ABSENT FRIENDS to Run 25-27 June at Greenwich Theatre

Alan Ayckbourn's Absent Friends will stir magic memories from Greenwich Theatre's recent history when it plays at the theatre for four performances at the end of this month.

Back in 1974 the theatre produced Ayckbourn's Norman Conquests with Tom Courtenay alongside the then lesser known Michael Gambon, Felicity Kendal, Penelope Wilton and Penelope Keith. The play became a defining moment in the theatre's heritage.

"It achieved astonishing ticket sales and transferred to the West End," said James Haddrell, the theatre's Artistic and Executive Director, "Now we're proud to be hosting a touring production of Alan's Absent Friends by London Classic Theatre, who have been to Greenwich several times, most successfully with a production of Abigail's Party, which I programmed when I took over seven years ago."

"We love to take any opportunity to recognise and build upon the heritage of a theatre that started in the 1850s as a music hall. Ayckbourn has become a part of what Greenwich Theatre means to people, so presenting one of his plays again is very exciting."

The painfully funny Absent Friends is set in the summer of 1974, the year that Greenwich first became associated with Ayckbourn, and will be performed as such with no updating.

"You can't beat an Alan Ayckbourn script or tamper with its setting," said James. "Many of the plays offer a kind of modern example of 'timeless theatre', in the way that people describe Shakespeare as timeless. In a hundred years I think people will still be doing Ayckbourn in that way."

The play also falls into the very broad range of shows that James wants Greenwich Theatre to be known for. "There are theatres that present the same type of shows, classic drama or new writing or children's theatre, and they build a reputation for that," he said. "But I think, looking to the future, it's much more sustainable to be presenting a broad range. People who love new writing might also come to Absent Friends and people who have been supporting our classic programming might also be inspired to see something new the week after. Different directors have different views but for me Greenwich Theatre should always be very eclectic in its approach and keep it as a theatre for everyone."

"Tickets are selling well and I have to say we are enjoying one of our best years in a long time for ticket sales. Germaine Greer on Thursday, July 2, is now sold out. Those who missed out might like to know that Ruby Wax presents Sane New World on Sunday, November 8, but almost half of the house has already sold for that as well.

"We have also just announced at fairly short notice a one-off comedy variety night on June 18 with Richard Herring, Mitch Benn, Maureen Younger and Mark Dolan. We had a spare night and wanted to have some fun!"

*Absent Friends - Thurs-Sat, June 25-27, eves 7.30pm, Sat mat, 2.30pm. Tickets £18.50, cons £16 (inc £1 booking fees). Box office: 020 8858 7755

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