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LAST PRODUCTION

ABSENT FRIENDS


by Alan Ayckbourn

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Absent Friends is a play by the renowned playwright Alan Ayckbourn.

 

The play premiered in Scarborough 50 years ago.

 

A tea party has been arranged for the recently bereaved Colin by “friends” and acquaintances. However, Colin’s acceptance of his situation and of his fulfilling time with his fiancée only serves to highlight and widen the rifts in the other relationships.

 

In an interview with Ayckbourn in 2021, he describes this play as an “unflinching tragi-comedy which explores the death of love”. Although first aired in 1974, it has been regularly revived making it one of the most popular plays in the Ayckbourn play canon.

 

When asked if the play was still relevant today, he replied “I think a lot of it still very relevant. Human nature doesn’t change. We just adopt different hairstyles”.

 

This is John Casey’s debut as a Director for Bartholomew Players, and the play will both amuse and invite you to reflect on modern British life.

 

CAST

Diana – Louise Taney
Paul – Ianto Wain
Evelyn – Alex Reid
John – Chris Carson

Colin – Nick Smith

Marge – Elaine Leggett

 

TICKETS

Tickets are just £12.00 and are available on the door or from:

www.trybooking.com/uk/DVGG

Evenlode DIY in Eynsham
bart.players@gmail.com

For more information contact:

Denise Santilli 07721 744020

We will follow all Government guidance in place at the time of the performance regarding any COVID-19 safety measures – please check our website regularly for updates.

REVIEWS

Our reviews are in – thank you to Heather Kay at Daily Info for coming along to our dress rehearsal and sharing her review, and also to Nigel James of Oxford Drama Network who came along on our opening night:


"A moving and hysterically funny dark comedy of marital disenchantment."
Heather Kay – Daily Info
Read the full review here.

"Congratulations to the group for retaining the authenticity of the 70s in the set, which was superb, costumes and props. The cast .. produced a polished and well-rounded performance."

Nigel James – Oxford Drama Network
 Read the full review here.

"Another high quality presentation by the Bartholomew Players. The residents of Eynsham are indeed fortunate to have the Players presenting such engaging drama in the heart of their village."

Andrew Walter – NODA Regional Representative
 Read the full review here.


 

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