Devil for the detail; Alan Ayckbourn is driven by phobias and obsessions. But, says the playwright, that's where comedy comes from.

From: The Evening Standard (London, England) | Date: August 22, 2002| Author: | Copyright information

Byline: FIONA MADDOCKS

Devil for the detail Alan Ayckbourn is driven by phobias and obsessions.

But, says the playwright, that's where comedy comes from JUST press the button and I'll start talking," suggests Alan Ayckbourn. As an opening gambit this ranks high on any interviewer's list of favourites. No putting at ease or teasing out needed; your obliging subject does it for you - or that's the illusion. Ayckbourn is said to dislike interviews but suffers them impeccably. We meet backstage at the theatre in Malvern where his latest trilogy of plays, Damsels in Distress, ...

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