(157)
Confusions
Alan Ayckbourn
Absent Friends
by Alan Ayckbourn
Why we like it
"'Absent Friends' delves into the fragility of friendships, examining how grief and loss can both connect and separate those left behind."
From: Plays Centered on FriendshipWhat readers are saying
Readers appreciate the intricate writing and emotional depth of the play, highlighting its clever character dynamics and monologues. Many find the themes of friendship and grief resonate powerfully, making it a worthwhile experience despite some noting it feels a bit dated.
Gorgeously writtenIntriguing character dynamicsPowerful themes of friendshipFeels a bit dated
Synopsis
Colin must be comforted in his grief over the death of his fiancee so his friends, who never met the girl, arrange a tea party for him.
Understandably they are on edge wondering what to say, but there is more to their unease: Diane and Paul, John and Evelyn, and Marge and her husband are perpetually out of circulation with trivial illnesses are all kept together by a mixture of business and cross-marital emotional ties.
By the time Colin arrives for tea, their tenseness contrasts dramatically with his air of cheerful relaxation.
He is the only happy one among them and his happiness and insensitive analyses of their troubles causes each of them to break down.
Videos
Alan Ayckbourn
Publication
PublisherSamuel French
Year1975
BindingPaperback
EditionNot Stated
Pages102
PlaceLondon
LanguageEnglish
ISBN-139780573013317
ISBN-100573013314
LCCN76366040
LCCPR6051.Y35 A63
DCC822/.9/14
Absent Friends is a British comedy play written by Alan Ayckbourn and published by Samuel French in London (1975).
Community Reviews
No community reviews yet
Buy Play
Not Stated
Samuel French · 1975 · 102 pp
From $4.92 total
Performance Rights
Available for Licensing
Amateur & Professional
Fee:Minimum Fee: $110 per performance
Restrictions: Major Markets Plus (US) / Standard Plus Add'l Postcodes (UK)
Apply for RightsSimilar Plays
Plays with similar themes, style, and content.
More from Alan Ayckbourn
More plays from Alan Ayckbourn that we think you'll enjoy.
