lifetime Achievement, the Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, and the Critics' Circle Theatre Award for Services to the Arts.
Despite his many accolades, Ayckbourn remains dedicated to his craft and continues to write and direct new works. His most recent play, "Birthdays Past, Birthdays Present," premiered at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in 2018 and was well received by audiences and critics alike.
Ayckbourn's legacy as a playwright and director is a testament to his talent and dedication to the theater. His works continue to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world, and his impact on the world of theater will be felt for generations to come.
Photos
©Tony Bartholomew 07802 400651/mail@bartpics.co.uk
2nd July 2019
PICTURES SUPPLIED FOR EDITORIAL AND IN HOUSE USE BY STEPHEN JOSEPH THEATRE .
Season's Greetings written and directed by Alan Ayckbourn in rehearsal.
Date:
07/03/2019
From: Photo Flash: In Rehearsal With SEASONS GREETING at the Stephen Joseph Theatre
©Tony Bartholomew 07802 400651/mail@bartpics.co.uk
2nd July 2019
PICTURES SUPPLIED FOR EDITORIAL AND IN HOUSE USE BY STEPHEN JOSEPH THEATRE .
Season's Greetings written and directed by Alan Ayckbourn in rehearsal.
Date:
07/03/2019
From: Photo Flash: In Rehearsal With SEASONS GREETING at the Stephen Joseph Theatre
©Tony Bartholomew 07802 400651/mail@bartpics.co.uk
2nd July 2019
PICTURES SUPPLIED FOR EDITORIAL AND IN HOUSE USE BY STEPHEN JOSEPH THEATRE .
Season's Greetings written and directed by Alan Ayckbourn in rehearsal.
Date:
07/03/2019
From: Photo Flash: In Rehearsal With SEASONS GREETING at the Stephen Joseph Theatre
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Productions
Writing
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Author
Playwright
Playwright
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Awards and Nominations
winner
Tony Awards - 2010 - Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre
Alan Ayckbourn
Drama Desk Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Play
Alan AyckbournIntimate Exchanges
Olivier Awards - 2003 - Best New Comedy
Alan AyckbournDamsels In Distress - Roleplay
Olivier Awards - 2001 - Best New Comedy
Alan AyckbournHouse/Garden
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Play
Alan Ayckbourn, Comic Potential
Olivier Awards - 2000 - Best New Comedy
Alan AyckbournComic Potential
Olivier Awards - 1999 - Best New Comedy
Alan AyckbournThings We Do For Love
Olivier Awards - 1996 - Best Comedy
Alan AyckbournCommunicating Doors
Olivier Awards - 1994 - Best Comedy
Alan AyckbournTime Of My Life
Olivier Awards - 1990 - BBC Award for the Play of the Year
Alan AyckbournMan Of The Moment
Drama Desk Awards - 1988 - Outstanding New Play
Alan Ayckbourn, Women in Mind
Olivier Awards - 1988 - Comedy of the Year
Alan AyckbournHenceforward
winner
Olivier Awards - 1985 - Comedy of the Year
Alan AyckbournA Chorus Of Disapproval
Olivier Awards - 1984 - Comedy of the Year
Alan Ayckbourn Intimate Exchanges
Olivier Awards - 1982 - Comedy of the Year
Alan AyckbournSeason's Greetings
Olivier Awards - 1980 - Comedy of the Year
Alan AyckbournSisterly Feelings
Drama Desk Awards - 1979 - Outstanding Director - Play
Alan Ayckbourn, Bedroom Farce
Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Direction of a Play
Alan Ayckbourn, Bedroom Farce
Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Play
Alan Ayckbourn, Bedroom Farce
Olivier Awards - 1978 - Comedy of the Year
Alan AyckbournTen Times Table
Olivier Awards - 1977 - Comedy of the Year
Alan Ayckbourn, Bedroom Farce
Olivier Awards - 1976 - Comedy of the Year
Alan AyckbournConfusions
Drama Desk Awards - 1975 - Outstanding New Foreign Play
Alan Ayckbourn, Absurd Person Singular
Videos
Video: Watch a Preview of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at South Coast Repertory
by Michael Major - Oct 3, 2024
Living Room Concerts: Charlotte Harwood and Claire-Marie Hall Sing 'Apex Predator' From MEAN GIRLS
by BroadwayWorld UK TV - May 11, 2020
The Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting Announces Workshops Led By Pulitzer Prize Winner, Suzan-Lori Parks
by Christina Mancuso - Feb 21, 2017
STAGE TUBE: Behind-the-Scenes With Two River Theater's ABSURD PERSON SINGULAR
by Christina Mancuso - Jan 16, 2015
STAGE TUBE: MTC Celebrates Lynne Meadow With Nathan Lane, Christine Baranski and More
by Kelsey Denette - Jun 25, 2012
News
The Top 10 Theater Productions in St. Louis for 2024
This past season was the year of the drama in St. Louis Theater. Patrons returned to the theatre in droves and many of the regional companies experienced strong box office with sold-out or extended runs. Tesseract Theater Company had a breakout year, placing two productions on this top 10 list. The Black Rep, ERA, They Muny, New Jewish Theater, The Repertory Theater of St. Louis, and STAGES St. Louis all benefited from positive word of mouth and strong single ticket box office sales thanks to their marvelous seasons and well-reviewed productions.
