Alan Ayckbourn interview

Alan Ayckbourn, still recovering from a stroke, speaks to Alan Strachan The Daily Telegraph.

Traditionally, Ayckbourn never begins a new play until the most recent one has been staged, although, he adds, "I've made a little mental note to myself to write for Christmas 2007 -something wild, a bit potty", so the old fermenting process has evidently begun.

In the meantime, his schedule is awesome. Early next month he will start rehearsals for If I Were You. "I've given myself five weeks rather than the usual four, just to pace myself. And the doctor warned me that you can get unaccountably tired."