ABSURD PERSON SINGULAR
ALL STAR CAST LEAD
AYCKBOURN WEST END REVIVAL
David Bamber
Jane Horrocks
David Horovitch
Jenny Seagrove
John Gordon Sinclair
IN
Alan Ayckbourn’s
Absurd Person Singular
FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED WEST END SEASON
Bill Kenwright presents Alan Ayckbourn’s ABSURD PERSON SINGULAR, directed by Alan Strachan, for a strictly limited season at the Garrick Theatre, opening on Tuesday 11 December (with previews from 27th November 2007). The full cast includes David Bamber, Jane Horrocks, David Horovitch, Jenny Seagrove, John Gordon Sinclair and Lia Williams. The production is designed by Michael Pavelka, with lighting by Jason Taylor and sound by Ian Horricks-Taylor.
This new production is the first in London’s West End since Ayckbourn’s self imposed moratorium in 2002. Absurd Person Singular was first performed in 1972.
This three act production observes the changing fortunes of three married couples on successive Christmas eves.
During the course of the first Christmas party, havoc ensues as one couple attempt to impress their high-powered friends - but that's nothing compared to what happens at the next two Christmases when the friends return their hospitality.
Sir Alan Ayckbourn is one of the world’s most popular and prolific professional playwrights. He has written 70 full length plays and more than 20 other revues and plays for children. Major successes include Absurd Person Singular, The Norman Conquests trilogy, Bedroom Farce, Just Between Ourselves, A Chorus Of Disapproval, Woman in Mind, A Small Family Business, Man Of The Moment and House & Garden. His plays have won numerous awards, including seven London Evening Standard Awards. They have been translated into over 35 languages and are performed on stage and television throughout the world. In 1997 he was knighted for his services to theatre. He is currently the Artistic Director of the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough.
Jane Horrocks is best loved for playing the hilariously ditsy ‘Bubble’ in hit comedy Absolutely Fabulous. Jane appeared as troubled teenager in Mike Leigh's film Life is Sweet before being nominated for a BAFTA for her performance as LV in the critically acclaimed film Little Voice. Her voiceover talents have also been used on the big screen, with credits including Chicken Run and The Corpse Bride. In 2006, Jane took on the title role in The Amazing Mrs. Pritchard, the story of a local supermarket manager who enters politics, and also appeared in Jimmy McGovern’s The Street. Her recent stage credits include Sweet Panic with John Gordon Sinclair.
Jenny Seagrove is known to millions as barrister Jo Mills in the BBC’s flagship drama series Judge John Deed. Her return to the West End comes just three months after her celebrated performance in The Letter at the Wyndham’s. Jenny’s theatre credits over the past decade include playing lead roles in: Night of the Iguana, Lyric; The Secret Rapture, Lyric; The Constant Wife, Apollo & Lyric; The Female Odd Couple, Apollo; Brief Encounter, Lyric; Hurlyburly, Queens; Dead Guilty, Apollo, The Miracle Worker, Wyndham’s; making her one of the West End’s most prolific and respected actresses.
John Gordon Sinclair will forever be known for his iconic performance in cult film Gregory's Girl. His numerous TV sitcom appearances include Mad about Alice and Nelson’s Column. His West End credits include The Producers at the Drury Lane in 2005; 10 years after collecting the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical for She Loves Me. Filumena & Kafka's Dick at the Piccadilly in 1998, Sweet Panic at the Duke of York's in 2003. His film credits include Local Hero and Erik the Viking.
David Horovitch is a prolific character actor best known for his frequent TV appearances in Midsommer Murders and Peak Practice. His a wealth of London experience most recently includes Mary Stuart (Donmar Warehouse and Gielgud), Losing Louis (Hampstead and Trafalgar Studio 1) and Spinning Into Butter (Royal Court Upstairs)
David Bamber is best known as Mr. Collins in the BBC's Pride and Prejudice, he also has recently starred in the highly acclaimed TV series Rome. David is a Laurence Olivier Award-winning actor (Best Actor for My Night With Reg), and has worked extensively with the National Theatre and was last seen in The Soldiers’ Fortune at the Young Vic.
Lia Williams is an Olivier, Tony and BAFTA 'Best Actress' nominee. She has recently finished a run in The Hothouse at the National, where she has also appeared in Mappa Mundi and Skylight. Lia’s other London credits include The Revengers’ Comedies, The Homecoming and My Child.
ABSURD PERSON SINGULAR
Listings
Bill Kenwright presents David Bamber, Jane Horrocks, David Horovitch, Jenny Seagrove, John Gordon Sinclair and Lia Williams in Alan Ayckbourn’s Absurd Person Singular Directed by Alan Strachan
Garrick Theatre, Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0HH, 0870 890 1104
Reduced price previews: from Tuesday 27November 2007
Press Night: 7:00pm Tuesday 11 December
Booking Until: 22 March 2008
Performances
Monday – Saturday at 7:45pm,
Wednesday 3pm, Saturday 3pm
Tickets
£45, £35, £25 & £15
(reduced price previews,
£10 off top 3 prices)
For more information please contact Ewan Thomson or Giles Cooper
ewan@borkowski.co.uk 0207 492 0614
giles@borkowski.co.uk 0207 492 0643
