Based in Huddersfield, it is the only amateur company in the UK dedicated to the works of Alan Ayckbourn and during its first ten years has produced 25 of Alan Ayckbourn’s plays in 30 productions and public rehearsed readings.
Founded by John Cotgrave and Richard McArtney in 2004, the company is driven by John and Richard’s passion for Alan Ayckbourn’s plays. Ostensibly based at the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield, Dick & Lottie has also been touring its productions since 2015.
As the company reaches its 30th production, Alan Ayckbourn’s Official Website is delighted to celebrate the passion, commitment and dedication of the company to Alan Ayckbourn’s writing by becoming its patron and forging closer links with Dick & Lottie.
Aside from the patronage, the company has previous links with Alan Ayckbourn, having performed for the playwright in his home-town of Scarborough and also seen Lady Ayckbourn perform with the company its fundraising Ayckbourn Readathon in 2014.
 |
| Members of Dick & Lottie with Alan Ayckbourn in 2015 |
“I have known John & Richard for many years and seeing their company, Dick & Lottie, grow and succeed beyond anyone’s expectations has been a pleasure. I have met few people so committed to producing an authentic Ayckbourn experience and their productions constantly set a benchmark for amateur - and even professional - productions of his plays. I’m delighted the website is now the company’s patron and will be playing a part in the company’s future.”
John Cotgrave, Artistic Director of Dick & Lottie, is delighted at the recognition and association with the website and Alan Ayckbourn’s Archivist, Simon Murgatroyd.
“Dick & Lottie is thrilled and honoured to have such a prestigious patron. It is a kite mark recognising the quality we achieve with the staging of Ayckbourn's plays - past and present. We look forward to a burgeoning relationship in the coming years.”
Further information on Dick & Lottie can be found via the Dick & Lottie Facebook page and at Alan Ayckbourn's Official Website here.
For any reader wanting a clarification of what a Patron / Patronage is (in this context), please read the second comment below.
Neighbourhood Watch can be seen at The Coach House Theatre, Malvern, from 16 - 17 February (click here for details and bookings) and at South Hill Park, Bracknell from 18 - 19 February (click here for details).
Further information about the production and future Dick & Lottie productions can be found at Alan Ayckbourn's Official Website here or via the Dick & Lottie Facebook page.
