Directed by Prof. Tony Bareham, the show at the Riverside Theatre, Coleraine, on Friday and Saurday, May 15-16, is a celebration of the work which has so endeared Bennett to audiences and readers over his 40 year career to date.

Although one of the most recognisable writers of his generation, Alan Bennett’s unassumingly owlish persona and fondness for self-deprecation has created the impression of a lovably eccentric minor talent, whose amusingly droll plays about elderly Northern women (typically played by Thora Hird) and fusspot secretaries (Patricia Routledge) are merely one step up from sitcom.

Maggie Smith, Stephanie Cole, Julie Walters, Patricia Routledge and Bennett himself painted unforgettable portraits of damaged lives and thwarted expectations.

Tony Bareham’s 30 year association with the Riverside Theatre is reinforced with his latest stage offering. Known throughout Ireland for his large-scale and lavishly-costumed productions of Elizabethan and Jacobean tragedies and comedies, this is something of a departure for Tony who has only directed a couple of other contemporary plays in Riverside, such as Edward Albee’s classic American drama Zoo Story and Des Cranston’s satirical play set in the University of Ulster, Personal Space.

Caitriona Mullan acted professionally during the 90s, having gained her Equity status from a Riverside Christmas production during the period.

She is an actress of remarkable versatility and has played roles as diverse as Portia in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice and the young Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother in Royce Ryton's Crown Matrimonial. Jeremy Lewis has acted in 21 Riverside productions during the last 30 years and this is his first outing in a theatrical monologue lasting longer than three minutes.

Tickets are available online at www.riversidetheatre.org.uk or from Box Office on 028 7032 3232.