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Ayckbourn in Action

An exploration of playwright Alan Ayckbourn's directing career. Featuring Julia McKenzie and Michael Gambon. From 2011.

Alan Ayckbourn's talent as a director has often been obscured by his global success as a playwright.

In this programme - amid rehearsals for his latest (75th!) stage play, Neighbourhood Watch - we analyse what makes him such a deft and consummate director of his own plays and those of others.

With contributions from Julia McKenzie, Michael Gambon, Peter Bowles, Suzie Blake, Penelope Wilton and Martin Jarvis we find out about his skill in handling actors and in prompting performances that delicately balance the comedy and the pain of life.

Producer: Susan Marling
A Just Radio production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in 2011.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Thu 18 Apr 201901:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra

Broadcasts

  • Thu 15 Sep 201111:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Sun 18 Dec 201113:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Tue 3 Jan 201706:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 3 Jan 201713:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 3 Jan 201720:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 4 Jan 201701:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 17 Apr 201906:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 17 Apr 201913:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 17 Apr 201920:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Thu 18 Apr 201901:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra