On a midsummer’s night in Manchester, Tony and Ruth meet at a party in a shabby terrace house. On the floor above, Don and Edie, married fifty years, are having a party of their own: only gradually does its purpose become apparent.
“This is an early stage play from Chris Chibnall, acclaimed for writing TV’s Broadchurch, as well as episodes of Life On Mars and Dr. Who.
It entertainingly eavesdrops on the chat-up lines of Tony on the fringes of a drunken party in Manchester, as he homes in on reluctant Ruth. But, breaking into the early-hours liaison, are neighbours Edie and Don; 50-years married, with a few vigorous moves of their own when it comes to life lessons.
The play has racy and poignant observations on both finding the right squeeze and navigating long-lasting love. As the drinks line up, new meetings are balanced out with farewells, and laughs of recognition dissolve into unexpected tears as dawn breaks.
It’s a sweetly-written piece that is guaranteed to appeal to anyone who’s ever loved, whatever age you are.”
– Peter Fitton