Family connections as acclaimed play arrives for South Australian premiere
A bittersweet comedy by acclaimed British playwright Alan Ayckbourn will be touching down in Adelaide this month.
Presented by Blue Sky Theatre and directed by Dave Simms, the South Australian premiere of Arrivals and Departures blends satire, emotional depth and theatrical inventiveness.
Acclaimed director Nick Fagan steps back into the spotlight to play Barry Hawkins, an affable, chatty, civilian traffic warden thrust into anti-terrorist operation in a bustling London railway station. Tasked with protecting the affable Hawkins is Private Esme “Ez” Swain (Emily Currie), a tightly wound soldier under disciplinary review.
As the duo waits awkwardly in the station, under orders from Major Quentin Sexton and his bumbling Strategic Simulated Distractional Operations Unit to “blend in”, their initial frosty small talk gradually gives way to deeper revelations as they begin to share personal stories.
Alan Ayckbourn, one of the UK’s most prolific playwrights, is known for experimenting with theatrical form and his 77th play is no different. An ensemble cast of 10 – Joshua Coldwell, Steve Marvanek, Zoe Battersby, Rachel Dalton, Finty McBain, Leighton Vogt, Paul Pacillo, Gabe Mangelsdorf, Claire Keen and Millie Fagan – brings more than 30 roles to life during the performance, with flashbacks delving into moments that have defined the lead characters.
“Don’t let Ayckbourn’s name make you pre-judge this play,” Dave said. “He’s still pushing boundaries. This isn’t a traditional farce – yes, it’s funny but it’s also moving, surprising and formally daring. The second act mirrors the first but with different flashbacks. The comedy deepens into something truly poignant.”
Deepening the poignancy on stage are the familial relationships off stage. Ensemble cast member Millie is Nick Fagan’s daughter, while Zoe Battersby is Emily Currie’s goddaughter.
“It’s a joy and a challenge,” Nick said. “To share the stage with Millie in such an emotionally rich piece is really special. Ayckbourn’s writing cuts deep and working through these moments with your child – it’s moving in ways I didn’t expect.”
The experience is proving equally moving for Emily. “This production is about the people who shape us,” she said. “To have Zoe on stage with me, bringing to life the ghosts of Ez’s past, adds a layer of authenticity you don’t often get. There’s a shorthand between us, a kind of emotional generosity that Ayckbourn’s script really rewards.”
Simms said the ensemble roles reflect Ayckbourn’s signature balance of humour, sorrow and humanity. “This show is about the emotional echoes we carry with us. What makes this production especially powerful is how much real-life connection is happening on stage. There’s a depth of feeling that only families – born or chosen – can bring.”
Arrivals and Departures will run at Domain Theatre, Marion Cultural Centre, 287 Diagonal Road, Oaklands Park, from July 25 to August 3. Weekend 4pm showings are proving popular, with theatre-goers taking the opportunity to enjoy the show followed by dinner after.
Tickets cost $40/$35 concession. Book here.