This past season was the year of the drama in St. Louis Theater. Patrons returned to the theatre in droves and many of the regional companies experienced strong box office with sold-out or extended runs. Tesseract Theater Company had a breakout year, placing two productions on this top 10 list. The Black Rep, ERA, They Muny, New Jewish Theater, The Repertory Theater of St. Louis, and STAGES St. Louis all benefited from positive word of mouth and strong single ticket box office sales thanks to their marvelous seasons and well-reviewed productions.
Cast Set For London Classic Theatre's 25th Anniversary Production of JUST BETWEEN OURSELVES
London Classic Theatre today announces the full cast for their UK tour of Alan Ayckbourn’s Just Between Ourselves as the company celebrates its 25th anniversary.
London Classic Theatre today announces the full cast for their UK tour of Alan Ayckbourn’s Just Between Ourselves as the company celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre Celebrates its 70th Birthday in 2025
Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre will celebrate its 70th birthday in 2025 with a year of entertainment. Learn more about the full upcoming lineup here!
Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre will celebrate its 70th birthday in 2025 with a year of entertainment. Learn more about the full upcoming lineup here!
Performances Added to JOAN at South Coast Repertory
A decade after her passing, Joan Rivers remains a relevant comedic voice and an inspiration to women comedians of all generations. South Coast Repertory will showcase her enduring legacy with the world premiere of Joan, written by Daniel Goldstein and directed by Ivers.
A decade after her passing, Joan Rivers remains a relevant comedic voice and an inspiration to women comedians of all generations. South Coast Repertory will showcase her enduring legacy with the world premiere of Joan, written by Daniel Goldstein and directed by Ivers.
John Godber's PERFECT PITCH Comes to Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre
John Godber’s classic comedy Perfect Pitch will come to Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre next month.
John Godber’s classic comedy Perfect Pitch will come to Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre next month.
Review: BEDROOM FARCE at Players Circle Theater
What did our critic think of BEDROOM FARCE at Players Circle Theater?
What did our critic think of BEDROOM FARCE at Players Circle Theater?
Eclectic Full Contact Theatre Unveils 12th Season
Eclectic Full Contact Theatre revealed its 12th season in Chicago, focusing on optimism and resilience. The season includes the 2nd Annual Crashbox Festival of Short Live Audio Plays. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Eclectic Full Contact Theatre revealed its 12th season in Chicago, focusing on optimism and resilience. The season includes the 2nd Annual Crashbox Festival of Short Live Audio Plays. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Previews: BEDROOM FARCE at Players Circle Theater
What did our critic think of BEDROOM FARCE at Players Circle Theater?
What did our critic think of BEDROOM FARCE at Players Circle Theater?
Video: Watch a Preview of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at South Coast Repertory
Watch a first look at Little Shop of Horrors at South Coast Repertory! The new video montage features a look at various scenes and musical numbers from the production, set to the title song and 'Suddenly Seymour' sung by the cast. Watch the video of the new production now!
Watch a first look at Little Shop of Horrors at South Coast Repertory! The new video montage features a look at various scenes and musical numbers from the production, set to the title song and 'Suddenly Seymour' sung by the cast. Watch the video of the new production now!
Interview: Writer/Director Melanie MacQueen on ALL THESE WOMEN
On October 19, Theatre 40 in Beverly Hills is presenting a reading of All These Women, written and directed by Melanie MacQueen. Centering on the newly elected president Woodrow Wilson, the story delves into how the Women’s Suffrage Parade pushed him to finally agree to Voting Rights for All. I decided to speak with Melanie about how the play came into being, her plans to present it as a reading, and how she plans to keep presenting it in the future.
