Season's Greetings

Ironic black comedy. It is Christmas at Belinda and Neville’s house and they have invited their family for a traditional Christmas celebration: Neville’s sister Phyllis and her husband Bernard, Neville’s dim friend Eddie and his pregnant wife Pattie, somewhat senile and belligerent Uncle Harvey, Belinda’s unmarried sister Rachel and her friend, author Clive.
Clive arrives late by train, is missed by Rachel, and is instead welcomed by Belinda, who is immediately attracted to him. Harvey, as a result of a misunderstanding, takes an immediate dislike to Clive, believing him to be a homosexual and prospective thief. Clive falls for the frustrated Belinda, after Rachel tells him she is looking for no more than friendship. He and Belinda almost fulfil their passions beneath the Christmas tree, but are discovered when they accidentally set off various electronic toys.
On Boxing Day, Bernard’s interminable puppet show of The Three Little Pigs causes explosions of temper amongst all the guests and a miserable atmosphere for all. Very early the following morning, Clive, who is leaving, is intercepted and shot by Harvey who believes he is a thief taking all the presents. The ineffectual Bernard wrongly pronounces Clive dead - until the "corpse" deliriously calls out for Belinda! In the end, though, it is Rachel who takes him to hospital. Belinda and Neville are left together, she knowing nothing will change and he choosing to ignore all that has happened.

A play we all enjoyed so much we did it twice. Ayckbourn's set demanded a hall, a dining room, a sitting room, staircase and landing. No problem, I told the doubting set builders, just make it one big room. And we need a decorated Christmas tree, 1001 wrapped presents, a puppet theatre, a drumming bear & a full Christmas dinner for 6 with all the crockery etc.
This was one play where the back stage crew had as much to do and played just as important a role as the actors.
Rehearsals were not much fun as I recall. Too many bodies to choreograph. But the end result was a triumph with very appreciative audiences.
Twenty years later we did it again. Just as well and in some parts even better.

Another play that has been repeated is Season's Greetings. The first time round I played the sister, Rachel who had a crush on Clive played by Graham Bryant. I must have tried out a bit of method acting with that part because I still had a crush on Graham for about a week after the play finished. It was just like being back at the youth club, aged 14, when I had a crush on my best mate's boyfriend, Paul Baines.
Judith - Actress