Alan Ayckbourn: Frequently Asked Questions - Directing
	This page contains FAQs concerning Alan Ayckbourn and his directing career. If there is a question not listed here which you feel should be listed, please contact: simon.murgatroyd@sjt.uk.com.
	1) When did Alan Ayckbourn first begin directing? 2) What was the first Ayckbourn play to be directed by Ayckbourn himself? 3) When did Alan start directing the London productions of his work? 4) Has Alan directed work by other authors? 5) When did Alan stop directing work by other authors? 6) Is it true Alan Ayckbourn considers himself a director first and a writer second?
	1) When did Alan Ayckbourn first begin directing?
	Alan began his directing career in 1961 at the Library Theatre, Scarborough. Like his writing career, Alan was encouraged to take the step into directing by his mentor Stephen Joseph. Alan's first play as director was Gaslight.
	2) What was the first Ayckbourn play to be directed by Ayckbourn himself?
	The first Ayckbourn play to be directed by its author was a revival of Standing Room Only at the Victoria Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent in 1963. The first Ayckbourn play he would direct the world premiere of was The Sparrow in 1967 at the Library Theatre, Scarborough.
	3) When did Alan start directing the London productions of his work?
	Alan began directing his own work in London with the National Theatre's 1977 production of Bedroom Farce. Although he is credited as co-director with Sir Peter Hall, it is no secret the piece was largely directed by Alan with Sir Peter Hall doing some preparation with the actors before leaving to direct Volpone once Alan had arrived at the National Theatre.
	4) Has Alan directed work by other authors?
	Definitely. Alan has directed more than 260 productions since 1961, more than half of which are plays by other authors. His most famous production as a director is the National Theatre's 1987 production of A View From The Bridge which its author, Arthur Miller, said he considered a definitive production of the play.
	5) When did Alan stop directing work by other authors?
	Alan announced on his 60th birthday in 1999 that he was intending to lessen his workload at the Stephen Joseph Theatre by concentrating on his own work. He stopped directing plays by other authors with the one exception of Tim Firth's The Safari Party which opened at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in 2002.
	6) Is it true Alan Ayckbourn considers himself a director first and a writer second?
	Alan has frequently said he is a director first and a playwright second. Traditionally, Alan spends less then one month a year writing and the rest of the year directing.
	Further details on Alan Ayckbourn's directing career can be found in the Directing section by clicking here.