On October 19, Theatre 40 in Beverly Hills is presenting a reading of All These Women, written and directed by Melanie MacQueen. Centering on the newly elected president Woodrow Wilson, the story delves into how the Women’s Suffrage Parade pushed him to finally agree to Voting Rights for All. I decided to speak with Melanie about how the play came into being, her plans to present it as a reading, and how she plans to keep presenting it in the future.
Photos: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at South Coast Repertory
South Coast Repertory opens its 2024-25 season with the musical creature feature Little Shop of Horrors, Directed by Jenn Thompson, the cult classic runs through Oct. 20 on the Segerstrom Stage. Check out photos here!
South Coast Repertory opens its 2024-25 season with the musical creature feature Little Shop of Horrors, Directed by Jenn Thompson, the cult classic runs through Oct. 20 on the Segerstrom Stage. Check out photos here!
South Coast Repertory Opens 2024-25 Season With LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
South Coast Repertory announced its 2024-25 season opener, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, running from Sept. 21 to Oct. 19 on the Segerstrom Stage. Directed by Jenn Thompson, this marks the show's SCR debut.
South Coast Repertory announced its 2024-25 season opener, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, running from Sept. 21 to Oct. 19 on the Segerstrom Stage. Directed by Jenn Thompson, this marks the show's SCR debut.
JANIE DEE'S BEAUTIFUL WORLD OF CABARET Will Come to London and More
Hot on the stiletto heels of her critically acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe run, two-time Olivier and multi-award-winning, critically acclaimed British actress, singer and musical theatre star, Janie Dee will perform a series of autumn dates for Janie Dee's Beautiful World Of Cabaret - a playfully informative and inspirational musical journey into humanity and nature, that is, at its heart, always hopeful.
Hot on the stiletto heels of her critically acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe run, two-time Olivier and multi-award-winning, critically acclaimed British actress, singer and musical theatre star, Janie Dee will perform a series of autumn dates for Janie Dee's Beautiful World Of Cabaret - a playfully informative and inspirational musical journey into humanity and nature, that is, at its heart, always hopeful.
Feature: FIFTH SEASON ANNOUNCED at Players Circle Theater
Players Circle’s season kicks off in October with a hilarious farce that will set the tone for the entire season, BEDROOM FARCE (October 22, 2024 – November 17, 2024) written by Alan Ayckbourn and directed by Robert Cacioppo. This wickedly funny play about marriage takes place in three bedrooms. On one endless night, Trevor & Susannah, whose marriage is on the rocks, inflict their miseries on their nearest and dearest, including Trevor’s parents.
Players Circle’s season kicks off in October with a hilarious farce that will set the tone for the entire season, BEDROOM FARCE (October 22, 2024 – November 17, 2024) written by Alan Ayckbourn and directed by Robert Cacioppo. This wickedly funny play about marriage takes place in three bedrooms. On one endless night, Trevor & Susannah, whose marriage is on the rocks, inflict their miseries on their nearest and dearest, including Trevor’s parents.
Queen's Theatre Hornchurch Presents Ayckbourn Classic BEDROOM FARCE " A COMEDY
Queen's Theatre Hornchurch will present a comedic whirlwind of marital mix-up, as Ayckbourn comedy classic Bedroom Farce plays from 29 August – 21 September.
Queen's Theatre Hornchurch will present a comedic whirlwind of marital mix-up, as Ayckbourn comedy classic Bedroom Farce plays from 29 August – 21 September.
Cast Set For Alan Ayckbourn's 90th Play SHOW & TELL at The Stephen Joseph Theatre
Casting for Alan Ayckbourn's 90th play, SHOW & TELL, has been announced. The production will be staged at the Stephen Joseph Theatre.
Casting for Alan Ayckbourn's 90th play, SHOW & TELL, has been announced. The production will be staged at the Stephen Joseph Theatre.
Photos: BEDROOM FARCE At The Mill At Sonning Theatre
See photos of Alan Ayckbourn’s ‘Bedroom Farce’ at The Mill at Sonning Theatre, running 1 August - 21 September.
See photos of Alan Ayckbourn’s ‘Bedroom Farce’ at The Mill at Sonning Theatre, running 1 August - 21 September.
Cast Announced For Alan Ayckbourn's BEDROOM FARCE At The Mill At Sonning Theatre
The Mill at Sonning Theatre has announced the cast for Alan Ayckbourn’s BEDROOM FARCE, featuring a talented ensemble for this classic comedy.
