Written and directed by Alan Ayckbourn
Larger than life and highly irascible author Algy Waterbridge is hard at work on his 33rd crime novel featuring blunt Yorkshire cop DCI Tommy Middlebrass. But it’s been a while since Tommy was on the TV, Algy’s wife is getting frighteningly forgetful and his adoring PA sometimes oversteps the mark. With constant interruptions, it’s almost the last straw when old acquaintance Gus Crewe turns up to interview him for the press, with alarming consequences.
But as Algy’s fictional characters take over and real people introduce themselves into the dramatic climax of his novel, the lines become blurred and it might just be that fiction, misunderstandings and mistaken identity are closer to the truth than they seem.
A comedy of confusion about a grumpy old man who might not be so grumpy after all.
AYCKBOURN DOUBLE-BILL
See Joking Apart and Better Off Dead for just £37 (Ask Box Office for details)
Thursday 11 October–Saturday 27 October 2018
Cast & Creatives
Photo Gallery
Image by Tony Bartholomew
Reviews
"As inspired and acute as ever..."
— The Times
"Ayckbourn’s actors form an interconnected ensemble, individually and collectively excellent..."
— Clare Brennan, The Observer
"Puzzling and unfailingly entertaining ..."
— Ron Simpson, Reviews Hub
"Immaculately directed... a highly enjoyable experience..."
— Manchester Theatre Awards
"A masterclass in comic theatre..."
— On Yorkshire Magazine
"A masterclass in acting...riddled with killer lines and a sting in the tail..."
— The Scarborough News
Latest News
YOUNG PEOPLE INVITED TO EXPLORE DRAMA, STAGE COMBAT AND PERFORMANCE SKILLS IN NEW VIC EDUCATION SUMMER PROJECTS
New Vic Education invite young people into a world of imagination and possibility this spring and summer as their popular holiday projects…
Read Article >
NEW VIC THEATRE ANNOUNCE BOLD NEW CO-PRODUCTION OF ROMEO & JULIET STARRING RUSSELL KANE, STAGE PREMIERE OF NEW PLAY BY OSCAR WINNER RACHEL SHENTON & THE RETURN OF A BELOVED THEATRE FAVOURITE FOR CHRISTMAS
The New Vic Theatre continues celebrations of its 40th anniversary in 2026 with the announcement of a major autumn season featuring a…
Read Article >
PIONEERING DOCUMENTARY MUSICAL GOOD GOLLY MISS MOLLY RETURNS TO MARK NEW VIC’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY
The pioneering documentary rock musical that helped define the New Vic Theatre’s signature actor-musician style will return to the theatre this April…
Read Article >