THE Swan Theatre Amateur Company is staging Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, as its next production.

The play was Albee's first and received critical acclaim when it premiered in 1962 and was immortalised in film by Liz Taylor and Richard Burton in 1966.
The play is in three acts and takes place over one night in the home of George and Martha on an American university campus.

After a particularly boozy party at the university, Martha invites two new-comers, Nick and Honey, to her home for a nightcap.

What follows is an evening of hilarity, lust and manipulation as George and Martha spar with their guests, verbally and physically.

George and Martha take advantage of their captive audience to see how far they can push their relationship. As the evening progresses, the drinking doesn't stop and neither does the one-upmanship until inevitably the evening has tragic consequences.

Chris Broadfield, STAC’s publicity officer, said: “Few playwright's have had such an impact with their debut work.

“Edward Albee has produced a work that is both hilarious and cruel, loving and hate-filled. As the fun and games peel back the layers of each character, everyone will see someone they know in the play.

“When that someone is yourself, the play takes on a different meaning.”

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf starts at the Swan Theatre tomorrow and runs until Saturday, and tickets are available from the box office on 01905 611427.