The Devonshire Park Theatre spring season opens with a very exciting theatrical event – the world premiere of Alan Ayckbourn’s brand new 79th play Hero’s Welcome, which is performed alongside a new adaptation of one of his most popular and studied plays, Confusions, at Eastbourne’s premiere playhouse from 22nd – 27th February.
Written 40 years apart these two productions are being performed in a mini repertory theatre season, with Confusions performed Monday, Thursday and Saturday and Hero’s Welcome on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Ayckbourn directs this new production of Confusions in which we meet a variety of characters; from a devoted and isolated mother, to her unfaithful travelling salesman husband, through a solicitous waiter to well-heeled diners and an utterly shambolic garden fete, human frailty is laid bare as one hilarious situation after another unfolds. From high farce to poignant observation; the laughs, however dark, keep coming.
The world premiere tour of Hero’s Welcome follows a decorated war hero, Murray, who returns to his boyhood stomping ground with a new young bride, but is all as it seems? Once the welcome flags have stopped waving, few of his friends seem particularly happy to see him back.
Murray’s declared intention of staying put and settling down threatens to stir up all sorts of old rivalries and resentments. Suddenly the couple, in search of peace, find themselves once more in the firing line.
This celebration of one of the nation’s favourite playwrights is at the Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne from 22nd – 27th February: Confusions is performed Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7.45pm, with matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm. Hero’s Welcome is on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at 7.45pm with a Wednesday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets are priced from £15.50 – £21 with concessions available, including a duo-show discount! To book or for more information call the box office on 01323 412000 or go online at www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk.