INTERVIEW: Alan Ayckbourn 1970s play of comedy and heartbreak arrives in Lancaster

Five birthdays, two unhappy marriages and one possessive mother adds up to a dark comedy in Lancaster by one of the UK's leading playwrights.

'Just Between Ourselves' by Alan Ayckbourn has arrived at The Dukes for a series of powerful performances of a story set in the 1970s in a world of hidden tensions and suppressed hostility.

Described as "perhaps Ayckbourn's most emotionally charged play", 'Just Between Ourselves' stars a cast of five - Joseph Clowser, Helen Phillips, Tom Richardson, Connie Walker and Holly Smith.

Holly Smith, who plays Vera, spoke to Beyond Radio about the play.

LISTEN to Holly Smith talking about Just Between Ourselves

It is 1976.  Dennis tinkers in his garage, cheerfully indifferent to wife Vera’s impending breakdown. 

Marjorie hovers in the background, making tea and finding fault. 

Neil has planned a birthday surprise for his wife, but Pam doesn’t share his enthusiasm, preoccupied by frustrations of her own.

An Olivier and Tony Award winning playwright, Alan Ayckbourn’s 90 plays have been produced worldwide. 

Notable successes include: The Norman Conquests, Relatively Speaking, Bedroom Farce, A Chorus of Disapproval and Communicating Doors.  

Just Between Ourselves began on Wednesday evening at The Dukes, and continues on Thursday May 22 (2.30pm and 7.30pm), Friday May 23 (7.30pm) and Saturday May 24 (2.30pm and 7.30pm).

Tickets available HERE.