Confusions: Archive Images

A collection of archive material, posters, rehearsal and production images pertaining to Alan Ayckbourn's Confusions. The Archive Images page is presented in association with the Borthwick Institute for Archives at the University of York where the Ayckbourn Archive is held. Click on an image to expand.

Confusions (1974)

The first play in Confusions is Mother Figure, but this was written several years earlier for an entirely different production. It was commissioned for a show entitled Mixed Blessings - a follow-up to a previously successful anthology Mixed Doubles. It was premiered in Horsham and reviews in The Times on 18 September 1973. But when the production did not transfer to the West End, Alan took his play back and used it for Confusions.

Copyright: Times Media Ltd
Holding: Borthwick Institute for Archives

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The earliest notes by Alan Ayckbourn relating to Confusions show a completely different structure with six one act plays - the second of which is Mother Figure. These notes are held in the Ayckbourn Archive at the Borthwick Institute for Archives at the University of York.

Copyright: Haydonning Ltd
Holding: Borthwick Institute for Archives

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More early notes by Alan Ayckbourn relating to Confusions which include notes for Between Mouthfuls / Gosforth's Fête as well as a breakdown of which characters / actors appear in each play. These notes are held in the Ayckbourn Archive at the Borthwick Institute for Archives at the University of York.

Copyright: Haydonning Ltd
Holding: Borthwick Institute for Archives

Do not reproduce images without permission of the copyright holder.

The cover for the rarely seen programme for the world premiere of Confusions at Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre, Scarborough, in 1974. This was just a glossy doubled sided, folded A4 print and not as common as the regular programme produced for the playwright's 1975 revival of the play at the same venue.

Copyright: Scarborough Theatre Trust
Holding: Borthwick Institute For Archives

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A flyer for the West End premiere of Confusions at the Apollo Theatre in 1976. Despite Confusions being written as an ensemble piece with no star roles, note how this was altered for the West End with John Alderton & Pauline Collins having top billing.

Copyright: Michael Codron Productions
Holding: Borthwick Institute For Archives

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Sheila Gish, John Alderton & Pauline Collins in Drinking Companion in the West End premiere of Confusions at the Apollo Theatre in 1976.

Photographer: John Haynes (© John Haynes)
Holding: Ayckbourn Digital Archive

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The company of Alan Ayckbourn's 2015 revival of Confusions in A Talk in the Park at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough.

Photographer: Tony Bartholomew (© Tony Bartholomew)
Holding: Ayckbourn Digital Archive

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During 2016, Alan Ayckbourn's 2015 revival of Confusions toured to the 59E59 Theatres, New York, in repertory with his latest play, Hero's Welcome. This was performed as part of the Brits Off Broadway Festival and this is the programme cover.

Copyright: 59E59 Theatres
Holding: Borthwick Institute for Archives

Do not reproduce images without permission of the copyright holder.

The Scene and Archive Images pages are presented in association with the Borthwick Institute for Archives at the University of York, where the Ayckbourn Archive is held.

All images on this page are copyright of the respective and labelled individual / organisation and should not be reproduced without permission.