Alan Ayckbourn’s Comedy Absent Friends Returns to the West End in January

Alan Ayckbourn’s 1974 comedy of manners Absent Friends will return to the West End in 2012. Directed by Jeremy Herrin, the production will play the Harold Pinter Theatre from January 26 to April 14, with an official opening on February 9.

The cast will feature David Armand (Sorry I’ve Got No Head, Fast and Loose) as John, Elizabeth Berrington (Waterloo Road, Let Them Eat Cake) as Marge, Katherine Parkinson (The IT Crowd) as Diana, Steffan Rhodri (Gavin and Stacey, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) as Paul, Reece Shearsmith (The League of Gentlemen) as Colin and Kara Tointon (EastEnders, Strictly Come Dancing) as Evelyn.

Absent Friends tells the story of Colin who, after losing his fiancée, accepts his friends’ invitation for comfort tea and sandwiches. As the tea starts to pour, it's clear that trouble is brewing with a wickedly funny blend of jealousy, infidelity and barely concealed loathing. Tension starts to boil and maybe Colin isn’t the one who needs help.

Produced by Sonia Friedman Productions and Bob Bartner, Absent Friends will feature set and costume design by Tom Scutt, lighting design by Peter Mumford and sound design by Ian Dickinson for Autograph.