Classic comedy

Overview

In 1960s London, couples are swinging, some more than others. Greg is paying a visit to Ginny’s parents to ask for her hand in marriage. Blithely misinformed, he arrives at the home of Philip and Sheila hoping they’ll give their blessing. But no-one is quite what they seem and nothing quite goes to plan. In this perfectly paced comedy of misunderstandings, Alan Ayckbourn expertly weaves an exquisite entanglement that will leave you guessing to the last minute.

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First presented by Peter Bridge at the Duke of York’s Theatre, London, on 29th March 1967.

PLAYWRIGHT: ALAN AYCKBOURN
DIRECTOR: MARK KILMURRY
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: JANINE WATSON
CAST: JONNY HAWKINS, TRACY MANN, EMMA PALMER & DAVID WHITNEY
DESIGNER: HUGH O’CONNOR
LIGHTING DESIGNER: PETER NEUFELD
STAGE MANAGER: REBECCA POULTER
DIALECT COACH: NICK CURNOW
WARDROBE: MARGARET GILL
PRODUCTION PHOTOS: CLARE HAWLER

Reviews

"...RELATIVELY SPEAKING...is made effortlessly charming in this excellently acted production directed by Mark Kilmurry." The Sydney Morning Herald

"...if you want to 'park' your self in the theatre, as a summer distraction, holiday treat, and want to have a comfortable and very pleasant evening, you could do no better, in Sydney at the moment." Kevin Jackson's Theatre Diary

“The four riotous roles are performed flawlessly by a cast that can only be described as magnificent. Cohesive in tone and style, but each one idiosyncratic and independently captivating, their creations are all unforgettable, but it is the chemistry they manufacture for this ensemble piece that really delivers the goods.” Suzy Goes See

"It’s a reminder of how good at this kind of impossible concoction Ayckbourn was – right back at the beginning of his extraordinary 70+ play career. And also how deft a director Kilmurry is with actors and trick-cycle dialogue and timing." Stage Noise

"Relatively Speaking at the Ensemble is a heart-warming experience that gives us a fun and happy night at the theatre..." Lisa Thatcher

"Director Mark Kilmurry expertly guides the pressures moving Ayckbourn's steam engine of embarrassment and outrage to its perfect surprise conclusion." Time Out

"I loved it." Sydney Arts Guide