Comedy
RELATIVELY SPEAKING
BY ALAN AYCKBOURN
Sat 23 May, 2.30 & 8pm
Sun 24 May, 2.30pm
Two Sisters' Theatre
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Directed by Colleen Batson
An amateur production by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd
Ayckbourn’s first big West End hit is a stunning piece of comic craftsmanship which takes a single misunderstanding and keeps it unbelievably afloat with hilarious consequences. Relatively Speaking was first produced in 1967 at the Duke of York’s Theatre starring Celia Johnson and Richard Briers and was the first of Ayckbourn’s plays to achieve widespread critical acclaim. Over half a century later it still stands the test of time.
Ayckbourn mixes the comic ingredients into what has been called a ‘superbly constructed meringue of a play’ by choosing as his model what may be the most perfect of all well-made comedies, Oscar Wilde’s The Importance Of Being Earnest. What characterises both plays are the standard ingredients of the well-made play: secrets known to some but withheld from others, quid-pro-quo conversations in which two speakers, actually at odds, believe they are discussing the same person, and, of course, assumed identities.
Last performed at BLT in 2003. So whether you re-acquaint yourself with a comedy masterpiece or experience classic Ayckbourn for the first time, you will undoubtedly share the joy of theatre at its very best.
‘Alan Ayckbourn’s Relatively Speaking is a night of marvellous discourse, mistaken identity and downright debacle.’ London Theatre Reviews
‘This early work from one of the British theatre’s greatest talents provides a welcome, and thoroughly enjoyable, celebration of the playwright’s craft.’ Everything Theatre
Ticket Prices
Allocated Covered Seating
£26.50
*Festival Friends & Hever Castle, Hever Golf and Wellbeing Club Members
Allocated Covered Seating
£24.75
*Groups, over 10 tickets
Allocated Covered Seating
£24.75
All day entry into Hever Castle Gardens on the day of your theatre visit
Adult (In addition to your theatre ticket price)
Child (In addition to your theatre ticket price)
£18.95
£13.00
Pre Theatre Suppers
Per Person
Per Person Festival Friends (and the rest of your party if you book their meals)
£62.50
£56.25
Venue & Catering
The Two Sisters’ Theatre
Located on the tranquil Two Sister’s Lawn, our theatre has one continuous roof, every auditorium seat is undercover and allocated. The roof section over the auditorium is transparent so you will be able to enjoy the stars above, as you watch The Stars on stage! The theatre walls will be open and, for selected events, the lawns either side become part of the auditorium. With lawn tickets you to choose where to sit when you arrive and can enjoy your picnic during the event. You will need to bring your own seats, beanbags or rugs etc for the lawns.
We can close our walls for events outside the summer months. The walls are clear, so you still feel you are in the beautiful garden just with protection from the weather.
You are welcome to stay in the gardens following afternoon performances until the Castle closes for the day.
Gates open at 6.30pm for evening performances and 1 hour before matinees. Please check our access page for further information.
The theatre bar will be open before the event and during the interval (when applicable) for hot and cold drinks, snacks, ice cream and freshly made savoury and sweet crepes.
Pre-Theatre Supers are available for selected performances in the Astor Wing Dining Room, inside Hever Castle.
The menu is available to view here.
Please note there are just 50 covers for dinner, we recommend you book early, alongside your theatre tickets to avoid disappointment. You can arrive at the Lakeview Car Park from 5.30pm to give you time to walk over to the castle via the theatre lawn. The route is available to view on our access page. It is possible for matinee audience members to book supper from 5.45pm, leaving the estate after supper, before the evening performance starts.