The After Dinner Joke (1978)
February 14, 1978Release Date
The After Dinner Joke (1978)
February 14, 1978Release Date
Plot.
Where to Watch.
Cast & Crew.
Paula Wilcox
Selby
Richard Vernon
Shanks
Derek Smith
Mayor
Clive Merrison
Dent
Ben Aris
Bruce Wingfield
Philip Sayer
Passenger
Colin Bucksey
Director
Hal Galili
Patient
Caryl Churchill
Writer
Heather Wright
Jenny
Margaret Matheson
Producer
Tom Georgeson
Journalist
Andy Roberts
Composer
Mike Porter
ProductionDesigner
George Innes
Thief
James Bree
Minister
Details.
Wiki.
"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.
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.