by Simon Woods

Robin Hesketh, Tory MP and junior minister, returns to his country house looking forward to a restful weekend, only to find a fox digging up his lawn and his wife digging up the past. 1988. It’s a year into Margaret Thatcher’s third term as PM and her government has just passed Section 28, forbidding schools and local authorities from “promoting the acceptability of homosexuality”.

Robin and Diana’s marriage has become increasingly rocky over the years, and the acerbic exchange that ensues, as amusing as it is disturbing, is nothing new to them. But today Diana is particularly incensed by Robin’s support for this legislation. Coupled with her suspicions of his infidelity, she is determined to have the issue out, despite Robin’s distinct reluctance to go down that particular track.

From bitingly witty to tenderly honest, from satirical to brutal, this is at heart a very human story, inexorably driving its way to a devastating conclusion. But perhaps from the ruins that are left, there is hope for healing to begin…

This amateur production of "Hansard" is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk.