No information as to the time of the stroke or how long he has been in the hospital was given. However, Ayckbourn told the press "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." The playwright is 66. Ayckbourn is one of England's most prolific dramatists. His dozens of plays include Absurd Person Singular, A Small Family Business, House and Garden, Bedroom Farce and Comic Potential. The first of these was recently revived on Broadway by the Manhattan Theatre Club, which often produces his plays.
He is the artistic director of Stephen Joseph Theatre, which is located in Scarborough. Ayckbourn was knighted in 1997.