From looming tragedy to situation comedy, Christopher Brown reports on rehearsals for an Alan Ayckbourn perennial favourite

When the script of Sinodun Players’ forthcoming production of Life of Riley called for a “local band” to provide music for a party scene, the Crossfire Hurricanes were only too happy to step in.

The classic rock combo, who have a formidable reputation around Wallingford and Henley, have recorded a set of Rolling Stones numbers for Alan Ayckbourn’s dark comedy.

The show will be something of a double-take for frontman Mike Rowbottom. While hearing his voice and guitar fill the auditorium of Wallingford Corn Exchange, he will also be on stage as one of the cast.

He says: “My part is in complete contrast to what I do with the Crossfire Hurricanes. I’m an in-your-face frontman with the band, always chatting up the audience, joking with them and doing what we do best: having fun.

“My role in the play is a different species; it’s someone who’s quiet, inexperienced with women and life in general and has a childlike emotional make-up.”

The play centres around fun-loving schoolteacher George Riley. When he learns he has an incurable disease and only months to live, his friends (three couples) plan to make his last days as happy as possible.

Despite their best efforts, carefree George manages to cause chaos, prompting each couple to question their own relationships. George, meanwhile, is enjoying all the attention and is having fun.

As ever, using laughter and wit, Ayckbourn dissects the complacency and angst of the middle classes. Pete Smithson plays self-made cocky businessman Jack, trying to keep his philandering from “Essex girl” wife Tamsin (Rebecca Cleverley). Mark Wilkin is inept GP Colin, whose wife, Kathryn (Amanda Potter), is turning to drink. Marilyn Johnstone plays George’s estranged wife, Monica, guilt-ridden from having left him for widower Mike Rowbottom’s taciturn farmer, Simeon.

Although he is the chief character, Riley is never seen, but his “hippy Peter Pan” persona dominates, his actions resulting in far-reaching consequences.

Director Graham Fyffe says: “On the face of it, this might seem a deadly serious play but, being Ayckbourn, there are many amusing situations and some very funny lines.”

Performances take place April 15 to 18 at the Corn Exchange, Wallingford, at 7.45pm.Tickets are £10 on 01491 825000 or cornexchange.org.uk.