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In their tenth year and for their thirtieth production,
the Lincoln Shakespeare Company (LSC) will present 'Absent Friends',
one of Alan Ayckbourn's most enjoyed plays.
Since 1992 when the LSC launched their very first
production, 'Twelfth Night', they have delighted Lincoln audiences
with lively and original interpretations of Shakespeare's plays
and, more recently, with a sprinkling of classic and modern plays
by other authors.
When 'Absent Friends' was first staged - in London
back in the 70's - it was seen as a subtle change of direction for
Ayckbourn, already well-known for his intelligent and energetic
comedies. Starring Richard Briers in the central role of Colin,
'Absent Friends' showed a darker edge of Ayckbourn's writing whilst
remaining true to his comedic tradition. In the forthcoming LSC
production, audiences can expect to re-visit his 70's world both
visually and aurally - remember 70's music! - and to share in the
experiences of a small group of friends (thirty-somethings) who,
at the commencement of the play, nervously await the arrival of
one of the group who has recently suffered a personal tragedy. Ayckbourn's
characters, as always, reveal to us something of ourselves, just
slightly hidden beneath the surface and waiting for the moment to
creep out and catch us off our guard. Lisa Melligan, an experienced
director, is guiding the small cast of which she is one, and audiences
will be delighted to note that Jo Ramsay, an absent friend indeed
from LSC plays for some time past, returns to play the part of Evelyn.
'Absent Friends' will be presented at the Museum
of Lincolnshire Life, Burton Road, Lincoln from 7th to 16th November,
excluding Sunday 10th and Monday 11th. Tickets will cost £4
on the opening night and £7-50 (£5 concessions) on the
remaining nights.
On sale at the show will be next year's sine qua
non - the Lincoln Shakespeare Company all-nude, but gosh-how-artistic,
2003 calendar, expected to be the solution to everyone's Christmas
present problems. See the LSC actors as you have never seen them
before!
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