Neighbourhood Watch

Just as they are preparing for a house-warming gathering, their peace is shattered by a young trespasser in their garden

The Massies' neighbours congregate in their living room and together they agree to form a neighbourhood watch group to safeguard against further incidents

But after the Massies' beloved garden gnome Monty is thrown through their window, matters swiftly escalate ...

... complicated by Martin's burgeoning romance with Amy, wife of Gareth, who was formerly involved with Luther, husband of Magda

Soon what began as a well-intentioned scheme for a safer community ends in violence and acrimony

CHARACTERS

MARTIN, 40s
HILDA, his sister, a little older
LUTHER, 30s
MAGDA, his wife, 20s
GARETH, 50s
AMY, his wife, 30s
ROD, 60s
DOROTHY, 60s

REVIEWS

"This timely and provocative play rivets attention throughout. There are some blissful comic moments and even that staple of Ayckbourn's dramatic world - an ornamental garden gnome - has a crucial part to play" ~ Charles Spencer, Telegraph

"This superbly acted, painfully funny and truthful play shows Ayckbourn in no danger of slowing down or having his age yet catch up with the number of plays he has written" ~ Mark Shenton, The Stage