Alan Ayckbourn wrote “A Small Family Business” in 1987 when family life was probably more ordered, but was showing the signs of what was to come in future years. It tells the story of thirteen people thinking that they were honest and how this leads to trouble. The audience is confronted with a set that looks as it would have done when Jonathan Fensom first showed his model for discussion, and it looks very impressive, but it lacks one essential element, compact visual latitude, it is too wide and does not allow the eye to take in what the director is portraying.

The play tells the story of Jack McCracken played by Gerard Murphy, who has just been given control of the family firm. Arriving home he is confronted with a surprise party at which a visitor forces his way in the back door looking for the youngest daughter who has a rebellious teenage attitude. From then on everything goes downhill, as we are shown what the rest of the family have been getting up to. Even Jack, who thinks he is honest, is drawn into protecting the business by bribery, something that has been common practice in the business unknown to him.

This is Ayckbourn showing his prowess, with words that are unwasted and always hit home when the actors deliver them. Observant, he reflects the things that are uppermost in everyones mind. This play starts at a pace that is maintained from the first word and keeps the audience attention until the final group snap shot. The play is a comment on the time and the attitudes that prevailed, but no more than that. A good night out for the theatre goer who likes to think about what is going on beyond the words.

A quiet audience left the theatre reflecting on what they had seen. The play showed signs of good repertory theatre with actors giving what was required to a good play. Pictures can be viewed live or through the air. The latter is the best. More people should make the effort to experience it. © BA

“A Small Family Business” is in Leeds from the 6th June until the 12th July, 2003.