Alan Ayckbourn in hospital after suffering a stroke

Alan Ayckbourn in hospital after suffering a stroke

Playwright Alan Ayckbourn, aged 66, is recovering in a Scarborough hospital after suffering a stroke.

A statement from Ayckbourn says, "I hope to be back on my feet, or at least my left leg, as soon as possible...I know it's going to take some time. In the meantime, I am in excellent hands."

Sir Alan, who was knighted in 1997 for his services to theatre, is artistic director at the town's Stephen Joseph Theatre. He has written more than 60 works and has said he can write a play in just 10 days.

His plays in the West End in recent times include: "Roleplay", "Flatspin" & "Gameplan" in repertoire under title Damsels in Distress at the Duchess Theatre in 2002; "Bedroom Farce" at the Aldwych in 2002; "House" & "Garden" in repertore at the National in 2000; "Comic Potential" at the Lyric in 1999; "Things We Do For Love" at the Duchess & Gielgud in 1998; "Comunicating Doors" at the Gielgud in 1995 & Savoy in 1996