The Oldham Coliseum co-production of Absent Friends, which features David Crellin and Dominic Gately, has opened to excellent reviews across the board:

The Stage - 'Dominic Gately provides a permanent sight gag as her husband, John, as noisily hyperactive as a Count Basie drummer on speed, turning a blind eye to her affair.'

http://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/review.php/27082/absent-friends

The Guardian - 'David Crellin's Colin is one of those great Ayckbournian agents of chaos, such as Trevor in Bedroom Farce and Norman in The Norman Conquests, whose placid self-absorption acts like the eye of the hurricane.'

http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/2010/jan/31/absent-friends-review

The Public Reviews - 'This is one of Ayckbourn’s finest pieces and can be enjoyed by everyone and is a great example of good strong classic British drama. The piece has a very realistic feel and does not end with an artificial happy ever after but is thought provoking and entertaining.'

http://www.thepublicreviews.com/absent-friends-oldham-coliseum-theatre/

Reviews Gate - 'It’s left to David Crellin as the wonderfully ’70s-attired Colin to illustrate Ayckbourn’s fundamental point that those directly affected by death often cope better than sympathisers. His warmth and calmness give the piece what heart it has.'

http://www.reviewsgate.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4930