Absent Friends

Details

Summer 1974. A well-intentioned tea party descends into chaos. Wealthy, unfulfilled housewife Diana arranges a gathering of old friends to cheer up bereaved Colin, whose fianc?e drowned a few months earlier. Paul, her bullying, self-absorbed husband, has recently had a brief affair with Evelyn, the glamorous, young wife of his friend and incompetent business associate, John. The get-together is completed by long-suffering Marge, who has left her hypochondriac spouse ailing at home. Preparations for the party commence, sparking tensions and opening old wounds. As lingering resentments and deep-rooted jealousies surface, an unexpectedly cheerful Colin wanders into the mayhem.

Cast/Performers

Kara Tointon (Evelyn), Elizabeth Berrington (Marge), Katherine Parkinson (Diana), Reece Shearsmith (Colin), David Armand (John), Steffan Rhodri (Paul)

Creatives/Company

Author: Alan Ayckbourn
Producer: Sonia Friedman
Director: Jeremy Herrin
Design: Tom Scutt
Lighting: Peter Mumford
Sound: Ian Dickinson