by Trevor Johnson

Synopsis

Three couples Paul and Penelope, Andy and Susie, and Geoffrey and Alice have recently moved into a cul-de-sac on an estate of mock-Georgian houses. Paul and Penelope invite the others to a ‘get-to-know-each-other’ dinner party. From the beginning all six people know, for individual reasons, that there is something unusual about the evening.

Penelope is determined to create the right impression. She is sure invitation cards with gold lettering, vintage champagne, and a chef to cook dinner will say wealth and class sophistication. Paul comes from ‘old money’ so doesn’t need to impress. He does what Penelope tells him but takes opportunities to have a sly ‘dig’ at her when other people are there.

Andy runs his own catering company and thinks he’s God’s gift to women, and immediately flirts with Penelope, something that she pretends not to find flattering. Susie likes jewellery and clothes. She met Andy in the cocktail bar of the 'Club For Gentlemen And Their Friends' where she worked.

Alice teaches psychology at the university. She is worried about leaving her daughter with an inexperienced babysitter. Geoffrey is a professor of chemistry and is normally shy in the company of strangers.

Characters