Role Play
by Alan Ayckbourn

April 23rd - 26th 2008

Justin and Julie-Ann, both working in computers and hopelessly mis-matched in love, are about to introduce their parents to each other: Justin's upper crust alcoholic mother from Surrey and Julie-Ann's bigoted Yorkshire father and prim mother.

Into this doomed scenario drops - literally - via the balcony upstairs and the river, Paige, a former lap dancer with suicidal tendencies and her thick gun-toting minder who is employed by her violent boy friend. They proceed to wreak havoc on the meticulously planned evening but the brilliantly orchestrated mayhem is tempered by subtle insights into family relationships and class distinctions.

This is the third play in Sir Alan Ayckbourn's "Damsels in Distress" trilogy.

Director's Notes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cast

Justin Lazenby - Paul Glover

Julie-Ann Jobson - Gill Coverdale

Paige Petite - Tricia Commons

Micky Rale - Steve Millward

Derek Jobson - Nick Simpson

Dee Jobson - Lynda Whitehead

Arabella Lazenby - Marjorie Inman


Production Team

Director - Roger Thomas

Stage Manager - Mike Waring

ASMs - Tony Dreze, Eric Tomlinson

Set Design - Tony Dreze

Set Construction - OLT Team

Lighting - Andrew Jackson

Sound - Jim Ranyard, Gavin Birkett

Props - Jane Simpson, Lee Wells

Wardrobe - Marjorie Inman

Make-up - Caroline Marston

Prompt - Wendy Lodge

Front of House - Charmian Thomas & Team

Box Office - Joan Birkett, Sandie Smith

Publicity - Roger Thomas

 

Roger Thomas
(Director)


Paul Glover

Gill Coverdale

Tricia Commons

Steve Millward

Nick Simpson

Lynda Whitehead

Marjorie Inman

Role Play
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Director's Notes

ROLE PLAY

My predilection for Ayckbourn plays is rather well known in the Little Theatre. His insight into people's behaviour in stressful situations is, I believe, amongst the best, if not the best, of all modern playwrights.
Coupled with this is the humour he can build in whilst displaying some of the worst aspects of individual characters which only adds to the overall entertainment. At least that is what I think and I hope that after seeing this latest OLT Ayckbourn offering you will agree with me, for this is one of his most recent and perceptive plays which demonstrates very concisely the differences in north/south cultures, of which we in Yorkshire are all too aware, and the differences in lifestyles of the people who inhabit the "new world" of inner city living.

"Roleplay" is one of a Ayckbourn's trilogy of plays titled "Damsels in Distress" dealing with the plight of young girls living in very differing circumstances in cities but all in desperate need of help from those around her. Not everyone wants to help as we all know but we would all like to think that if we needed help then, as in this case, a "Justin" would be around.

I hope you enjoy this very funny play which was awarded the Laurence Olivier Best Comedy in the West End award in 2003, so must have something going for it.

As you may be aware this was our intended February production but due to unforeseeable last minute difficulties had to be postponed to April. I would like to express my thanks to everyone in the Little Theatre who stuck with us on this project despite having to rearrange their collective lives at short notice! I know that they are determined to put on an excellent production for you to enjoy, and we all thank you for your support.

Roger Thomas
Director.