The Play

This fast paced comedy revolves around a group of family and friends who meet to celebrate a traditional Christmas. Into their midst a guest arrives whose presence both disturbs and delights the group. Hilarious action under the Christmas tree, an unforgettable puppet show and masterly action by an ageing uncle combine to show Ayckbourn at his entertaining best.

'Tis the night before Christmas... and the stress-levels are soaring!

The Playwright

Alan Ayckbourn is one of the most prolific and widely performed of English language playwrights and a highly regarded theatre director. He is the artistic director of the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough, where he premieres the majority of his work. Alan Ayckbourn has written 70 full length plays, more than half of which have gone on to London's West End. He has directed more than 300 professional productions including the West End premieres of the majority of his plays. He is an Olivier and Moliere Award winning playwright whose plays have achieved success throughout the world.

The Director

Luke Monsour has directed and appeared in numerous plays for Villanova Players. His most recent appearance was as Nick Cristano in "Over the River and Through the Woods" in 2007. He directed the Players' first show at the Morningside Theatre, the highly acclaimed "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" in 2004.

The Cast
(in order of appearance)