York Settlement Community Players present Ayckbourn’s portrait on a woman on the verge

After a two-year absence, York Settlement Community Players (YSCP) return to York Theatre Royal Studio with an Alan Ayckbourn classic Woman In Mind, February 19-26.

One of Ayckbourn’s most popular plays, Woman In Mind tells the story of housewife Susan as her growing disillusionment with everyday life in her humdrum marriage is brought to a head when she steps on a garden rake and is knocked unconscious.

All it takes is a minor concussion for Susan to find herself suddenly surrounded by the ideal fantasy family, handsomely dressed in tennis whites and sipping champagne. But when her real and imaginary worlds collide, those fantasies take on a nightmarish life of their own. Blending humour and pathos, Woman in Mind paints the portrait of a woman on the verge.

YSCP’s last production was The 39 Steps at 41 Monkgate in November, but its run was cut short due to cast illness. The company presented Chekhov’s The Seagull at York Theatre Royal Studio in March 2020, which closed a week before the theatre shut due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Woman in Mind is directed by Angie Millard, who said: “I have directed many plays but seem to have avoided Alan Ayckbourn so far. The present climate of isolation and mental health issues led me to Woman in Mind, which is a perfect choice for this time.

“I love the play and am working with very talented and creative people who make every rehearsal a joy. The cast is led by Vic Delaney who spends the whole length of the play onstage and is building a truly memorable performance.”

Victoria Delaney takes on the role of Susan. She is joined by a cast of both YSCP regulars and newcomers – Chris Pomfrett, Paul Toy, Helen Wilson, Frankie-Jo Anderson, Paul French, Neil Vincent and Amy Hall.