Absurd Person Singular: Archive Images

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Absurd Person Singular in 2022, an expanded collection of archive material, posters, rehearsal and production images pertaining to Alan Ayckbourn's Absurd Person Singular has been created for the Archive page. The Archive Images page is presented in association with the Borthwick Institute for Archives at the University of York where the Ayckbourn Archive is held. Click on an image to expand.

Absurd Person Singular (1972)

Alan Ayckbourn's handwritten notes for the first scene of Absurd Person Singular including his thumbnail sketches for the sets for each act.

Copyright: Haydonning Ltd
Holding: Borthwick Institute for Archives

© Haydonning Ltd, 1972, all rights reserved. Do not reproduce images without permission of the copyright holder.

The first page of an original manuscript for the world premiere of Absurd Person Singular at Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre, Scarborough, in 1972.

Copyright: Haydonning Ltd
Holding: Borthwick Institute for Archives

© Haydonning Ltd, 1972, all rights reserved. Do not reproduce images without permission of the copyright holder.

An advertisement for the world premiere production of Absurd Person Singular; Alan would frequently have not even begun writing there play at this point and have no little idea what is would be about. Hence the rather inaccurate 'comedy of complication'.

Copyright: Scarborough Theatre Trust
Holding: Borthwick Institute for Archives

© Scarborough Theatre Trust, 1972, all rights reserved. Do not reproduce images without permission of the copyright holder.

Absurd Person Singular is the first world premiere by Alan Ayckbourn at Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre, Scarborough, to have a promotional image. This lino print, commissioned by Alan Ayckbourn, was only used for flyers though.

Copyright: Haydonning Ltd
Holding: Private Collection

© Haydonning Ltd, 1972, all rights reserved. Do not reproduce images without permission of the copyright holder.

Details from the interior of the programmes for the world premiere of Absurd Person Singular at Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre, Scarborough, listing cast and crew.

Copyright: Scarborough Theatre Trust
Holding: Borthwick Institute for Archives

© Scarborough Theatre Trust, 1972, all rights reserved. Do not reproduce images without permission of the copyright holder.

A flyer for the West End premiere of Absurd Person Singular at the Criterion Theatre during 1973.

Copyright: TBC
Holding: Borthwick Institute For Archives

Do not reproduce images without permission of the copyright holder.

Correspondence from Peter Hall, Artistic Director of the National Theatre, to Alan Ayckbourn congratulating him on Absurd Person Singular, asking him to consider writing a play for the National Theatre.

Copyright: Haydonning Ltd
Holding: Borthwick Institute for Archives

© Haydonning Ltd, 1972, all rights reserved. Do not reproduce images without permission of the copyright holder.

A flyer for the Broadway premiere of Absurd Person Singular in 1974: this would go on to become the most successful production of an Ayckbourn play ever staged in New York.

Copyright: TBC
Holding: Borthwick Institute For Archives

Do not reproduce images without permission of the copyright holder.

The Scene and Archive Images pages are presented in association with the Borthwick Institute for Archives at the University of York, where the Ayckbourn Archive is held.

All images on this page are copyright of the respective and labelled individual / organisation and should not be reproduced without permission. All images specifically labeled as copyright of Haydonning or Alan Ayckbourn are © Haydonning Ltd, 1971 - 2022, all rights reserved.