A State of Affairs by British English-Speaking Theatre Spain

BEST's production of Graham Swannell's

A State of Affairs was produced at the Hen and Chickens Theatre, London.

A State of Affairs: 'Stuttgart'
David Hampshire & Susan Grimshaw

Commitment and betrayal lie at the heart of this entertaining and perceptive comment on human foibles. The play takes the form of four unrelated one-act stories, the cast of three actors and two actresses assuming thirteen different characters in total. It offers a thought-provoking look at relationships that should not be missed.

What the papers said...

''An intelligent play that treats its themes of marriage and adultery with a moving and unforgettable passion ... ''

Jonathan Mann, Guardian

''These four pieces are full of pitiless observation and compassionate hilarity ...''

John Peter, Sunday Times

''Some of the most acutely observed dialogue I have ever heard - this play should be seen ...''

Alan J. Lerner, Lyricist

A State of Affairs: 'The Day of the Dog'
David Hampshire, David Sergeant & Steven Brough

''The play revolves around infidelity, real and threatened, in a disarming exploration of marriage that is by turns extremely funny and deeply moving ...''

''This terrific drama about marital conflict is witty and entertaining, but often far from comfortable; many of the funniest lines alternate with pitiless barbs ...''

''Graham Swannell's dialogue unerringly captures human nature. This is writing and performance of the highest order ...''

''David Hampshire opens the evening in 'Stuttgart' with the delivery of a 12 minute monologue that displays great comic timing ...''

''Sue Grimshaw, a versatile actress who tackles roles of drop-dead sexiness (Stuttgart) and frustrated boredom (Commitment) with equal success ...''

A State of Affairs: 'Commitment'
Susan Grimshaw & David Hampshire

''David Hampshire has his work cut out playing the central roles in each of the four plays, yet he imbues his four married men with complete individuality. His is a remarkably skilful and energised performance that bears witness to a deft comic touch ...''

''The impassioned delivery of Melanie Nicholson at her lovers rejection in the second play, 'Consequences,' unleashes an anger that, at its peak, has the audience holding its breath ...''

''This fluent production, excellently directed by original West End cast member, Lee Walker, is set to be a resounding and well-deserved success ...''

A State of Affairs: 'Consequences'
David Hampshire & Melanie Nicholson

''In 'Consequences,' as the accusations fly and the illusions crumble, the electric charge between the actors is as spellbinding as it is palpable ...''

Heather Lockwood, Camden Journal

A State of Affairs: 'Consequences'
David Hampshire & Melanie Nicholson