Plays by Alan Ayckbourn have been attracting larger audiences in the regional theatres than those of Shakespeare.

- Alan Ayckbourn

What I find interesting is how close you can run the laughter along the seam of seriousness, and occasionally cross it, so that half the house genuin…

- Alan Ayckbourn

I think of a plot, I think of an idea, and then I wonder, How can I get that onto the stage? . . . Whatever devices you use should always be there to…

- Alan Ayckbourn

A gentleman ... sleeps at his work. That's what work's for. Why do you think they have the SILENCE notices in the library? So as not to disturb me in…

- Alan Ayckbourn

As a writer one is allowed to have conversations with oneself. What is considered sane in writers is made for the rest of the human race.

- Alan Ayckbourn

There are very few people on top of life, and the rest of us don't like them very much.

- Alan Ayckbourn

He really is terribly heavy going. Like running up hill in roller skates.

- Alan Ayckbourn

A comedy is just a tragedy interrupted, I once said. Do you finish with the kiss or when she opens her eyes to tell him she loves him and sees blonde…

- Alan Ayckbourn

If you are flattering a woman, it pays to be a little more subtle. You don't have to bother with men, they believe any compliment automatically.

- Alan Ayckbourn