From writing two plays timed to run simultaneously to another with 16 possible endings, Alan Ayckbourn has always loved throwing curve balls at actors and directors.

The Rose Theatre is the latest venue to take up the Ayckbourn challenge with a revival of Bedroom Farce that opens at the Kingston venue today.

Bedroom Farce is a typical example of the playwright's work. The set-up is as confusing as ever with a cast of four couples navigating a stage consisting of only three bedrooms and the subject matter sees Ayckbourn stick to familiar themes as he shines a light on the marriages of suburban middle Englanders through fast-paced comic shenanigans.

Yet one of the stars of the show, Jane Asher, says that despite all of the elaborate set-ups and farcical goings on Ayckbourn's plays are not to be taken lightly.

“Like all comedy you have to take it seriously – it sounds like a cliché but it is true,” she says. “I've done three other Ayckbourn plays that he has directed himself and he told me once about an interview he did when he was asked why he didn't write any serious plays.

“He told the interviewer that all of his plays are serious and he meant it. If you get a few laughs along the way, great, but all of his plays are rooted in reality.”

“I think Ayckbourn's work is similar to Dickens in that the characters are caricatured and heightened but beneath that there is terrific insight into how we behave and the way we all are.”

Ayckbourn has been a firm box office favourite for many years with his sharp but comic observations striking a chord with middle class theatregoers and Asher is hopeful Bedroom Farce will prove to be a hit.

“It's dangerous to say it will go well at the box office but people love to have a good time and this is a wonderfully entertaining play on whatever level you take it on,” she adds. “It makes for a very jolly evening even while spotting the terrible thing we do to each other in relationships.

The production is directed by the Rose's director emeritus Sir Peter Hall and Asher says she is delighted to be making her debut at the theatre.

“I've seen productions here and I love it,” she says. “I can't wait to act on the stage. Kingston is terrific and I'm really enjoying walking around the market square and eating lunch on the terrace by the river.”

The show is running in repertory with a revival of Strindberg's Miss Julie as part of the Rose's Behind Close Doors season but as Asher is only appearing in Bedroom Farce she says has had an easier run of rehearsals than some of her fellow company members.

“It's been better for some of us with half-day rehearsals,” she adds. “I've just finished a rehearsal and said goodbye to poor Rachel [Pickup] who has to go and practise being raped and pillaged in Miss Julie. I've always loved rep and I think its a great idea as audiences love seeing actors playing completely different roles.”

Bedroom Farce and Miss Julie, Rose Theatre, Kingston, November 28, for more information and to book, visit rosetheatrekingston.org