Acclaimed English playwright Alan Ayckbourn’s returns to the Arts Theatre in Cambridge with a double bill of theatrical entertainment.

The Hunts Post: (C) Tony Bartholomew 07802 400651/mail@bartpics.co.uk PICTURE COPYRIGHT TONY BARTHOLOMEW ALL PICTURES SUPPLIED TO THE STEPHEN JOSEPH THEATRE FOR USE IN PRESS,PUBLICITY FOR THIS PRODUCTION AND FOR USE ON ALL IN HOUSE PUBLICATIONS AND WEBSITES. Emma Manton as Doreen and Stephen Billington as Ernest in Confusions written and directed by Alan Ayckbourn at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough from 9th July - 26th September.(C) Tony Bartholomew 07802 400651/mail@bartpics.co.uk PICTURE COPYRIGHT TONY BARTHOLOMEW ALL PICTURES SUPPLIED TO THE STEPHEN JOSEPH THEATRE FOR USE IN PRESS,PUBLICITY FOR THIS PRODUCTION AND FOR USE ON ALL IN HOUSE PUBLICATIONS AND WEBSITES. Emma Manton as Doreen and Stephen Billington as Ernest in Confusions written and directed by Alan Ayckbourn at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough from 9th July - 26th September. (Image: (C) Tony Bartholomew)

One of his most popular plays, Confusions, will be followed by new play, Hero’s Welcome and the two pieces of work have been written 40 years apart.

Confusions takes us on a journey with a devoted and isolated mother, her unfaithful travelling salesman husband, a solicitous waiter and some well-heeled diners and there’s an utterly shambolic garden fete - human frailty is laid bare as one hilarious situation after another unfolds. Each story connects to the next, and from high farce to poignant observation; the laughs, however dark, keep coming.

In Hero’s Welcome, a decorated war hero, Murray, returns to his boyhood stomping ground with a new young bride, but is all as it seems? Once the welcome flags have stopped waving, few of his friends seem few of his friends seem particularly happy to see him back. Suddenly the couple, in search of peace, find themselves once more in the firing line.

The double performances will run from February 1-6.

Confusions is on Monday, Thursday and Saturday at 7.45pm with matinee performances on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm.

Hero’s Welcome Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 7.45pm.

Tickets are priced from £18-£33 and subject to a £3 booking fee, and available from the box office on 01223 503333 or online: www.cambridgeartstheatre.com.