It opened at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford on 2 April 1996 with the following cast (in order of appearance): Ralph is a successful screenwriter, charming, cantankerous, rude and a bully; in his time an avid womaniser and completely selfish.
Now in his seventies and terminally ill, he has two final missions: to be reconciled to his long-abandoned son Michael and secretly to ensure he is not a burden to his younger, devoted and second wife Anna as he goes "into that good night".
Directed by Edward Hall (his first commercial tour), set designed by Michael Pavalka and lighting by Robert Bryan, critics at the time regarded the play as Crisps' finest work and both the production and performances received ecstatic reviews: "This is a brave and profound play, mixing comedy and philosophy.
A thought-provoking play that doesn't settle for any soft options and which shows a master storyteller at the pinnacle of his powers.
A glorious production, with a set worthy of an HM Tennent play and a cast to match and easily the most moving performance Sinden has given for many years."