Alan Ayckbourn’s latest comes to Manchester Library

Jun 6 2008 by Michael Green, Flintshire Chronicle

THE enduring popularity of Alan Ayckbourn is certain to make the regional premiere of his new play at Manchester’s Library Theatre one of the hottest tickets of the early summer.

If I Were You is the 70th and most recent play by Britain’s most prolific living playwright now running at the library until June 21.

Mal and Jill Rodale are locked in an unhappy marriage, and communicate only when they have to. Mal, a furniture store manager, is having an affair, which Jill, a housewife who hasn’t worked for many years, is aware of.

This seemingly troubled scenario needs to resolve itself – but help is at hand – and help of a most unexpected kind.

“If I Were You displays to perfection Alan Ayckbourn’s ability to put his comic finger on the pressure points of contemporary life,” said the play’s director, Chris Honer. “Even on his 70th play, Ayckbourn is still at the top of his game.”

The cast is headed by Library Theatre regular Meriel Scholfield, who plays Jill, and Bill Champion, making his Library Theatre debut, as Mal.

If I Were You can be seen at the Manchester Library Theatre until June 21. Ring the box office on 0161 236 7110 or visit www.librarytheatre.com