J.B. Priestley's time plays, strongly influenced by J.W. Dunne's theory that past, present and future occur simultaneously and linear time is just a human way of understanding, are a fascinating exploration of our perception and experience of the world, whether you think the idea of transcendent time is bonkers or not. Time and the Conways at the Lyttleton Theatre looks at the effect of time on one family, starting out at a 21st birthday party on the brink of a new world in 1919 and then flicking forward 18 years to see how their lives have been torn apart before resuming the action in 1919 where the seeds of this destruction are already being sown. The play works on a universal as well as a personal level; Priestley, writing in 1937, had one of his characters predict "the next war" and, in light of what happened, the play becomes a metaphor for the tragic march of the between-the-wars generation towards ever more devastation. Rupert Goold directs in his National Theatre debut and Francesca Annis stars as Mrs Conway.
NOTE: For matinee shows on 15th & 16th August you can opt for the Picnic and Play deal and enjoy a roof top picnic at The Deck before the afternoon performance.
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Level 5,
Royal Festival Hall,Belvedere Road,South Bank,
London,
SE1Map
4 minutes walk from Time and the Conways
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J.B. Priestley's time plays, strongly influenced by J.W. Dunne's theory that past, present and future occur simultaneously and linear time is just a human way of understanding, are a fascinating exploration of our perception and experience of the world, whether you think the idea of transcendent time is bonkers or not. Time and the Conways at the 
