A ‘Small Family Business’

March 7, 2026 - 09:50

Alan Ayckbourn's acclaimed and biting comedy, A Small Family Business, has arrived for a new production, promising audiences a whirlwind of laughter shadowed by a sharp moral critique. The play launches the audience into the seemingly respectable world of Jack McCracken, a man who takes over his father-in-law's furniture company with ideals of honest management.

What follows is a masterclass in fast-paced farce, as Jack’s principled stance quickly unravels. He soon discovers that his entire family, from in-laws to his own children, is deeply entangled in a web of petty theft, bribery, and shady dealings. Each door slam and case of mistaken identity amplifies the chaos, revealing that the "family business" is less about furniture and more about systematic corruption.

Beneath the relentless humor lies Ayckbourn's dark and timeless examination of greed and compromised ethics. The play provocatively questions how far one will go to protect loved ones and maintain a comfortable lifestyle. It explores the slippery slope where minor moral concessions pave the way for major transgressions, all in the name of family loyalty.

This revival highlights the play’s enduring relevance, presenting a hilarious yet unsettling portrait of a household where everyone has a price and integrity is the first casualty. The production delivers both the impeccable timing of classic farce and a thought-provoking look at the corrupting power of wealth.