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A Chorus of Disapproval

Full-Length Play, Dramatic Comedy  /  6f, 7m

Alan Ayckbourn

"A brilliance and invention remarkable even by his standards." - Financial Times

"Symmetrically shaped, psychologically acute and painfully, heart breakingly funny." - The Guardian

A Chorus of Disapproval

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    6f, 7m
  • Duration
    Duration
    More than 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Suggested Use
    • Cutting Approved for Competition
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult

Details

Summary
A diffident widower attempts to escape loneliness by joining the local amateur light operatic society. By accident rather than by design (in fact, by not saying "no" to anything be it a request to obtain confidential information from his company or an offer of illicit sex) he advances from a small part to the lead. Parallels are skillfully drawn between The Beggar's Opera and the day to day activities of the society which is performing it. The National Theatre's production starred Michael Gambon as the shambling, madcap producer.
History
A Chorus of Disapproval premiered in Scarborough at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in the Round on 22 May 1984. It subsequently premiered in the Olivier Theatre at the National Theatre on 1 August 1985. Directed by Alan Ayckbourn, the production featured Paul Bentall, Gemma Craven, Daniel Flynn, Jenny Galloway, Michael Gambon, James Hayes, Kelly Hunter, Bob Peck, Moira Redmond, David Ryall, Imelda Staunton, Paul Todd and Jane Wenham.
Cast Attributes
Keywords
Performing Groups
  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes, Period Costumes
  • Duration More than 120 minutes (2 hours)

Media

“A brilliance and invention remarkable even by his standards.” – Financial Times

“Symmetrically shaped, psychologically acute and painfully, heart breakingly funny.” – The Guardian

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Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £70 per performance plus VAT when applicable.
    This title may have restrictions in place for London based productions. Please submit a licence request to confirm specific availability.

Scripts

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Authors

Alan Ayckbourn

Alan Ayckbourn

A playwright and theatre director, to date Alan Ayckbourn has written 89 plays – Family Album attracted four-star reviews when it premiered in September 2022 at the Stephen Joseph, where nearly all his plays are first staged.

However, this year he will stage his 88th play Welc ...

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