30th April, 1st, 7th and 8th May 2004 Is comedy humanity's divine gift? Or its own invention, designed to make the rest of life bearable? Either way, could it conceivably be appreciated by a mere machine? And could such laughter ever lead to love? Adam and JCF 31333, star-crossed, mis-matched lovers of the next millennium, face an uncertain future where everything has changed except human nature. Read the BBC's review here: Read the NODA review here: Newbury Theatre Website review:
	The Cast Background to the play: Ayckbourn says the play is set "in the foreseeable future when everything has changed except human nature." The action begins in a television studio: reality TV has had its day, and programme makers are resorting to computerised androids to ensure they can control every element for the goggle-eyed human television audience.  Or at least that's the plan . . .   "Hospital Hearts" is a prime time 'soap' which uses android actors - actoids - for its cast. The only humans involved are the director, Chandler Tate and his computer-programming production crew.  Technical hitches lead to actoids getting their wires crossed.  One of them, JC333 (Jacie Triplethree) begins to display human emotions independent of a technician. The nephew of the studio owner arrives on work experience, and falls in love with Jacie. Suffice to say, the course of true love does not run smooth but this unusual love-match makes for some entertaining and at times hilarious situations.   Alan Ayckbourn site Comic Potential performance link and an interview with Alan Ayckbourn Inkjet printable poster here (1.16mb) Booking form here Production pictures below...