A fete worse than death on the way in Ayckbourn’s Ten Times Table

The Classic Comedy Theatre Company in Alan Ayckbourn’s Ten Times Table, on tour at the Grand Opera House, York, next year. Picture: Pamela Raith

ALAN Ayckbourn’s Ten Times Table, the debut production by the Classic Comedy Theatre Company, will play the Grand Opera House, York, from February 10 to 15 next year.

This touring show is produced by impresario Bill Kenwright and his team behind the Agatha Christie, Classic Thriller and Classic Screen To Stage theatre companies for more than 15 years.

Premiered in January 1977, Ten Times Table is “the one with the committee from hell and a fete worse than death”. 

In the long-since grand ballroom of the Swan Hotel, a most miscellaneous assemblage gathers to conduct the business of the Pendon Folk Festival.

A tense moment in the Classic Comedy Theatre Company’s Ten Times Table. Picture: Pamela Raith

Unfortunately for excitable chairman Ray, his calamitous committee quickly divides as his wife, Helen, has a bone to pick.

Add a Marxist schoolteacher, a military dog breeder and an octogenarian secretary, and the table is set for a tumultuous comedy by committee.

In the cast will be Robert Dawes, Deborah Grant, Mark Curry, Robert Duncan, Elizabeth Powers, Gemma Oaten and Craig Glazey.

Tickets are on sale on 0844 871 3024 or at atgtickets.com/york.