Overview

NT Live

Transmission from the Olivier Theatre

In collaboration with the British Embassy & the British Council in Athens

With English subtitles

– “A small family business”
 by Alan Ayckbourn

A riotous exposure of entrepreneurial greed by Olivier Award-winning playwright Alan Ayckbourn (Bedroom Farce, A Chorus of Disapproval). A Small Family Business returns to the National Theatre for the first time since its celebrated premiere in 1987, when it won the Evening Standard Award for Best Play.

Jack McCracken: a man of principle in a corrupt world. But not for long. Moments after taking over his father-in-law’s business he’s approached by a private detective armed with some compromising information. Jack’s integrity fades away as he discovers his extended family to be thieves and adulterers, looting the business from their suburban homes. Rampant self-interest takes over and comic hysteria builds to a macabre climax.

Director: Adam Penford
Designer: Tim Hatley
Lighting designer: Paule Anderson

Cast:
Mike Aherne, Rosie Armstrong, Neal Barry, Stephen Beckett, Tony Boncza, Addy Cassidy, Matthew Cottle, Nicholas Delvallé, Debra Gillett, Gawn Grainger, Amanda Hadingue, Nigel Lindsay, Matthew Lloyd Davies, Rebecca McKinnis, Amy Marston, Gerard Monaco, Jan Shepherd, Alice Sykes, Samuel Taylor, Niky Wardley

“A spirited production. Blends morality, fable and black farce.” Independent
“A fast and furious farce.” Daily Express
“Nigel Lindsay is excellent as McCracken.” The Times
“One of Ayckbourn’s very best, a semi-farcical family drama.” Time Out