HANSARD by Simon Woods

This is a very funny and yet moving play about the relationship between a married couple and the politics of the time.

The title comes from the word Hansard which is the traditional name of the transcripts of Parliamentary debates in Britain. The play is set in 1988 during the premiership of Margaret Thatcher.

It's a summer's morning and the Tory politician Robin Hesketh has returned to the idyllic Cotswold house he shares with his wife of thirty years, Diana.   But all is not as blissful as it seems. Diana has a hangover, a fox is destroying the garden and secrets are being dug up all over the place.  As the day draws on, what starts as the familiar hilarious rhythm of marital sparring turns to blood sport.

SHORTS AND A JUMPER by Colin Smith and Peter Fitton.

Our November production is three very different, comic one act plays by local writers both current members of the Lyceum.  Each play is a two - hander and  is witty, sharp and explores themes that aren't always easy in conversation.

APOLOGIA by Alexi Kaye Campbell

In February we bring you Apologia, a fascinating play which tackles the subject of women, ageing and motherhood.  Kirsten Miller is a firebrand matriarch and an eminent and successful art historian.  As a young mother she followed her politics and vocation which included storming Parisian barricades. Her birthday gathering should be a cause for celebration but the recent publication of her memoir has exposed cracks in her family relationships.   When her two sons deliver their own versions of the past, everyone must confront the cost of Kristen's commitment to her passions.  A funny, touching and at times savage portrait of a family losing its grip.

CONFUSIONS by Alan Ayckbourn

In March we have the ever popular Confusions by one of Britain's most successful and prolific playwrights.  Five farcical interlinked plays, exploring loneliness with humour and care.  Full of eccentric characters, some actors playing more than one role, these stories will leave you in stitches by the end of the night.

All MY SONS by Arthur Miller

Our final play of the season is generally regarded as one of the twentieth century's masterpieces by one of the greatest American playwrights.  Based partly on true events, the play is set just after the Second World War.  It tells the story of Joe Keller a successful businessman who, with his partner produced for aeroplanes during the war.  During one shipment, some of the parts were found to be defective, which resulted in the death of 21 airmen.  Both men were accused of the crime, but only Joe's partner was found guilty.  The play explores the Keller family's complex relationships, which are burdened with shame, denial, guilt and grief.  Nothing lasts forever, and long buried truths are forced to the surface and the price of their American dream is laid bare.

We hope that this will give you a snapshot of the season to come and that you find it as exciting as we do.  Looking forward to welcoming you to the Lyceum during our 24/25 season. Artistic Directors