Alan Ayckbourn

Birth Place: London, ENGLAND

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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.

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[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2001]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1979]
Director

Writing

Playwright
Playwright
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Bookwriter
Lyricist

Alan Ayckbourn Awards and Nominations

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

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 - 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

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

Drama Desk Awards - 1975 - Outstanding New Foreign Play

Alan Ayckbourn, Absurd Person Singular

Alan Ayckbourn Videos

Alan Ayckbourn News


Peter Duncan Joins Pixie Lott and Bonnie Langford in MADE IN DAGENHAM Concert; Full Cast Revealed!

Full casting has been announced for the 10th Anniversary Concert of MADE IN DAGENHAM at the London Palladium on Saturday 16 March 2024.

Review: THE CHILDREN at Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre

A well-crafted production directed by Corey McMahon

BWW Q&A: Robin Herford of THE WOMAN IN BLACK at Herberger Theater Center

Direct from the United Kingdom, with a cast from the West End of London, comes the second longest-running play in the history of British Theatre. Stephen Mallatratt adapts Susan Hill’s 1983 novel into a bone-chilling drama capturing its essence with masterful precision.

Full Cast Set for PLAYER KINGS Starring Ian McKellen, Toheeb Jimoh & Richard Coyle

IAN MCKELLEN, TOHEEB JIMOH & RICHARD COYLE star in Robert Icke's production of PLAYER KINGS, adapted from Shakespeare's Henry IV, Parts 1 & 2.

The Top 10 Productions in St. Louis Theatre for 2023

This past year was a spectacular season for theatre in St. Louis. Forbes magazine recognized St. Louis as having “America’s most exciting emerging arts district.” The article credits the The Kranzberg Foundation for buying and operating spaces where artists can create. Many of the smaller theatre companies in St. Louis rely on The Kranzberg Foundation venues for performance and rehearsal space. In addition to the smaller professional companies, the mid-size and larger companies including The Muny, STAGES St. Louis, and The Black Rep all presented stellar musicals and plays that were produced locally. Blue Strawberry and The St Louis Cabaret project advanced cabaret performing in St. Louis booking amazing shows with Tony nominated Broadway performers Adam Pascal, Beth Leavel, and Robin de Jesús. 

THE BODYGUARD Returns To Glasgow's Theatre Royal in January

Multi-platinum Australian recording artist Emily Williams will star as Rachel Marron when the award-winning international smash hit musical THE BODYGUARD returns to Glasgow at the Theatre Royal from Wednesday 3 January 2024 for the final dates of the tour.

Joanna Lumley Joins RADIO LIVE at Chichester Festival Theatre in January 2024

They're back! Five years after two sell-out shows, “RADIO LIVE” returns to Chichester Festival Theatre on Saturday 20 January 2024 for another two irresistible performances.

New Season Of Shows Unveiled For 2024 At Scarborough's Stephen Joseph Theatre

A year of shows from Scarborough's SJT has been unveiled, including adaptations of two classic novels, two stirring Yorkshire stories, a sparkling Christmas show and the 90th play, no less, from the SJT's Director Emeritus, Alan Ayckbourn.

Wiltshire Creative Reveals Spring 2024 Programme Featuring New Plays by Chris Chibnall and Sir Alan Ayckbourn

Wiltshire Creative has announced their Spring 2024 programme. Building on their recent in-house productions at Salisbury Playhouse, which include The Girl on the Train and Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense, Wiltshire Creative's programme for next spring includes three new in-house productions.  

Cleveland Play House Reimagines Iconic Horror Story, MARY SHELLEY'S FRANKENSTEIN

Mary Shelley's shocking classic novel, Frankenstein, receives new life at Cleveland Play House. A haunting and highly theatrical adaptation of the classic horror story. Directed by Michael Barakiva, the production features Josh Bates, Madeline Calais, Ellen Grace Diehl, Gavin Michaels, and Kayodè Soyemi.

