Arrivals and Departures

Blue Sky Theatre took audiences on a surprising and touching journey in winter 2025 with Arrivals and Departures, a bittersweet comedy by acclaimed British playwright Alan Ayckbourn.

Staged from 25 July to 3 August 2025 at the Domain Theatre, Marion Cultural Centre, this South Australian premiere blended satire, emotional depth and theatrical inventiveness in a story that begins with an anti-terrorist operation—and ended somewhere altogether more human.

Set in a bustling London railway station, Major Quentin Sexton and his bumbling “Strategic Simulated Distractional Operations Unit” are on edge, laying a covert trap to catch a wanted terrorist. Their secret weapon? A civilian traffic warden from Harrogate named Barry Hawkins—affable, chatty, and completely out of his depth. Tasked with protecting Barry is Private Esmé “Ez” Swain, a tightly wound soldier under disciplinary review.

As the pair wait awkwardly in the station’s hustle and bustle, under orders to “blend in,” their small talk is initially frosty and judgmental but gradually gives way to deeper revelations.

Barry and Ez, seemingly polar opposites, slowly peel back layers of guardedness. Through evocative flashbacks—brought to life by a versatile ensemble playing more than 30 roles—we come to understand their histories, heartaches, and the defining arrivals and departures of their lives.

“Don’t let Ayckbourn’s name make you pre-judge this play,” says director Dave Simms. “He’s still pushing boundaries. This isn’t a traditional farce—yes, it’s funny, but it’s also moving, surprising and formally daring. The second act mirrors the first, but with different flashbacks. The comedy deepens into something truly poignant.”

Ayckbourn’s 77th play deftly explores themes of grief, duty, and redemption, showing that even in the most impersonal of spaces—and under absurdly high-stakes conditions—human connection can blossom.

Blue Sky Theatre Productions is dedicated to bringing high-quality theatrical experiences to audiences across South Australia. With a strong following for their ever-popular outdoor theatre shows for the last ten summers, the company is developing a reputation for artistic excellence by staging indoor shows that are entertaining and thought-provoking.

Nick Fagan and Emily Currie lead the production as Barry and Ez, joined by a standout ensemble including Zoe Battersby, Joshua Coldwell, Rachel Dalton, Millie Fagan, Claire Keen, Gabe Mangelsdorf, Steve Marvanek, Finty McBain, Paul Pacillo and Leighton Vogt.

Venue:

Domain Theatre, Marion Cultural Centre
287 Diagonal Rd, Oaklands Park (Just 25 mins from Adelaide CBD)

By arrangement with ORiGiN™ Theatrical on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. – A Concord Theatricals Company.

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