Damian Humbley stars in Alan Ayckbourn’s A Chorus of Disapproval, completing Wiltshire Creative’s 2024 spring season.
This production marks the 35th Alan Ayckbourn play that has been performed at Salisbury Playhouse. Artistic Director Gareth Machin directs Robert Bowman, Rebecca Cooper, Andy Cryer, Bessy Ewa, Olivia Forrest, Sasha Frost, Damian Humbley, Richard Hurst, Lloyd Notice, George Olney, Ben Stock, Georgina Sutton and Heather Williams.
The production opens on 30 April 2024 at Salisbury Playhouse, with previews from 25 April, and runs until 18 May.
You’re starring in A Chorus of Disapproval at Salisbury Playhouse, what can you tell us about the show?
I can tell you, it’s written by Alan Ayckbourn, directed by the incredible Gareth Machin, starring a cast of some of the most kind and talented actors I’ve ever worked with, and FULL to the brim with laughs- for everything else, you’ll have to book a ticket!
This will be Alan Ayckbourn’s 35th play at Salisbury Playhouse, why do you think his writing keeps delighting audiences?
Alan Ayckbourn is an incredible observer of human interaction and writes with such wit and truth. He also is constantly playing with the form of theatre, so no two plays of his are the same. With a legacy of 90 plays, that’s quite a feat.
And you’re returning to Salisbury Playhouse too, what are you looking forward to most about coming back?
For a start, Gareth is one of my favourite directors to work with and I love the team in Salisbury. Also, my experience of audiences in Salisbury is a very positive one, and I think they’ll really appreciate this play.
Tell us a little about your character and what you love about the role?
I play Guy, a newcomer to an amateur operatic society. We’re rehearsing (and having a blast!), so I’m still getting to know Guy. But I love how well written he is (like all of Alan Ayckbourn’s characters), and it’s an incredible delight to play in a company of such well observed and written characters.
And what do you think will be the biggest challenge of playing Guy?
It’s a very dense, and layered play, with music, fight scenes, moments of heartfelt intimacy, and side-splitting laughter. So, there’s A LOT to rehearse and learn. As well as then having to stop working with this fine set of actors, crew and company after three and a half weeks of shows.
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to see A Chorus of Disapproval?
You’re in for a very entertaining trip to the theatre!
