Archie Rice is a failure as a comedian. News of his son’s death while on military service arrives as the family is anticipating his return with a party. Archie tries to stage a comeback for his befuddled, has-been father who, mercifully, dies in the attempt. A prosperous brother offers to send the family to Canada but Archie cannot leave the decaying world of the music hall, where he is at home. First performed at the Royal Court Theate, London in 1957 starring Laurence Olivier, Brenda de Banzie, Richard Pasco, George Relph and Dorothy Tutin

Published by Faber

90 pages

Good condition