Alan Ayckbourn's 1969 play, How the Other Half Loves, is being performed at The Old Vic in London. The farce, which is Ayckbourn's ninth play, explores the lives of two couples, the Phillipses and Featherstones, who envy the Fosters.
The play is known for its structural ingenuity, with the Phillipses and Fosters occupying half the set each. A key scene involves the Featherstones attending simultaneous dinner parties with the other couples on consecutive nights.
Directed by Philip Breen, the production treats the play as a period drama, incorporating 1969 music during scene changes. Rob Howell's sets and costumes reflect the era. The cast of six includes Roger Allam as Frank, Laura Elsworthy as Mary, and Ayesha Antoine as Teresa.