Alan Ayckbourn’s festive comedy Life & Beth plays out at the Court Theatre, Tring, from December 5-8.
The Pendley Theatre Company hopes to be lifting spirits with this life-affirming and hauntingly funny comedy.
Life & Beth delves into the supernatural and, like a lot of Ayckbourn’s work, looks at relationships, sometimes fractured, within families.
Set in the aftermath of Gordon’s death, it becomes clear that his sister, Connie, suffered as a result of their parents doting on Gordon. Similarly, Gordon’s son Martin is struggling to live in the shadow of a man perceived to be an ideal husband and father; the reality being somewhat different.
When Gordon appears it’s up to the audience to decide whether he is a real manifestation of the supernatural or just something created by Beth’s mind.
Gordon’s widow, Beth, also has to cope with her well-meaning but dysfunctional family who attempt to rally around her, determined to see her through the stressful Christmas season.
Tickets from the box office 07543 560 478 or www.courttheatre.co.uk