Play For Today: The After Dinner Joke (BBC-1 14 Feb 1978, Paula Wilcox, Richard Vernon)

Comedy drama The After Dinner Joke was a very on the money glimpse into the world of charity, Selby a secretary begins working for the charity division of a company and is determined to “do good” however she soon finds that charitable work has little to do with charity. Filmed in quite scattergun style at times the drama proves itself to be remarkably prescient.

production details
UK / BBC One / 1×65 minute episodes / Broadcast 14 February 1978

Writer: Caryl Churchill / Producer: Margaret Matheson / Director: Colin Bucksey

Series: Play For Today / Season 8 Episode 16

classic quote
“Isn’t that a bit political?”

cast
Paula Wilcox as Selby
Richard Vernon as Shanks
Clive Merrison as Dent
Derek Smith as Mayor
Ben Aris as Bruce Wingfield
Philip Sayer as Passenger
Hal Galili as Patient
Heather Wright as Girl
Tom Georgeson as Journalist
George Innes as Thief
James Bree as Minister
Sheila Brennan as Celebrity
Patricia Lawrence as Knitted Hat Lady
Sandy Ratcliff as Mum
Julia McCarthy as Upper-Class Woman
Stella Moray as Woman With Catalogue
Peter Blake as Pop Star
Raymond Francis as Tea Manager
Lee Walker as Collector
Richard Aylen as Man in Pub
Saeed Jaffrey as Merchant
Ishaq Bux as Sheikh
Luke Hanson as Cowboy

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