Comic Potential: History
It is interesting to note that when Alan Ayckbourn writes about the nature of art, he does it through the medium of science-fiction. In 1987, Henceforward… explored the concept of creativity, in a near future with a fascinating robot character. In 1998, he wrote Comic Potential, exploring the nature of comedy and centring on a robot.Behind The Scenes: AI Development
It can be argued that with every itineration of a robot / android in Alan Ayckbourn's plays, they are moving steadily forward and developing. His first robot is the NAN300F in Henceforward…, a malfunctioning withdrawn nanny robot. In Comic Potential, the androids are independent and capable of learning, programmed to be 'creative' and can mimic many human behaviours - Jacie's glitch is arguably a leap forward in her Artificial Intelligence giving them emotions. My Sister Sadie (2003), SADIE is designed as a superior infiltration unit, but capable of free-will and emotions. In Surprises (2012), Jan 60 is capable of lying (although a cost to his system) as well as emotions.
It can be argued that with every itineration of a robot / android in Alan Ayckbourn's plays, they are moving steadily forward and developing. His first robot is the NAN300F in Henceforward…, a malfunctioning withdrawn nanny robot. In Comic Potential, the androids are independent and capable of learning, programmed to be 'creative' and can mimic many human behaviours - Jacie's glitch is arguably a leap forward in her Artificial Intelligence giving them emotions. My Sister Sadie (2003), SADIE is designed as a superior infiltration unit, but capable of free-will and emotions. In Surprises (2012), Jan 60 is capable of lying (although a cost to his system) as well as emotions.
The play developed from Alan’s idea that humans appear to be the only creatures with a sense of humour and who fall in love for reasons other than procreation. From an objective viewpoint, both ideas are illogical, yet Alan was intrigued whether they define humanity and shape us. What would happen if a robot developed the ability to laugh and love? Would it be construed as a malfunction?
Also instrumental in creating the play was Alan’s concept for the 1998 summer season at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough: the 10 x 10 season. This was Alan’s way of restoring a repertory company to the theatre by presenting 10 new plays by 10 playwrights - including John Godber and Tim Firth - with a company of 10 actors. Comic Potential, though, was the only production of the season which united all 10 actors within one play.
Comic Potential opened in June 1998 and was an immediate success with both audiences and critics. It also boasted a stunning central performance by Janie Dee as the android Jacie. Although Alan has always emphasised he does not write roles for specific actors, it is hard to imagine, given the exceptional demands of the role, that he did not have Janie in mind for the role (even the character’s name is similar!). Janie more than rose to the many challenges of the role and would later win Best Actress at the Olivier, Evening Standard and Critic’s Circle Awards for her performance in the London transfer; something which only one other actress at that time, Judi Dench, had achieved.
Behind The Scenes: Actor Specific?
There's long been an argument about whether the role of Jacie was written specifically for Janie Dee and several publications have made the unsubstantiated claim this was the case. Unfortunately, it's not quite that clear cut. Whilst it's hard to believe the role was not written with Janie in mind - given it's particular demands - Alan has always insisted he has never written a role specifically for any actor on the grounds that should that actor not be available, your plays is essentially useless. Given the role is now indelibly associated with Janie, it's probably a moot point. (see FAQs for further elaboration).
There's long been an argument about whether the role of Jacie was written specifically for Janie Dee and several publications have made the unsubstantiated claim this was the case. Unfortunately, it's not quite that clear cut. Whilst it's hard to believe the role was not written with Janie in mind - given it's particular demands - Alan has always insisted he has never written a role specifically for any actor on the grounds that should that actor not be available, your plays is essentially useless. Given the role is now indelibly associated with Janie, it's probably a moot point. (see FAQs for further elaboration).
Despite this, it was quickly picked up for a New York transfer in 2000, complete with Janie Dee reprising her role and winning Obie and Theatre World awards for her performance; Janie is the only actor to have played the same role in an Ayckbourn work in the world, London and New York premieres of the play.
Since then, Comic Potential has proven to be a popular Ayckbourn work with both professionals and amateurs and proved to be particularly popular with international productions outside the UK - despite all the challenges it offers both the acting and production company. It has been published by both Faber and Samuel French and the play was adapted (as Sila komiczna) for television in Poland in 2003.
Comic Potential also continues Alan's interest in artificial intelligence - begun with Henceforward… - which sees every subsequent play moving the capabilities of the androids forwards with the emotions developed by Jacie in Comic Potential, now standard programming in the androids of Constant Companions (2023); although in the latter's case, their longevity and the constant development of artificial intelligence, to the point of surpassing their creators, becomes the central issue.
Article by Simon Murgatroyd. Copyright: Haydonning Ltd. Please do not reproduce without permission of the copyright holder.
The Comic Potential section of the website is supported by Mike Linham.