Recently we have been reminded that in similar trying times in history some of the world’s greatest artists have produced masterpieces, including Shakespeare, who in quarantine wrote 'King Lear'; and Edward Munch, who during the 1918 influenza pandemic produced several paintings, including a much famed self-portrait. Now during lockdown in a bid to raise much needed funds for his beloved theatre in Scarborough, the Stephen Joseph, celebrated director and playwright, Alan Ayckbourn has written and made an audio recording of a new play, which he also performs in with his wife, actress Heather Stoney.
In the play, Ayckbourn and Stoney play four characters each, with an age range of 18 to mid-70s. It is the first time that they have acted together since Ayckbourn’s last appearance on a professional stage, in William Gibson’s two-hander 'Two For The Seesaw' at the Rotherham Civic Theatre in 1964. Since then Ayckbourn has written numerous plays becoming one of the world’s most performed and prolific living playwrights.
'Anno Domino' looks at the break-up of a long-established marriage and the effect that this has on family and friends. Listening to the play is a bit like putting on a CD of Ayckbourn’s Greatest Hits. The characters are instantly familiar from many of his previous plays, especially 'Absurd Person Singular', 'Bedroom Farce' and 'Taking Steps'. In Anno Domino, Ayckbourn creates situations that will be recognisable to many who know his work, during the course of the play his characters discuss extra marital affairs, lock themselves in outdoor sheds and respond in differing ways to varying degrees of adversity. The play begins with everyone’s golden couple, Sam and Millie preparing to host a party to celebrate their Silver Wedding Anniversary. In the lead up to the event, Sam’s elderly father Ben, (by far Ayckbourn’s best performance in the play), declares, “After the first 25 years, you grit your teeth and then stagger on to the finish line.” At the party Sam and Millie drop an enormous bombshell announcing that they are splitting up. Sam’s younger sister and parents struggle to make sense of this and the rest of the play focuses on how they cope with the repercussions it has on their own lives and those around them.
At two hours long, the play could do with some judicious editing, some scenes go on for a little bit longer than they need to and I am sure that if this play was adapted for the stage Ayckbourn would put this right. Putting this quibble aside the play is a real joy to listen to and the performances of Ayckbourn and Stoney are a delicious treat. Hopefully after this return to professional acting after a gap of almost 60 years, Ayckbourn might be persuaded to record other parts that he has created, in particular it would be marvellous to listen to him and Stoney perform some of his marathon play cycle for two actors, 'Intimate Exchanges'. Recorded in Ayckbourn and Stoney’s own home, Paul Steer’s sound mix, given present day restrictions and limitations is first-rate. 'Anno Domino' may not be one of Ayckbourn’s greatest plays, but it has a lot in it, including his customary wit and frankness that will please his many admirers.
'Anno Domino' is available as an audio recording exclusively on the SJT’s website, www.sjt.uk.com from 25 May to 25 June. The recording is free to listen to however subscribers are kindly requested to make a donation to support the theatre through the current crisis.
Reviewer - Richard Hall
on - 25/5/20
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