You are invited to three parties and a merry dance!

“Absurd Person Singular” is a comedy by that master of theatrical black humour, Alan Ayckbourn. Written in 1972 this popular production has timeless themes which are still relevant today.

For the Hopcrofts, a party is not a time for jollity - it's a time for social climbing, but are the giddy heights too much to bear? When the invite is returned, who do they meet going down when they're on the way up?

Three couples hold Christmas parties on Christmas Eve in three consecutive years. Using this device Ayckbourn illustrates the changing fortunes of the three couples as the lower class social-climbing couple gradually overtake the initially condescending middle and upper class couples until they end up dominating the group. Along the way there is attempted suicide, misunderstood intentions, drunken humour, party games, a big dog, and Dick & Lottie Potter -who are heard but never seen as they influence the parties from off-stage. The whole play takes place in the kitchen of the respective party hosts where - as everyone knows - all the best parties end up. But in this case that’s not always the best thing . . .

A classic comedy with outrageous characters - this is Ayckbourn at his best. A fun-filled, entertaining night out is promised for everyone who comes to watch this show.

Performances of this production are 28/29/30 Jan and 4/5/6 Feb 2010 in the Victoria Hall, Hartley Wintney. Tickets are £10 each and can be purchased via the box office on 07956 412826 or at http://boxoffice.hartleyartsgroup.com/

Be sure to book early as our last show was sold out (happily!) for most of its run.