Five birthdays. Two unhappy marriages. One possessive mother.
It is 1976. Dennis tinkers in his garage, cheerfully indifferent to wife Vera’s impending breakdown. Marjorie hovers in the background, making tea and finding fault. Neil has planned a birthday surprise for his wife, but Pam doesn’t share his enthusiasm, preoccupied by frustrations of her own.
In perhaps his most emotionally charged play, Alan Ayckbourn masterfully evokes a world of hidden tensions and suppressed hostility. He expertly navigates the tightrope between comedy and tragedy, guiding us towards a hilarious, yet chilling finale.
An Olivier and Tony Award winning playwright, Alan Ayckbourn’s 89 plays have been produced worldwide. Notable successes include The Norman Conquests, Relatively Speaking, Bedroom Farce, A Chorus of Disapproval and Communicating Doors.
Following successful productions of Absent Friends in 2015 and Absurd Person Singular in 2020/2021, Michael Cabot is delighted to direct Alan Ayckbourn’s much-loved 1976 classic in 2025.
Age Guidance 14+
Evenings: £30, £28, £25, £16; Disabled/Unwaged/Students/Young Scot Cardholders/ Under 26s £23, £21, £18, £16 (inc £2.50 booking fee per ticket)
Matinees: £28, £27, £22, £16; Disabled/Unwaged/Students/Young Scot Cardholders/Under 26s £21, £19, £17, £16 (inc £2.50 booking fee per ticket)
Audio Described and BSL performance: Sat 14 Jun: 14:30
Enhance your enjoyment with our Just Between Ourselves Theatre Talk [https://www.perththeatreandconcerthall.com/whats-on/theatre-talk-just-between-ourselves-336402] on Friday 13 June. Free to subscribers and just £2 for non-subscribers.
Perth Theatre Season Subscription Spring 2025
Save more when you see more!
The Perth Theatre Season Subscription is the savviest way to see the theatre you love, at the best price.
Pick and mix from this season’s tempting selection of shows and pay less the more you see!
Take advantage and save when booking:
The Rainbow [https://www.perththeatreandconcerthall.com/whats-on/the-rainbow-335402]
Thu 27 Feb - Sat 8 Mar
Animal Farm [https://www.perththeatreandconcerthall.com/whats-on/animal-farm-336602]
Wed 26 - Sat 29 Mar
Restless Natives [https://www.perththeatreandconcerthall.com/whats-on/restless-natives-the-musical-341002]
Thu 24 Apr - Sat 10 May
KELI [https://www.perththeatreandconcerthall.com/whats-on/keli-332202]
Wed 4 - Sat 7 Jun
Just Between Ourselves [https://www.perththeatreandconcerthall.com/whats-on/just-between-ourselves-336802]
Wed 11 - Sat 14 Jun
Book at least 3 shows to save 15% or book all 5 and save a massive 25%. (That’s like seeing a show for free!)
15% and 25% discount applies to full ticket cost including booking fees and will be automatically calculated in your shopping basket. The discount only applies if purchased within one sale. You can spread the cost of your subscription over 3 months at no extra cost. Tickets are non-refundable.
Charcuterie Boxes
Make your visit extra special by ordering a Charcuterie Box to enjoy before the performance.
Charcuterie Box (sharing for 2 or more) - £29
Oat cakes, selection of charcuterie - chorizo, prosciutto, salami and kielbasa sausage, selection of cheeses - Wookey Hole cheddar, Red Devil and Brie de Meaux, served with fruit, olives and caramelised onion chutney.
Select your Charcuterie Boxes during the checkout process, or reserve them at any point up to 12:00 on the day before your performance by calling our Box Office on 01738 621031. When you book your Box, we will reserve a table for you in the Perth Theatre Café for an hour before your performance starts.
Click here [https://www.perththeatreandconcerthall.com/perth-theatre-cafe/charcuterie-boxes] for more info.
For any dietary requirements or allergens please call our Box Office on 01738 621031.