COCKTAIL STICKS

SATURDAY, 3PM, RADIO 4

‘Alan, what are cocktails?’ Alan Bennett’s mum has been reading Woman’s Own and has seen an article about throwing a cocktail party. Inspired by the idea of serving her friends tiny sandwiches and sausages on sticks, she asks Alan for advice and wonders if Ribena would count as a cocktail. This affectionate comedy drama, written by Alan and starring Alex Jennings and Gabrielle Lloyd, begins with his mum’s yearning to hold the party, then details her surprise when she does finally have one and finds that it is not at all what she expected. A play of genuine, kindly charm.