A Word From Our Sponsor: Frequently Asked Questions

Alan Ayckbourn's Archivist Simon Murgatroyd's answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Alan Ayckbourn's A Word From Our Sponsor. If you have a question about this or any other of Alan Ayckbourn's plays, you can contact the website via the Contact Us page.

Where can I obtain the vocal score for A Word From Our Sponsor?
The vocal score can be obtained from Concord Theatricals / Samuel French, who also license the play for amateur performance. The vocal score is available via the A Word From Our Sponsor page on the website here.

Is A Word From Our Sponsor a reflection of Alan Ayckbourn's experiences funding the building of the Stephen Joseph Theatre?
Whilst Alan admits the play could be interpreted that way, the idea for A Word From Our Sponsor was conceived at the latest in 1993; the interpretation it is a response to the SJT's situation seems predicated on its premiere in 1995 during the final year of the theatre project. It is more realistically a comment on funding of the arts in general during that period of time in the UK, when the Government was cutting subsidies to theatres and encouraging private sponsorship.

Is A Word From Our Sponsor available for professional production?
No. In 2023, Alan Ayckbourn confirmed that A Word From Our Sponsor had been withdrawn for professional production.

All research for this page by Simon Murgatroyd.