Absent Friends

Absent Friends

It is time once again for West End audiences to welcome the work of Alan Ayckbourne to the stage as the acclaimed British playwright’s classic play “Absent Friends” finds its way to the Harold Pinter Theatre (formerly the Comedy Theatre). The production is set to appear at the venue from January to April 2012, almost forty years since the show was first seen by London theatre audiences, and with Jeremy Herrin directing it will welcome a cast that includes Reece Shearsmith and Kara Tointon alongside David Armand, Elizabeth Berrington, Katherine Parkinson and Steffan Rhodri.

The plot focuses on a group of friends that come together with the aim of cheering up Colin (Shearsmith), whose fiancée has recently died. The problem is that they have no idea how to tackle the situation or how to act around their bereaving friend and this is made all the more problematic by the tensions created by their secrets and interpersonal relationships, which create jealously and loathing before Colin has even arrived. It is clear that they are going to have to hide it if they wish to go through with their plan of cheering him up.

Alan Ayckbourne has been behind a wealth of plays over the years that have been critically acclaimed and received a lot of attention. These have turned him into one of the country’s most renowned playwrights and he has been the recipient of awards and nominations. “Absent Friends” emerged in 1974 and it was the same decade that brought us numerous gems from his back catalogue, including “The Norman Conquests”, “Absurd Person Singular”, “Bedroom Farce” and “Just Between Ourselves, alongside work from other decades like “Woman in Mind” and “Private Fears in Public Places”. As a result of his popularity, his work is regularly seen in the West End.

And the actors involved have also had past success. Reece Shearsmith has been seen in the West End a lot recently with shows like “Ghost Stories” at the Duke of York’s Theatre and “Betty Blue Eyes” at the Novello Theatre, though he is best known for “The League of Gentlemen”. Kara Tointon, meanwhile, was recently seen in “Pygmalion” at the Garrick Theatre, with audiences recognising her from “EastEnders” and “Strictly Come Dancing”.

With “Death and the Maiden” completing its run at the Harold Pinter Theatre at the end of December, “Absent Friends” follows from Thursday 9th February 2012 (previews from Thursday 26th January 2012) to Saturday 14th April 2012.

Venue Information and Directions

Harold Pinter Theatre
Panton Street
London
SW1Y 4DN

Seating Plan

Directions

Directions
Take the Bakerloo or Piccadilly line to Piccadilly Circus. Exit onto Haymarket. The theatre is approximately 5 minutes walk.