Photo Flash: ABSENT FRIENDS to Close April 14

ABSENT FRIENDS, Alan Ayckbourn's classic comedy of manners and social embarrassment, will complete its run at the Harold Pinter Theatre on 14 April 2012.

This rarely performed Ayckbourn classic is directed by Jeremy Herrin with a cast of award-winning comedy actors - David Armand, ElizaBeth Berrington, Katherine Parkinson, Steffan Rhodri, Reece Shearsmith and Kara Tointon.

Absent Friends is produced in the West End by Sonia Friedman Productions, Robert G. Bartner & Norman Tulchin, Rupert Gavin and Douglas G. Smith with designs by Tom Scutt, lighting by Peter Mumford and sound by Ian Dickinson for Autograph.

When Colin loses his fiancée, his married friends invite him round for comfort over tea and sandwiches. As the tea starts to pour, it's clear that trouble is brewing with a wickedly funny blend of jealousy, infidelity and barely concealed loathing. Tension starts to boil and maybe Colin isn't the one who needs help... with friends like these, who needs enemies?

Absent Friends premiered in 1974 at the Stephen Joseph Theatre and received its London premier a year later at the Garrick Theatre. Sonia Friedman Productions has previously produced Ayckbourn's The Norman Conquests which, following its sell-out run at the Old Vic, transferred triumphantly to Broadway in 2009.

Performances: Monday - Saturday at 7.30pm, Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pM. Prices: from £15. Box Office: 08448717622. Website: absentfriendstheplay.com.