Overview

This taut and cleverly constructed drama from the acclaimed Welsh playwright affords a sensitive overview of marriage. Marcia and Ralph are preparing to celebrate their fortieth anniversary with a grand family party. Ralph has opened a bottle of champagne while Marcia reflects on their years together, years of suffocating loneliness and frustration in a loveless marriage. She and Ralph as they were when they were young and full of hope are conjured from her memories. As the hour for the party draws near, she relives the years of self deception, lies and infidelities and her anger boils over. She and Ralph fight and she resolves to leave. But forty years is a long time, and Ralph lets slip news that shocks Marcia. The lie is buried again and they celebrate their ruby anniversary.