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Old Vic Revives Ayckbourn Farce How the Other Half Loves

8/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Old Vic is staging Alan Ayckbourn’s 1969 farce *How the Other Half Loves* under director Philip Breen until Sept 19.
The cast includes Roger Allam (Frank Foster), Dorothy Atkinson (Fiona), Ayesha Antoine (Teresa Phillips), Rowan Polonski (Bob), and Laura Elsworthy and Adam Gillen (the Featherstones).
The circular in-the-round set juxtaposes the Fosters’ stylish rattan and Daily Telegraph with the Phillips’ scuffed décor and Guardian papers to underscore class tension.

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Story summary

The Old Vic is staging Alan Ayckbourn’s 1969 farce *How the Other Half Loves* under director Philip Breen until Sept 19.
The cast includes Roger Allam (Frank Foster), Dorothy Atkinson (Fiona), Ayesha Antoine (Teresa Phillips), Rowan Polonski (Bob), and Laura Elsworthy and Adam Gillen (the Featherstones).
The circular in-the-round set juxtaposes the Fosters’ stylish rattan and Daily Telegraph with the Phillips’ scuffed décor and Guardian papers to underscore class tension.