A Small Family Business

A Small Family Business at National Theatre, Olivier

Why see A Small Family Business?

a small compromise, and its dark consequences...

Centred on Jack McCracken, this darkly farcical tale casts a man of integrity and principles into the murky world of a small family business when he unexpectedly inherits his father-in-law's furniture business 'Ayres And Graces'.

Little could he have known how a small infraction will open his eyes to what's really been going on amongst his extended family, who apparently have been operating a criminal racketeering ring behind the closed doors of suburbia.

A chilling satire of Thatcherite greed, there are laughs too, in this scathing portrait of middle class attitudes to material gain and perceived morality.

welcome to the family

After inheriting his father-in-laws's furniture business, regular joe Jack McCraken sets out to the do the job justice. When approached by a private detective with some dirt on his shoplifting daughter, he resists blackmail, for now. But when he discovers a spy amongst their ranks, he finds himself in need of help. But can he handle this one compromise? And stomach the rampant (and illegal) corruption amongst his own family? As moral decay finds him at every turn, Jack's integrity begins to crumble, as his decent values are tainted by his attempt to justify his descent into corruption to himself.

Key Information

Audience

A Small Family Business is suitable for audiences aged 12 and upwards

Run Time

Two hours and 40 minutes, including one interval.

Dates

Finished 27 Aug 2014

Cast

Nigel Lindsay as Jack McCracken
Debra Gillett
Gawn Grainger
Amanda Hadingue
Amy Marston
Gerard Monaco
Samuel Taylor
Niky Wardley

Creative

Written by Alan Ayckbourn
Directed by Adam Penford
Design by Tim Hatley
Lighting by Paul Anderson
Sound by Gareth Fry

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