THE NORMAN CONQUESTS, by Alan Ayckbourn

THIS NOVEMBER 1–30, IDIOM THEATER PRESENTS ALAN AYCKBOURN’S “CRYINGLY FUNNY TRILOGY” THE NORMAN CONQUESTS AT BELLINGHAM’S SYLVIA CENTER FOR THE ARTS

‘The Norman Conquests’ is made up of three interlocking full-length plays — ‘Table Manners’, ‘Living Together’ and ‘Round and Round the Garden’ — that are ingeniously written to be enjoyed individually or as a trilogy, and can be seen in any order. The plays will be performed on a rotating schedule for four weeks, and can also be seen all together on two marathon performance days (Saturday, November 23 & Saturday, November 30).

Set in the dining room (‘Table Manners’), living room (‘Living Together’) and garden (‘Round and Round the Garden’) of an English country house, ‘The Norman Conquests’ follows six characters — assistant librarian Norman, his wife, his in-laws and the local veterinarian — from Saturday night through Monday morning.

We watch as desperate lothario Norman attempts to seduce his sister-in-law Annie, charm his brother-in-law’s wife Sarah and woo his estranged wife Ruth, during a disastrously hilarious weekend of eating, drinking and miscommunication.

With his characteristic compassionate humor, Ayckbourn explores the disappointments bubbling beneath the surface as his characters’ dreams of love and fulfillment go awry.

Directed by EVAN MUELLER, Associate Professor of Voice/Acting at the Department of Theatre and Dance of Western Washington University’s College of Fine and Performing Arts.

Full details and calendar of performances at https://sylviacenterforthearts.org/event/the-norman-conquests-table-manners/