The Mill at Sonning Theatre has announced the cast for Alan Ayckbourn’s BEDROOM FARCE, featuring a talented ensemble for this classic comedy.
NEWSIES & More Lead BroadwayWorld's St. Louis Summer 2024 Top Picks
The 2024 summer theatre season is already in full swing in St. Louis, Missouri, with three exceptional comedy-dramas opening last week. St. Louis stages opened their 2024 season with STEEL MAGNOLIAS starring a mostly local cast. Broadway World called the Stages St. Louis production “wonderfully funny – creating contagious uncontrollable laughter.” Albion Theatre opened a terrific production of Alan Ayckbourn’s WOMAN IN MIND with a tour-de-force performance from Emily Baker in the lead role. Baker is on stage the entire production. Stray Dog Theatre had audiences laughing out loud with their production of David Lindsay-Abaire's RIPCORD. All three productions run through the end of June. The most anticipated productions of the remaining summer season include shows at The Muny, Stages St. Louis, and The New Jewish Theatre.
The 2024 summer theatre season is already in full swing in St. Louis, Missouri, with three exceptional comedy-dramas opening last week. St. Louis stages opened their 2024 season with STEEL MAGNOLIAS starring a mostly local cast. Broadway World called the Stages St. Louis production “wonderfully funny – creating contagious uncontrollable laughter.” Albion Theatre opened a terrific production of Alan Ayckbourn’s WOMAN IN MIND with a tour-de-force performance from Emily Baker in the lead role. Baker is on stage the entire production. Stray Dog Theatre had audiences laughing out loud with their production of David Lindsay-Abaire's RIPCORD. All three productions run through the end of June. The most anticipated productions of the remaining summer season include shows at The Muny, Stages St. Louis, and The New Jewish Theatre.
Photos: First Look At HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES At City Theatre
City Theatre kicks off the 2024 summer season with Alan Ayckbourn’s hilarious comedy HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES, running June 13 – 23 at Genesis Creative Collective. See photos from the production.
City Theatre kicks off the 2024 summer season with Alan Ayckbourn’s hilarious comedy HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES, running June 13 – 23 at Genesis Creative Collective. See photos from the production.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Alan Ayckbourn written?
Alan Ayckbourn has written 23 shows including How the Other Half Loves (Playwright), Jeeves (Bookwriter), The Norman Conquests: Table Manners (Playwright), The Norman Conquests: Living Together (Playwright), The Norman Conquests: Round and Round the Garden (Playwright), Bedroom Farce (Playwright), Season's Greetings (Playwright), Woman in Mind (Playwright), Absent Friends (Playwright), Taking Steps (Playwright), A Small Family Business (Playwright), How the Other Half Loves (Playwright), By Jeeves (Bookwriter), Communicating Doors (Playwright), Comic Potential (Playwright), Garden (Playwright), House (Playwright), Private Fears in Public Places (Playwright), Absurd Person Singular (Playwright), The Norman Conquests Trilogy (Playwright), A Chorus of Disapproval (Playwright), Relatively Speaking (Playwright), The Divide (Author).
What awards has Alan Ayckbourn been nominated for?
Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre (Tony Awards) for , Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Intimate Exchanges, Best New Comedy (Olivier Awards) for Damsels In Distress - Roleplay, Best New Comedy (Olivier Awards) for House/Garden, Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Comic Potential, Best New Comedy (Olivier Awards) for Comic Potential, Best New Comedy (Olivier Awards) for Things We Do For Love, Best Comedy (Olivier Awards) for Communicating Doors, Best Comedy (Olivier Awards) for Time Of My Life, BBC Award for the Play of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Man Of The Moment, Outstanding New Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Women in Mind, Comedy of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Henceforward, Comedy of the Year (Olivier Awards) for A Chorus Of Disapproval, Comedy of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Intimate Exchanges, Comedy of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Season's Greetings, Comedy of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Sisterly Feelings, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Bedroom Farce, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Bedroom Farce, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Bedroom Farce , Comedy of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Ten Times Table, Comedy of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Bedroom Farce, Comedy of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Confusions and Outstanding New Foreign Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Absurd Person Singular.
What awards has Alan Ayckbourn won?
Alan Ayckbourn has received several prestigious awards throughout his career. He was honored with a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre. He won the Outstanding Play award at the Drama Desk Awards for Comic Potential. Additionally, he received the Comedy of the Year award at the Olivier Awards for A Chorus of Disapproval.
Videos