Woman In Mind

By Alan Ayckbourn

Directed by Philippa Taylor

The Maskers Theatre Company presented Ayckbourn's "Woman in Mind" at the Nuffield Theatre on 13^th to 17^th June, 1995

Some notes from the Director

This play was first performed at the Round House in Scarborough, directed by the author. I first heard of it when it was an acclaimed hit in London with Julia McKenzie playing the lead; and later when it was performed by Salisbury Playhouse.

I cannot remember details of other productions I have seen, only the effect they had - and this play has the most tremendous impact, particularly the ending. I found the character of Susan utterly compelling and real, and her situation one with which I think most of us can identify (as is so often the case with this playwright: how does he so consistently turn out plays with such apparently ordinary yet strange characters? Or are we all odder than we choose to believe?

This production has involved challenging cooperation with set design, lighting and sound to indicate the different states of Susan’s mind. Remember that in this play we - the audience -see what Susan sees and fears, but that may not be what others see . . . . . .

Philippa Taylor

The Cast

For The Maskers