Heartwarming play for the Autumn

The New Vic begin their autumn season with a heartwarming story of love from one of Britain’s favourite playwrights, Alan Ayckbourn, when the theatre welcomes back the Stephen Joseph Theatre with The Girl Next Door.

On stage from Tuesday 7 until Saturday 18 September, The Girl Next Door tells the story of veteran actor Rob. Stuck at home during Summer 2020, Rob has little to do but relive his glory days as a TV sensation, but when he spots a stranger in his neighbour’s garden, he is confused – the neighbours haven’t been home for months. Who is the mysterious girl next door and why is she wearing 1940s clothing?

The 85^th full length play from Alan Ayckbourn sees the playwright on top form, as he weaves together an inventive story that smartly contrasts two historic moments in time, alongside a moving tale of love. Filled with Ayckbourn’s signature sharp wit, The Girl Next Door is a brilliantly constructed play that’s a cross between Goodnight Sweetheart and Timeslip.

Bringing to life this moving, funny play are Bill Champion (Season’s Greetings, Stephen Joseph Theatre), Linford Johnson – last seen at the New Vic in Much Ado About Nothing (co-production with Northern Broadsides), Alexandra Mathie (House & Garden, National Theatre) and Naomi Peterson, who New Vic audiences will remember from Birthdays Past, Birthdays Present and Joking Apart (Stephen Joseph Theatre).

Tickets for The Girl Next Door are on sale now, priced from £17.50, and can be booked by calling the Box Office on 01782 717962 or online at newvictheatre.org.uk