The After-Dinner Joke
"The After-Dinner Joke" is the 17th episode of eighth season of the British BBC anthology TV series Play for Today. The episode was a television play that was originally broadcast on 14 February 1978. "The After-Dinner Joke" was written by Caryl Churchill, directed by Colin Bucksey, produced by Margaret Matheson, and starred Paula Wilcox.
| "The After-Dinner Joke" | |
|---|---|
| Play for Today episode | |
| Episode no. | Series 8 Episode 17 |
| Directed by | Colin Bucksey |
| Written by | Caryl Churchill |
| Produced by | Margaret Matheson |
| Original air date | 14 February 1978 |
Unfolding through a sequence of 66 short, episodic scenes and utilising many characters, the drama explores the politics of charity through the story of a young woman called Selby who wants "to do good." As a charity worker, she studiously avoids becoming embroiled in political issues, only to discover during the course of the action that this is impossible. "There's something political about everything," a local Mayor assures her.
It has also been produced for the stage, including a major revival at the Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond, London, directed by Sophie Boyce in May 2014.[1]
Cast
- Paula Wilcox as Selby
- Richard Vernon as Price
- Clive Merrison as Dent
- Derek Smith as the Mayor
References
Sources
- Churchill, Caryl. 1990. Shorts. London: Nick Hern Books. ISBN 978-1-85459-085-5.