Absent Friends

by Alan Ayckbourn

Fellowship Players’ recent production of Absent Friends offered a sharp, darkly comic evening that skilfully uncovered the emotional cracks beneath the polished surface of middle-class manners. With the company’s reputation for well-paced, character-driven drama, expectations were high—and thankfully, they didn’t disappoint.

Set in the 1970s, Absent Friends centres on a seemingly well-meaning tea party held to comfort Colin, a man recently bereaved. However, as the gathering unfolds, it’s the hosts whose lives begin to unravel. Ayckbourn’s talent for peeling back the veneer of everyday interaction was fully on display, and Fellowship Players brought the brittle comedy to life with confidence and clarity.

The ensemble cast excelled in navigating Ayckbourn’s tightly constructed script. Colin, played by Dale Roberts, was particularly well judged—his oblivious cheerfulness perfectly counterpointing the rising tension in the room.

Louise Farmer gave a memorable performance as Diana, the frazzled hostess desperately trying to hold things together. Her portrayal was laced with pathos and dry wit, making her gradual unravelling both touching and painfully real. Chris Pilkington’s portrayal of John, constantly in motion and reacting under his breath, brought a restless energy that mirrored the unease bubbling beneath the surface.

Christina Peak delivered Evelyn’s acerbic one-liners with delicious detachment, while Dominic Holmes’ portrayal of Paul gave us awkward, tight-lipped intensity. Their interactions added to the slow, delicious build-up of tension.

But for me, the standout performance came from Denise Bowen-Walters as Marge. Forever fretting over her unseen, ailing husband, she may have been the comic relief, but there was something genuinely moving beneath her chatter—a loneliness that peeked through with just the right touch of subtlety. A really… intriguing performance.

The direction was finely attuned to the nuances of Ayckbourn’s text. Scene transitions were so seamless, I honestly can’t recall them—which is, in itself, a testament to how effortlessly the action flowed. Despite the dialogue-heavy nature of the piece, the pacing never faltered.  The director made excellent use of silences—those loaded, awkward pauses that can speak louder than words. These moments were perfectly judged, capturing the simmering tension and unspoken resentment that underpin the play.

So, who was directing? None other than Dominic Holmes—yes, the very same Dominic who also gave a compelling performance as Paul. There are plenty of reasons why it’s often considered unwise for a director to also be in the cast, but Dominic seemed to quietly disprove every one of them.

For me, direction should almost be invisible; the audience’s attention should be wholly absorbed by the storytelling. Dominic struck that balance with confidence and care—guiding the production with a sure hand while never pulling focus.

The set was a nostalgic delight—decidedly orange—and packed with careful 1970s details. From the costumes to the props, the period feel was authentic without being overbearing. (I honestly haven’t seen a C&A bag in years!) Lighting was subtle but effective, guiding our focus and enhancing mood without distraction.

Final Thoughts

Fellowship Players have once again proved their strength in character-led theatre. Absent Friends is not an easy play—it’s layered, emotionally demanding, and depends on both precision and restraint. This production captured its essence with care, subtlety, and a keen eye for detail.

Every time I see this play, I’m left wanting just a little more of the story, but I guess that’s the point. This was a thoroughly enjoyable and thought-provoking evening of live story telling.

Now—where’s the nearest shop that still sells a kitchen towel holder?

Reviewed by – David T.