Photos:First look at The Lancaster Playhouse's BEDROOM FARCE

Four couples. Three Bedrooms. One endless Saturday night. Trevor and Susannah, whose marriage is on the rocks, inflict their miseries on their nearest and dearest friends and family: three couples whose own relationships reflect the give and take of married life. Set in the mid 1970s, the play takes place sequentially all in one evening in the bedrooms of the three beleaguered couples where beds, tempers, and domestic order are ruffled. A long-running hit in London and New York. By Alan Ayckbourn, Directed by Darnell Lautt, Cast: Delia - Gail Matos, Ernest - John Pekar, Nick - Peyman Majidi, Jan - Mary Murphy, Kate - Jane O’Brien, Malcolm - Fred Norris, Susannah - Raia Hirsch, Trevor - Scott Poling. Performances run October 21, 27 & 28 2023 at 7:30 pm and October 22 & 29, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Event space at Maria’s Mexican Restaurant, 129 E Main Street, Lancaster, OH 43130. Purchase tickets: https://www.thelancasterplayhouse.org/

Lena Hall, Mark Gatiss, Lyric Theatre Belfast, and More Win UK Theatre Awards - Full List of Winners Here!

The 2023 UK Theatre Awards winners have been revealed in a ceremony at London's Guildhall, hosted by Musical Theatre star Zoe Birkett.

Cast Set For KILLING JACK at Queen's Theatre Hornchurch

Rebecca Wheatley has been announced playing Annie and Val in the cast of Killing Jack by Sadie Hasler at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch. Learn more about the cast and the production here!

Actor Sir Michael Gambon Dies Aged 82

Sir Michael Gambon, who had an acting career that took him from Laurence Olivier’s nascent National Theatre to screen roles in the Harry Potter films, has died at the age of 82.

Photos: Inside Rehearsal For Alan Ayckbourn's CONSTANT COMPANIONS

Rehearsals are under way for Alan Ayckbourn’s 89th play, Constant Companions, which will play at Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre from 7 September to 7 October before touring to The Old Laundry Theatre, Bowness-on-Windermere (17 to 21 October) and the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme (24 October to 4 November). Check out rehearsal photos here! 

Alan Ayckbourn Will Lead the Cast of His Play TRUTH WILL OUT at Stephen Joseph Theatre

Globally renowned playwright Alan Ayckbourn will make a rare outing as an actor at Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre in September.

Cast Set For HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES by Alan Aykbourn at The Mill At Sonning

The cast has been announced for HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES  by Alan Aykbourn at The Mill at Sonning. Performances run 10 August - 23 September.

Emily Williams Announced as Rachel Marron in THE BODYGUARD UK Tour

Producers, Michael Harrison and David Ian are delighted to announce that multi-platinum Australian recording artist Emily Williams will star as Rachel Marron in the award-winning international smash hit musical The Bodyguard, from Tuesday 12 September 2023 at the Liverpool Empire.

Emily Williams  Will Lead THE BODYGUARD UK and Ireland Tour

Multi-platinum Australian recording artist Emily Williams will star as Rachel Marron in the award-winning international smash hit musical THE BODYGUARD, from Tuesday 12 September 2023 at the Liverpool Empire.

Cast Revealed For THE CONSTANT COMPANIONS at The Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough

Casting has been announced for Alan Ayckbourn's 89th play, Constant Companions, which will play at Scarborough's Stephen Joseph Theatre from 7 September to 7 October before touring to The Old Laundry Theatre, Bowness-on-Windermere (17 to 21 October) and the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme (24 October to 4 November).

Alan Ayckbourn FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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).

Alan Ayckbourn has been nominated for several prestigious awards throughout his career, including the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre at the Tony Awards. He has also received nominations for Outstanding Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Intimate Exchanges" and "Comic Potential," as well as Best New Comedy at the Olivier Awards for various plays such as "Damsels In Distress - Roleplay," "House/Garden," and "Things We Do For Love." Ayckbourn has been recognized for his excellence in comedy with nominations for Comedy of the Year at the Olivier Awards for works like "Henceforward," "A Chorus Of Disapproval," and "Season's Greetings." Additionally, he has received nominations for Outstanding Director - Play at the Drama Desk Awards and Best Direction of a Play at the Tony Awards for his work on "Bedroom Farce." His contributions to theatre have also earned him nominations for Best Play at the Tony Awards for "Bedroom Farce" and Outstanding New Foreign Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Absurd Person Singular."

Alan Ayckbourn has won several prestigious awards throughout his career, including the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre at the Tony Awards. He also won the Outstanding Play award at the Drama Desk Awards for "Comic Potential" and the Comedy of the Year award at the Olivier Awards for "A Chorus Of Disapproval."

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