Frequently Asked Questions: Productions & Licensing
This page contains Frequently Asked Questions regarding producing Alan Ayckbourn's plays and licenses. If you have any other questions, please contact the website via the Contact Us Page.Further details about play licenses and performing Alan Ayckbourn's plays can be found in the Staging The Plays section.
○ Can you tell me if a certain play is available for production?
Generally speaking, if Samuel French has published a play, then it is available for production by amateur companies. Most of Alan's plays are available for professional production. The Staging The Plays section of the website has details of current professional and amateur availability of all of Alan Ayckbourn's plays on the Plays Availability page. Details about professional and amateur performing rights and licenses can also be found on the Performance Licences page.
○ Can I alter a play-script for production purposes?
No. The production license for all Ayckbourn plays specifically states no alterations may be made to the script without permission - this includes changing the sex of characters and cutting 'bad' language. The play license is a contract and altering the script without permission breaks the contract and may result in action from the licensees including prohibiting further productions of Alan and other playwrights' work. Further details about professional and amateur performing rights and licenses can be found on the Performance Licences page.
○ How do I obtain professional performing rights for Alan Ayckbourn's plays - for the United Kingdom or abroad?
All queries should be directed to Alan Ayckbourn's agent at Casarotto Ramsay & Associates, 3rd Floor, 7 Savoy Court, The Strand, London, WC2R 0EX. Telephone 00 44 20 7287 4450 or on e-mail: info@casarotto.co.uk.
○ How do I obtain amateur performing rights for Alan Ayckbourn's plays outside the United Kingdom?
All queries should be directed to Concord Theatricals, which licenses amateur productions of the play and also publishes the plays through Samuel French. Full details can be found at www.concordtheatricals.co.uk.
○ On the Concord Theatricals / Samuel French website, it says 'This title is currently restricted in London', what does this mean? Should we still apply for a license?
Definitely apply for a license. There are very few titles restricted in London and the majority of applications for performance will be approved. Whilst there are occasions when a play is unavailable, the majority of Ayckbourn plays are available to perform in London at any given time.
○ How do I obtain props or further information about a play I am producing?
Unfortunately I am unable to supply information about props or costumes for plays. Enquiries of this nature are best directed to your local theatre or professional prop stores / hire.
If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact the website via admin@alanayckbourn.net.