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Absent Friends
26 March 2025 to 29 March 2025
About Absent Friends
The Henley Players Present Absent Friends by Alan Ayckbourn
It’s always good to see old friends – isn’t it?
Diana has invited Colin over for a nice cup of tea and to catch up with friends he hasn’t seen in years. Given that Colin’s fiancée has recently drowned everyone is on edge worrying about what to say to him, but when he finally arrives he seems to be the most cheerful among them. The reunion only succeeds in opening old wounds and Colin’s jolly attempts to smooth the waters only make things worse.
Set in the 1970s and rooted firmly in that era, Absent Friends is regarded as one of Alan Ayckbourn’s finest plays. He makes this road-crash of a party both sad and touching, but always bitingly funny.
Tickets
Please see important booking information below.
Booking information
Tickets prices:
- 26 and 27 March – Adult: £20.00, Student, Senior, Keepers/Friends: £19.00
- 28 and 29 March (evening) – All Tickets: £22.00
- 29 March (matinee) – Pay What You Like: £5.00 minimum
Ticket prices include a £1 Restoration Levy, a £1.50 Booking Fee, and a 25p Community Fund Levy.
Dates & times:
Wednesday 26 March 2025 at 7.30pm
Thursday 27 26 March 2025 at 7.30pm
Friday 28 26 March 2025 at 7.30pm
Saturday 29 March 2025 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Running time:
2 hours 20 minutes
Age guidance:
13+
About Kenton Theatre
Situated in the centre of Henley-on-Thames, the Kenton Theatre is the fourth-oldest working theatre in the UK and a registered charity. Seating 240, the theatre today offers a varied programme of comedy, drama, music, talks and more – as well as being available for hire.
The theatre is home to annual performances from Henley Amateur Operatic and Drama Society (HAODS), Henley Children’s Theatre, Henley Drama Festival, Henley Literary Festival, Henley Players, Henley Youth Festival, Mike Hurst, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO), Woodley Light Operatic Society, amongst others. High-profile performers at the Kenton in recent years include Michael McIntyre, Georgie Fame, Haley Mills, Chris Barber, Dara O’Briain, Diana Rigg, Russell Brand, PP Arnold and Marti Webb.
The theatre’s first production, the farce The School of Reform took place on 07 November 1805. Celebrated performers who have graced the Kenton stage over the last five decades include Celia Johnson, John Mortimer, Anthony Newley, Kate Winslet, Tom Baker, Joe Brown, Diana Dors, David Essex, Roy Hudd and Jeremy Irons.
Discover more about the Kenton Theatre, including travel, access and venue information.