This television play takes the simple but brilliant premise of showing an evening in a restaurant and allowing the viewer to dip into the lives of everybody present. The people dining there are all in different situations, such as the young pair on an awkward first date, the small group on their works' night out, the older couple supposedly out to enjoy a social occasion but still trapped in one another's company, and, of course, the 'three's a crowd' set-up. Things are also eventful behind the scenes in the kitchen area, and even the customers who have to be turned away when the restaurant is full up are given some air time. There's also some marvellous bitching in the Ladies' washroom.
Not everybody is quite what they initially seem to be, and this comic drama scripted by the late great Jack Rosenthal keeps the viewer thoroughly absorbed as events gradually unfold. There are plenty of well-known faces from 1970s British television within the cast.
The result is quite delightful with some great dialogue and plot twists. Had this been a BBC production it probably would have enjoyed many repeats and become as legendary as Abigail's Party. But it was made by Yorkshire TV and has had little exposure since the decade that spawned it, so thank goodness Network DVD made it available as it really is television gold.
