Alan Ayckbourn
Birth Place: London, ENGLAND
Latest News on Alan Ayckbourn:
Feature: FIFTH SEASON ANNOUNCED at Players Circle Theater (Sep 4, 2024)
Queen's Theatre Hornchurch Presents Ayckbourn Classic BEDROOM FARCE – A COMEDY (Aug 6, 2024)
Cast Set For Alan Ayckbourn's 90th Play SHOW & TELL at The Stephen Joseph Theatre (Aug 6, 2024)
Feature: FIFTH SEASON ANNOUNCED at Players Circle Theater (Sep 4, 2024)
Queen's Theatre Hornchurch Presents Ayckbourn Classic BEDROOM FARCE – A COMEDY (Aug 6, 2024)
Cast Set For Alan Ayckbourn's 90th Play SHOW & TELL at The Stephen Joseph Theatre (Aug 6, 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
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
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.
Review: IT COULD BE ANY ONE OF US by Butterfly Creek Theatre Troupe at Muritai School
A great script and dependable cast make this show well worth seeing
A great script and dependable cast make this show well worth seeing
Dundee Rep & Scottish Dance Theatre Reveal 2024 Season
Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre have announced details of what is set to be an exciting season of productions for the second half of 2024. Featuring a mix of bold new work alongside audience favourites and international tours, the organisation will be showcasing a myriad of exciting performance in venues across the globe.
Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre have announced details of what is set to be an exciting season of productions for the second half of 2024. Featuring a mix of bold new work alongside audience favourites and international tours, the organisation will be showcasing a myriad of exciting performance in venues across the globe.
Review: Albion Theatre's WOMAN IN MIND at Kranzberg Black Box Theater
Albion Theatre’s WOMAN IN MIND is a mad, absurd comedy that works on every level. It is a marvelous collaboration between director, actors, and technical crew to enrich comedic storytelling. Emily Baker is fantastic in the insanely demanding role as Susan. She leads this company with a workhorse-like performance that affords the supporting cast the opportunity to create ridiculously droll characters.
Albion Theatre’s WOMAN IN MIND is a mad, absurd comedy that works on every level. It is a marvelous collaboration between director, actors, and technical crew to enrich comedic storytelling. Emily Baker is fantastic in the insanely demanding role as Susan. She leads this company with a workhorse-like performance that affords the supporting cast the opportunity to create ridiculously droll characters.
Alison Skilbeck Will Tour Lockdown Drama To OSO Arts Centre In Barnes
Critically acclaimed writer and actress, Alison Skilbeck, brings her award nominated show 'Alison Skilbeck's Uncommon Ground' to the OSO Arts Centre in Barnes from the 3 July to the 5 July.
Critically acclaimed writer and actress, Alison Skilbeck, brings her award nominated show 'Alison Skilbeck's Uncommon Ground' to the OSO Arts Centre in Barnes from the 3 July to the 5 July.
Nadia Fall Appointed New Artistic Director Of The Young Vic Theatre
The Young Vic Theatre has announced the appointment of Nadia Fall as its new Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive.
The Young Vic Theatre has announced the appointment of Nadia Fall as its new Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive.
Theatre Forty Reveals 58th Season Lineup
Theatre 40, the professional non-profit theatre company of Beverly Hills, is coming back with a season of seven plays this year. Check out the full lineup here!
Theatre 40, the professional non-profit theatre company of Beverly Hills, is coming back with a season of seven plays this year. Check out the full lineup here!
Photos: First Look at TAKING STEPS at Main Street Theater
Main Street Theater (MST) is producing the rollicking British farce, Taking Steps by internationally-acclaimed playwright, Sir Alan Ayckbourn. Check out production photos here!
Main Street Theater (MST) is producing the rollicking British farce, Taking Steps by internationally-acclaimed playwright, Sir Alan Ayckbourn. Check out production photos here!
HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES Comes to City Theatre Austin in June
City Theatre Austin will open its 2024 summer season with the brilliantly crafted comedy How the Other Half Loves. Guest director J. Kevin Smith leads the production with show dates June 7 – 23 at Genesis Creative Collective.
City Theatre Austin will open its 2024 summer season with the brilliantly crafted comedy How the Other Half Loves. Guest director J. Kevin Smith leads the production with show dates June 7 – 23 at Genesis Creative Collective.
Cast Set for THREE MEN IN A BOAT The The Mill At Sonning Theatre
See who is starring in THREE MEN IN A BOAT at The Mill at Sonning Theatre. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
See who is starring in THREE MEN IN A BOAT at The Mill at Sonning Theatre. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
Autumn Season From John Godber Company Revealed
Touring theatre company The John Godber Company has revealed its autumn season, full of reimagined classics and brand new plays! Learn more about the lineup here!
Touring theatre company The John Godber Company has revealed its autumn season, full of reimagined classics and brand new plays! Learn more about the lineup here!
TAKING STEPS Comes to the Main Street Theater This Month
Main Street Theater is producing the rollicking British farce, Taking Steps by internationally-acclaimed playwright, Sir Alan Ayckbourn. When the play first premiered in England, on its original opening night, the laughter was so loud it broke the theater's PA system!
Main Street Theater is producing the rollicking British farce, Taking Steps by internationally-acclaimed playwright, Sir Alan Ayckbourn. When the play first premiered in England, on its original opening night, the laughter was so loud it broke the theater's PA system!
LIFE OF PI, THE KITE RUNNER & More Set for Everyman Theatre Cheltenham's Full 2024 Season
Discover the exciting line-up of shows and performances at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham. See the full lineup of shows and see how to purchase tickets.
Discover the exciting line-up of shows and performances at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham. See the full lineup of shows and see how to purchase tickets.
Review: A CHORUS OF DISAPPROVAL, Salisbury Playhouse
What can be more cheering on a dreary, wet evening than seeing a jolly Alan Ayckbourn comedy?
What can be more cheering on a dreary, wet evening than seeing a jolly Alan Ayckbourn comedy?
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?
Alan Ayckbourn has received numerous nominations for prestigious awards throughout his career. He was nominated for a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre. He received nominations for Outstanding Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Intimate Exchanges and for Outstanding New Play for Women in Mind. His works have also been nominated for Best New Comedy at the Olivier Awards for Damsels In Distress - Roleplay, House/Garden, Comic Potential, Things We Do For Love, and for Comedy of the Year for Henceforward, A Chorus Of Disapproval, Intimate Exchanges, Season's Greetings, and Sisterly Feelings. Additionally, he was nominated for Best Comedy at the Olivier Awards for Communicating Doors and Time Of My Life. He earned the BBC Award for Play of the Year at the Olivier Awards for Man Of The Moment. His play Bedroom Farce garnered multiple nominations, including Outstanding Director - Play and Best Direction of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards and the Tony Awards, respectively, as well as Best Play at the Tony Awards. He also received a Comedy of the Year nomination for Ten Times Table and for Confusions at the Olivier Awards. Lastly, he was nominated for Outstanding New Foreign Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Absurd Person Singular.
What awards has Alan Ayckbourn won?
Alan Ayckbourn has won several prestigious awards, including the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre. He received 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.
Videos