The Complete Plays: Joking Apart (1978)

Production Details
Title:
Author:
New Play:

Venue:
Location:
Staging:
Joking Apart
Alan Ayckbourn
Yes

Stephen Joseph Theatre In The Round
Main house (Round)
Round
First performance:
Opening night:
Final performance:
12 January 1978
12 January 1978
4 February 1978
Company Details
Director:
Design:
Costumes:

Stage Manager:
Deputy Stage Manager:
Assistant Stage Manager:
Assistant Stage Manager:
Alan Ayckbourn
David Millard
Frances Upton

Janet Fox
Christopher Gray
Dee Marsden
Derek Scriminger
Character
Richard
Anthea
Hugh
Louise
Sven
Olive
Brian
Melody / Mandy / Mo
Actor
John Arthur
Alison Skilbeck
Malcolm Hebden
Shelagh Stuttle
Robert Austin
Annette Badland
Robin Herford
Fiona Mathieson
Why is this play significant?
Joking Apart is Alan Ayckbourn's first play to be set over an extended period of time - 12 years. This particular production is also notable for the fact that real turf was laid in the auditorium for its garden setting as it was deemed cheaper than buying artificial turf. The company also included Annette Badland, who would go on to become an award-winning stage and screen actress.
Notes
○ Joking Apart is set in a garden, complete with tennis court. For the original production, it was deemed cheaper to lay real turf on stage for the unbroken run of the production rather than artificial grass. When the play was revived during the summer 1978 season, artificial grass had to be used though as the play was in repertory.
Links
All research for this page by Simon Murgatroyd. Image copyright: Scarborough Theatre Trust