Alan Ayckbourn (copyright: Tony Bartholomew)

 

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Alan Ayckbourn's Plays On Television

Click a play title to find out more details about the specific television adaptation of an Alan Ayckbourn play.

 
Title Initial Broadcast Channel Availablity

> Absent Friends

29 September 1985

BBC2

Not available

> Absurd Person Singular

1 January 1985

BBC1

Not available

> Bedroom Farce

28 September 1980

ITV

Not available

> By Jeeves

2001

CBC

Not available

> Countdown

16 December 1972

BBC2

Not available

> A Cut In The Rates

21 January 1984

BBC2

Not available

> Ernie's Incredible Illucinations

11 November 1987

BBC1

Not available

> Hark At Barker

1969 - 1970

ITV

DVD (region 2)

> Just Between Ourselves

23 July 1978

ITV

Not available

> Men On Women On Men

2 February 1979

BBC1

Not available

> The Norman Conquests

5 October 1977

ITV

DVD (region 1)

> Relatively Speaking

March 1969 / Dec 1989

BBC1

Not available

> Season's Greetings

24 December 1986

BBC2

Not available

> Service Not Included

20 May 1974

BBC2

Not available

> Time And Time Again

18 May 1976

ITV

Not available

> Way Upstream

1 January 1988

BBC1

Not available

 
FAQ: Why are the Ayckbourn films not available on DVD?




One of the most frequently asked questions to Alan Ayckbourn's official website is, why are the television films of his plays not available to buy on DVD?

There is no obvious answer to this and the decision largely rests with the commercial rights holders themselves, not with Alan Ayckbourn.

It is worth clarifying that Alan Ayckbourn has no objection to the majority of these adaptations - such as the BBC's Absent Friends, Season's Greetings and Absurd Person Singular - being released. But the initial decision regarding a commercial release lies purely with the producers and commercial rights holders, such as the BBC.

Presumably the reason for this is
largely a commercial one, taken by the rights holders. Whatever the reason, as far as Alan Ayckbourn is aware, there are no plans in the foreseeable future for the films to be released on DVD or repeated on television.

If you feel strongly about seeing these films, the website can only advise you contact the BBC (or the other relevant rights holder) to express your interest in the films. Perhaps if there is a perceived demand for them, they may finally get released on DVD.




Illegal Copies & Reporting Piracy





If you come across any DVD or video of an Ayckbourn play for sale - particularly in auction sites such as Ebay - it will in all likelihood (the exceptions being Private Fears In Public Places, By Jeeves, The Norman Conquests and A Chorus Of Disapproval) be an ILLEGAL copy of an Ayckbourn filmed adaptation, probably recorded from television. These adaptations are not in the public domain, have not been authorised by the copyright holders and are being illegally sold with proceeds going to people acting illegally. Piracy is a crime and the sellers of these items are not providing a benefit for collectors; they are selling these items for their own profit, none of which goes to the people who created these films.

This website cannot condone piracy and under British law, there is no grey area. To make copies of copyrighted material is illegal as is distributing, selling, receiving and buying such copies. While it is frustrating for fans of Alan Ayckbourn's work, this website takes the view that illegal activity should not be supported and that piracy and copyright theft is a crime.

If you see a film for sale that you believe is illegal, please report it to either Ebay, which has its own complaints procedure, or the Federation Against Copyright Theft (www.fact.org.uk) which also pursues infringements.
 
 

If you have enquiries about this play or any other aspect of this website, please contact the administrator at: admin@alanayckbourn.net.