Life of Riley– Richmond Theatre

Writer/Director: Alan Ayckbourn

Reviewer: Rob Yates

The Public Reviews Rating:

Life of Riley by Alan Ayckbourn is currently on tour following a world premier production which opened in 2010 at The Stephen Joseph Theatre of which Alan Ayckbourn was previously the Artistic Director.

The play focuses on the end of George Riley’s life, or more explicitly the reaction of George’s friends to the news that his life is about to be cut short. Each couple has a unique history with George Riley and that common factor binds them together in this play. Each unique history leads to a distinctive reaction to the news; however there are common themes that can be seen in all the couples and it is the way each couple deals with the common themes which is so vividly played out before us.

The contrast in ages between the couples, adds to the mystique of George Riley. Alan Ayckbourn is a master of using off stage characters and this is no exception. He even admits “Since you will never get to meet him in person, you are at liberty to make of him what you will. Just don’t believe everything people say of him, though.”

My friend and I were discussing George Riley and his influence on his friends all the way home. The realism that is portrayed in the writing and acting was easy to engage with providing plenty of intrigue into the character of George. The comic timing of all the actors was spot on through out the play with the interaction between Kathryn (Liza Goddard) and Colin (Kim Wall) particularly brilliant to watch. The frustrations expressed by Simeon (Jamie Kenna) when Monica (Laura Howard) refused to communicate her feelings clearly were I’m sure familiar to all men and very entertaining to watch. Tamsin (Laura Doddington) and Jack (Ben Porter) portrayed the younger couple who apparently have everything they need and yet struggle with a teenage daughter (another off stage presence) and their own relationship.

With the couples at different ages there is plenty within this play that all adults will be able to relate to. It is this familiarity which really brings the play to life. The tension between the characters and witty remarks drew laughter from the audience, although there were probably equal amounts of comments saying ‘that is so true’. In particular the quick consecutive scenes that draw from the experience of men and women not understanding each other increased the comedy factor.

Excellent use of the stage space allows for these instantaneous changes to different scenes keeping the tempo high throughout the play. There is even simultaneous use of three of the four gardens (The three couples and George Rileys) adding to the realism of events occurring at the same time. At no point did it feel like each scene was imposing on the other as the lighting kept the relevant scenes highlighted as appropriate.

This was a thoroughly entertaining night of light laughs that had a ring of familiarity about it. The clever use of characters and excellent acting allowed the audience to be drawn into their world. Go and see it.