If I Were You (2006)

Author:
New Play:

Venue:
Location:
Staging:

First performance:
Opening night:
Final performance:
Alan Ayckbourn
Yes

Stephen Joseph Theatre
The Round
Round

12 October 2006
17 October 2006
11 November 2006
Director:
Design:
Lighting:
Costumes:
Alan Ayckbourn
Roger Glossop
Mick Hughes
Jennie Boyer
Stage Manager:
Deputy Stage Manager:
Assistant Stage Manager:

Character
Mal Rodale
Jill Rodale
Chrissie Snaith
Sam Rodale
Dean Snaith
Fleur Linden Beeley
Sue Volans
Emma Hanson

Actor
John Branwell
Lisa Goddard
Saskia Butler
David Hartley
Andrew Brooke

Why is this play significant?

The first Ayckbourn world premiere following his stroke in February 2006. The play was actually completed just days prior to the stroke and Alan used it as a motivation in his recovery determined to direct the world premiere production in September of that year.

Notes

○ If I Were You was finished just days prior to Alan Ayckbourn's stroke in February 2006; as a result he decided this would be his first project upon his return to work. Although If I Were You was the first new Ayckbourn play to be premiered following his stroke, it would actually be almost two years after his stroke before he wrote a new play, Life & Beth.
○ Due to the after-effects of the stroke, If I Were You marked the point where Alan Ayckbourn's productions at the Stephen Joseph Theatre were no longer rehearsed at the venue, but at his own rehearsal space. Every Ayckbourn production since 2006 has rehearsed in this space.

Links

All research for this page by Simon Murgatroyd.