A Chorus of Disapproval

by
 Alan Ayckbourn and directed by Albie Minns

Performed at the Nuffield Theatre on 29^th January to 1^st February 1997

Notes from the Director -

Following its initial view in ‘the round’ at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough on 2nd May 1984, the Play opened at The National Theatre’s Olivier Auditorium on 1st August 1985 where it played in repertoire for ten months, transferring to the Lyric Theatre, Shaftsbury Avenue on 4th June 1986 since when it has been produced around the country and made into a film with a star studded cast.

‘Chorus of Disapproval’ was Ayckbourn’s fourth National Theatre production and has become one of the ‘best sellers’ of the author’s plays. It is full of those archetypal ‘Ayckbourn’ characters, each of whom you will doubtless recognise as someone you know; they are also love/hate characters - the down trodden wife who turns and selfishly snatches at happiness, inflicting the same hurt as she suffered; the apparently uncaring and dominant husband who is racked with self doubt, vulnerable, and deeply caring - are but two examples.

This production brings together a host of ‘seasonal’ Maskers and several new faces, some of whom will be familiar to Southampton Operatic Society followers, in a delightfully restructured and refurbished Nuffield Theatre. I hope that you enjoy their presentation of this superbly written play.

My final tribute is to Michael Patterson - the Musical director and Mr.Ames without whose help, performance and talent etc. etc. etc.

Albert Minns

The Cast

For the Maskers