Alphabetical Order is a comedy set in a provincial newspaper office in the 1970s. Another day of chaos in the cuttings library; files all over the floor, phones left ringing. And where is Lucy, the librarian? Her life – when she finally arrives – and the lives of the journalists who take refuge in her muddled retreat, turn out to be as confused as the library itself. Into this comfortable little world steps Lesley, Lucy’s new assistant. She is young, bright and she wants system and order. She wants things to change.

Imogen Stubbs, who leads the cast of Alphabetical Order as Lucy, is best known for her screen appearances in productions such as Jack And Sarah, Sense And Sensibility and Twelfth Night, though her stage credits include Hamlet (Old Vic), The Relapse, Betrayal (both National Theatre) and A Streetcar Named Desire (Theatre Royal Haymarket).

Ian Talbot, who plays Geoffrey in Alphabetical Order, was formerly the Artistic Director of the Open Air theatre, a post he held for 20 years. Since leaving the Regent’s Park venue he has played Wilbur opposite Michael Ball in hit musical Hairspray.

Chloe Newsome, who plays office newcomer Lesley, is most recognisable as Coronation Street’s Vicky MacDonald.

Alphabetical Order was first produced at the Hampstead theatre in March 1975. It transferred to the West End and won the Evening Standard Award for Best Comedy.

For more about Alphabetical Order at the Hampstead theatre, read the First Night Feature.