Join us along a captivating journey as Dominic ‘Comings’, on his final day at No.10, finds himself entangled with a cast of characters battling for power, prestige and passion. Witness a web of lies and scandal unfold against the backdrop of recent lockdowns. The Comings and Goings at No.10 performs at Titchfield Festival Theatre from 15 – 20 January 2024.

Ryan Hayward is the writer and director of this brand-new comedy play. During a break in directing rehearsals he spoke with Simon Frost:

Simon: Ryan, can you tell me a bit more about yourself. Also, Is this your first play for TFT?

Ryan: I’ve been writing and performing for about five years now having not done anything with theatre for twenty years. The Village Fate, a satirical comedy about the WI was my first script and I was fortunate enough to take it to the Edinburgh Fringe in 2019.

The Comings and Goings at No.10 will be the first play getting its first full production treatment at TFT. The opportunity to direct it as well is the icing on the cake.

Simon: What first inspired you to write the play?

Ryan: In November 2021 having tested positive for COVID-19, I had ten days locked away in my spare room away. With no fatherly duties, I had time to kill. It would have been a great opportunity to watch back-to-back episodes of all the things I’ve never got around to watch, but the pandemic scandals from No.10 were as ever a perpetual stream wherever I looked, and the truth is, I couldn’t have made half of it up! The idea for the play came about and it couldn’t remain in isolation.

It's loosely based on Dario Fo's One Act Play 'The Virtuous Burglar’ written in 1958. A classic farce where a hen-pecked career burglar hides in a grandfather clock when the aristocratic philandering owner of the house returns home with his mistress. Unsurprisingly the chaos only escalates as more deceitful characters with single-minded agendas are introduced, eventually leading to a climax of misunderstandings. By setting the play in No.10 Downing Street during the pandemic, depicting Dominic 'Comings' as the burglar alongside recognisable members of the cabinet with their truth-to-life scandals, the play started to write itself. The problem since writing the initial script has been what not to include as more and more lockdown revelations have been exposed.

Simon: Dominic 'Comings' is the central character in the play. Apart from a few public interviews, he seems to have largely remained in the background. How difficult was it to write this character?

Ryan: I have to disagree with you there. Dominic Cummings has been very public about his opinions of No.10 since he departed. His candid exclusive interview with the BBC, and now the Covid Inquiry have given some insight into himself as a person. I did rewatch Dominic Cumberbatch’s portrayal of him in the film Brexit -The Uncivil War to understand if he had any particular traits to bring into my more comedic portrayal of him.

Simon: Did you find him a sympathetic character? Please explain your reasoning.

Ryan: I believe he does have a sympathetic side to him. Despite his flaws of arrogance and free talking criticism, I portray him as loyal to the British Public. His frustration comes from being part of machine that is not giving them the level of service expected. I definitely believe the audience may start to sympathise with him at moments in the play.

Simon: The events in 10 Downing St concerning Cummings & colleagues will stimulate a range of emotions in different people. Perhaps a feeling of sadness, astonishment, distaste - as well as for some, amusement. What is the 'feel' of the play going to be like?

Ryan: I’m hoping amusement; I’ve written the play for entertainment, but also intrigue. Much like the reality of the media fuelled government revelations that we hear on what feels like an hourly basis. Expect the unexpected. The audience are going to be kept guessing on what twist comes next. Although the general interpretation of some of the more infamous characters might be as expected. The relationships these high-profile personalities have with their spouses and lovers may come as surprise. These conflicts and the desire to keep them happy is where I’ve had my fun.

Simon: Why should people come along to watch?

Ryan: This play is just fun, and shouldn’t be taken too seriously. I don’t believe audiences will know what’s hit them come the end. It’s not even about politics! If people don’t know their Boris Johnson’s from their Han Matcock’s, they should come. The flawed characters of No.10 over the last few years have been an unmissable world to pick up and play with. Being in January, I don’t think there will be a better tonic to overcome those winter blues.

Thank you Ryan and good luck with the play.

The Comings and Goings at No.10 performs from 15 - 20 January 2024 in the Oak Theatre, St Margarets Lane, Titchfield. For more information including booking tickets please go to http://titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/  or contact our Box Office on 0333 666 3366.