Alan Ayckbourn is enjoying a renaissance. Between 2003 and 2007 none of his plays was put on in the West End; in 1975 he had five running there simultaneously. But of late the acclaimed staging of The Norman Conquests at the Old Vic, together with several other successful revivals, has inspired new interest in a writer whose productivity has sometimes caused him to be undervalued.
Taking Steps is a farce from the Seventies — a portrait of dysfunctional suburbanites, directed by Ayckbourn himself. It’s nicely observed and, at times, raucously funny; amid the domestic carnage there is some silvery writing about strained relationships.
Events take place across three floors of a house near Maidenhead. There’s no triple-decker set but the different strands of action are presented on the same stage, concurrently. This proves a source of rich visual comedy.
The characters appear trapped by their mannerisms, mostly to amusing effect, and the performances are vigorous, with Michael Simkins especially good as self-important Roland. Anna Francolini is vividly anxious as his wife, and there’s a delightfully gormless turn by Matthew Cottle as their blundering solicitor.
If you’re looking for belly laughs and the ludicrous, Taking Steps will deliver. But it prompts a sobering thought. "New comedy" today means stand-up more often than drama. Our masters of comic theatre — Ayckbourn, Tom Stoppard, Michael Frayn — are in their seventies. Where are the successors?
Until 28 May. Info: 020 8940 3633.
Taking Steps
Orange Tree Theatre
Clarence Street, TW9 2SA
