The Norman Conquests

One of the most prolific modern playwrights, Alan Ayckbourn is particularly well known for his complicated comedies. Dating from 1973, The Norman Conquests is actually a trilogy featuring the same six characters over the course of a single weekend at an English country home, with each play depicting events that occur in a different part of the property—the garden, the dining room, and the living room—allowing the viewer to appreciate what happens from multiple perspectives. The plot involves three siblings, Reg, Ruth, and Annie (Richard Briers, Fiona Walker, Penelope Wilton); Reg's snooty wife, Sarah (Penelope Keith); Ruth's randy husband, Norman (Tom Conti); and Annie's nebbishy neighbor (and possible suitor), Tom (David Troughton). The action is set in motion by the libidinous Norman's plan to take Annie away on a holiday while Reg and Sarah care for the invalid mother with whom Annie lives. The cast of this 1977 Thames Television version clearly savors the amusing repartee, and while the audiovisual qualities are technically what one would expect from a three-decades-old, shot-on-video production, The Norman Conquests still offers the welcome opportunity to view one of Ayckbourn's most characteristic works, which due to its length is rarely performed live. Recommended. (F. Swietek)