Season’s Greetings is a play, written by Alan Ayckbourn, which was first performed at a theatre in Scarborough in 1980. Following many productions of the play at different theatres, it was made into a television programme, which was broadcast on Christmas Eve in 1986. It included an all-star cast, including Geoffrey Palmer and Anna Massey. This was followed by countless productions at the theatre.
The play is centred around the hall of the family home, with a big Christmas tree being the centrepiece. We only occasionally gain access to a few of the rooms that adjoin it. It is a black comedy, which explores the relationships of family and friends when they all get together to celebrate Christmas.
Belinda and Neville
The family home belongs to Belinda and Neville Bunker, who after eight years of marriage have two children and as Belinda puts it; ‘We’ve stayed friends.’ However, Belinda is screaming out for Neville to notice her, when she asks him to get her a drink, rather than his friend and she is bitter about having had to get her own Christmas present and even wrap it up herself. Neville on the other hand appears to brush all Belinda’s issues under the carpet and would rather spend time in his shed, with his power tools or with his best friend Eddie.
Eddie and Pattie
Eddie is staying with the Bunkers for Christmas, along with his heavily pregnant wife, Pattie and their three children. Theirs is also a troubled relationship, which becomes very evident, when Eddie threatens to hit Pattie and she reminds him that; ‘it won’t be the first time.’ Pattie appears to be very soft with Eddie and despite being pregnant, still looks after him when drunk. Eddie appears to idolise his friend Neville and we get the impression that Pattie and the children are in his way of achieving a successful career like Neville has. His bullying Pattie is probably the only control he feels he has left, following his unsuccessful career and living in the shadow of Neville.
Rachel and Clive
As everyone sits down to dinner on Christmas Eve, the doorbell rings. Belinda goes to answer it and her sister’s friend, Clive is standing in the doorway. Instantly they are attracted to one another. As we find out Belinda’s sister, Rachel is a 38-year-old spinster, who has never had a meaningful relationship and although attracted to Clive, finds it impossible to break a habit of a lifetime and enter into a physical relationship with him. This ensures the attraction between Clive and Belinda grows, until they attempt to fulfil their desire for one another, which leaves Clive cast out by the entire company.
Phyllis and Bernard
Phyllis is the sister of Neville and appears to be in poor health, due to her excessive drinking. Bernard, her husband, who believes himself to have failed in his job as a doctor, has devoted his life to looking after her. They are a couple that despite appearing quite together, bring one another down.
Harvey
Harvey is Belinda’s uncle, a retired security guard. As Bernard says to him; ‘You are completely negative.’ Harvey is a cantankerous man, who spends his time watching television. He is suspicious of everyone. He dislikes Bernard and suspects Clive of being a thief. Harvey has a real thirst for violence, with disastrous consequences at the end of the play.
This is a very enjoyable play, which explores very common relationships between friends and family, which ensures that everyone will be able to relate to it. As it deals with relationships at Christmas time it has stood the test of time, as these never really change. The play is currently touring England and is well worth booking as a pre-christmas treat.
Tabitha Davies - I work as a freelance writer and have had work published in a variety of magazines, including Prima Magazine, Popular Astronomy and ...
