Alpha Beta

Battling through their self-made entrapment for the sake of the kids, Mr. and Mrs. Elliot soon begin to destroy each other through an ugly routine of rows, affairs, and suicidal blackmail. Written with controlled irony as well as compassion for its tormented characters, Ted Whitehead's unflinching play asks questions about the choices we make to fit in with social conventions.

Ted Whitehead was born in Liverpool in 1933. His first play, The Foursome, premiered at the Royal Court Upstairs in 1971 and transferred to the West End. Alpha Beta premiered at the Royal Court Theatre in 1972, directed by Anthony Page, with Albert Finney and Rachel Roberts. It went on to be performed at London’s Apollo Theatre. His later plays include The Sea Anchor, Mecca and Old Flames, and an adaptation of The Dance of Death at the Riverside Studios starring Alan Bates. He has also written extensively for television, including adaptations of The Life and Loves of a She Devil and The Mayor of Casterbridge.