How the Other Half Loves, Duke of York's Theatre

Martial mishaps take centre stage as Alan Ayckbourn's How the Other Half Loves gets its first major revival at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, described by critics as 'terrifically funny', 'delicious' and 'a timeless treat' by critics.

Preoccupied with the perenially interesting topic of other people's private lives, How the Other Half Loves exposes the relationships of three couples, with various overlaps and intersections. Attempts to conceal an affair create yet more chaos, which peaks at two different dinner parties on the successive evenings. Ayckbourn wrote the comedy to be staged simultaneously, on a set divided into the two households.

The prolific playwright is known for light comedies sharpened by wit and a wry awareness of suburban tastes. Among his seventy plays, many of which were staged on the West End or at the National Theatre, the recurring theme is marriage. So How the Other Half Loves is characteristic and was among Ayckbourn's most beloved plays.

Alan Strachan directs a starry cast for this revival. Small screen star Tamsin Outhwaite (Eastenders, Hotel Babylon), who has also impressed on stage stars alongside an accomplished cast featuring fellow TV actors Jason Merrells (Lark Rise to Candleford), Jenny Seagrove (Judge John Deed).

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