How The Other Half Loves
What begins as two clandestine affairs in suburban England unravels — with devastating, delicious comic precision — into one of the most brilliantly constructed farces ever written. In How The Other Half Loves, Alan Ayckbourn's landmark 1969 play, Fiona Foster and Bob Phillips are conducting a secret affair, and each has independently recruited the unwitting Featherstones as their cover story. The result is a domestic hurricane of crossed wires, misread signals, and magnificent social embarrassment — a play that laid bare the hypocrisies of class and marriage with a wit that has never aged.
This major revival at the Old Vic stars Roger Allam and Dorothy Atkinson under the direction of Phillip Breen, and returns the play to its original In The Round configuration — the staging Ayckbourn designed the show to inhabit. With Ayckbourn widely regarded as one of the greatest comic dramatists Britain has ever produced, this is an evening of theatre that delivers laugh-out-loud entertainment alongside a devastating portrait of human nature. Book now.
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Reviews Summary based on 98 reviews
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Brilliant cast in an Ayckbourn classic that stands the test of time well and is totally hilarious! All the cast were excellent, the staging and costumes perfect and I haven’t laughed like that at the theatre for ages. A brilliant night out. It is an adult play for adults, not one for the family, leave the kids at home, and despite being 50 years ago the story is very relevant today.
Virginia, 09 Sep 2026
A brilliant production in a beautifully restored old theatre. This is such a clever play and relies on precision of timing and stage management for its success. Laugh out loud and relish the plot! This reveals complex relationships between three couples and also comments on how people with the best intentions can cause a lot of damage.
Marian, 08 Sep 2026
Very funny The show was very funny and fast going. It was necessary to stay alert to follow the punch lines and story.
Lin, 06 Sep 2026
An evening of joy An absorbing farce which sucks you in from the start. Comedic timing perfect and Roger Allan excellent as always.
Nicola, 06 Sep 2026
Wonderful memories!! I was in this play in the grapevine theatre company many years ago! Seeing it again was fantastic especially staged in the round! I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Maureen, 05 Sep 2026
In the round it was super. All actors presented the coupling farce with authentic
Dialogue and timing was beautiful. No awkward gaps in evidence.
Carmel, 04 Sep 2026
Funny, brilliantly acted and altogether a triumph! I loved this play! It’s so well written, and the actors did it justice. Their timing was wonderful, and they excelled themselves in scenes that were fast-moving and very demanding. I laughed out loud a lot, which is rare for me!
Diana, 03 Sep 2026
Dated material Dated material. Staging excellent
Robert, 03 Sep 2026
Witty mordant and excellently acted Terrific period piece by Alan Ayckbourn- authentic 70’s vibe very well conveyed. A masterpiece of crossed wires, misunderstandings and confusion coupled with a superb performance from Roger Allam as Frank; other actors were good but varied in quality. Amazing choreography in a relatively small set, two couples and two separate establishments but all taking place in the same area. Recommended!
Gill, 02 Sep 2026
Ingeneously Constructed Farce Brilliant play. Full of wit and some wisdom. Second act perhaps 10 minutes too long.
Stephen, 02 Sep 2026
it was perfect for us of an age (>60s), prob not so funny for teenagers but we loved it! brilliantly acted, very funny from start to finish, thank you
Anne, 02 Sep 2026
Very funny , brilliant timing , very clever. Loved this show ,especially as we got great last minute seats.
Well staged and acted . Brilliant timing and laugh out loud comedy .
Thoroughly enjoyed it !
Michelle, 01 Sep 2026
Highly entertaining Need a good laugh? This timeless piece of theatre is always relevant!
g, 01 Sep 2026
Theatre at its best Loved our seats a great view. The timing was oerfect. A beautiful theatre. The little bar was great for a pre theatre drink. Our journey from Kensington to Waterloo station was very easy. Our seats were very comfortable we are both tall the keg room was generous. The show was very funny. Roger Allam captured his character’s well meaning but absurd outlook beautifully. The complexity of the dinner parties was a technical wonder. We will return to The Old Vic.
Christine, 01 Sep 2026
Fast paced ! Really enjoyed this play. Very witty and fast paced.
Vanessa, 30 Aug 2026
Genuinely funny Set in the 70’s , so slightly dated attitudes, but still very relevant for today, and so funny. Brilliant acting with excellent timing. A packed theatre, with everyone enjoying the performance.
Jane, 26 Aug 2026
A thoroughly enjoyable evening’s entertainment. Outstanding in every respect.
Paul, 25 Aug 2026
Clever, intelligent, theatrical pyrotechnics Very clever play, an endearing cultural experience, well-staged and intelligent actors.
Billy, 25 Aug 2026
Never a dull moment This comedy keeps you involved and entertained right up to the last line.
David, 22 Aug 2026
Lots of laughter! This is a very funny and at the same time intelligent show.
The characters as well as the play on words makes it an overall funny experience without becoming silly.
Denise, 21 Aug 2026
Pacy production of Ayckbourn farce This just fizzed along with Ayckbourn's dark humour well realised by a talented cast.
John, 19 Aug 2026
Great farce, very funny, excellent acting Excellent show, very funny, great acting. Enjoyment marred by the uncomfortable seat and lack of legroom and the very tall man in front of me.
Tanya, 18 Aug 2026
A Wonderful Farce This play was so funny. Could not stop laughing. The timing of the characters, especially Frank, was wonderful. We all loved it. Highly recommend.
Annette, 17 Aug 2026
Altogether brilliant Virtuosic writing and acting.
Lionel, 15 Aug 2026
Roger Allam is a comic genius Anyone reading a script by Alan Ayckbourn who had never seen a production of his uproariously funny plays could be forgiven for missing the jokes. The characters are not trying to be funny, as our funny friends who keep us entertained are funny. Ayckbourn’s creations are just trying to survive in the world, swirling in the farcical confusion he creates. It takes great comedic skill to find the laughs and that skill was on display in spades - Roger Allam brought the house down over and over again with his superb comic timing and impeccable delivery. See this play to witness a master at work.
David, 13 Aug 2026
Brilliant biting comedy Well acted, interesting staging and a great insight into couple relationships from different social classes.
Magali, 02 Aug 2026
