Table Manners

TABLE MANNERS is part of a trilogy under the general heading THE NORMAN CONQUESTS, the
other two plays being ROUND AND ROUND THE GARDEN and LIVING TOGETHER. The plays are not
consecutive, but all occur during a single week-end and each takes place in a different part of the same house.
TABLE MANNERS is generally regarded as the funniest of the three plays. It was first presented by the
Library Theatre Company, Scarborough in June, 1973, and subsequently by the Greenwich Theatre Company
in May, 1974, and in London at the Globe Theatre with Penelope Keith and Felicity Kendal in August, 1974.

Annie’s brother-in-law, Norman, frustrated by a wife with “no love or feeling” for him, has persuaded Annie
to go away with him secretly for a week-end. Their plans are ruined by the arrival of Annie’s brother, Reg,
and his prudish wife, Sarah, who, when she finds out about the “dirty week-end,” calls Norman’s wife, Ruth,
to come and put a stop to her husband’s philandering. The stuation is made even more complicated and
hilarious by the presence of Annie’s slow-witted friend and suitor, Tom. The play not only demonstrates Mr
Ayckbourn’s comic ability, but his clever observation of human folly as well.