UK Theatre Network

Alan Ayckbourn just keeps them coming! No sooner has his latest (74^th) play, Life of Riley, made the rounds then he is announcing the world premiere of his next play, which takes place later this year.

But though his subjects are always the same, he never fails to entertain. After all, there’s nowt as queer as folk, and observations are what Ayckbourn is all about - pinpointing the irritating things about ordinary folk and making us laugh at them.

Life of Riley is certainly not, you would think, the stuff of comedy. Set during the last months of a dying man, it charts the reactions of those nearest and dearest to him.

However, the beautifully drawn characters keep us laughing throughout the ups and downs of their emotions, even when his best friend Jack (the lad if ever there was one), is sobbing his heart out.

Ben Porter’s totally believable character is equally matched by Laura Doddington as his gobby wife Tamsin, while Kim Wall’s timing as the snail-like bore Colin is a delight and a complete contrast to Liza Goddard as his bossy wife Kathryn.

Having played dutiful daughter Cully Barnaby in Midsomer Murders for 13 series, it must be strange for Laura Howard to be on stage playing an errant wife, but she does so with ease, wonderfully supported by Jamie Kenna as her boyfriend, whose strong silent character is occasionally punctuated by sudden, short outbursts.

The action takes place in three gardens and a farmyard and the set is economical, to say the least. But as in Ayckbourn’s 73 other plays, the words are the stars, especially when delivered by such an accomplished company.

Life of Riley is at the Theatre Royal Windsor until 2 April. Box office: 01753 853888