A Small Summer Party. Image shows from L to R: Keith Barret (Rob Brydon), Marion Barret (Tracy-Ann Oberman), Geoffrey Pike (Steve Coogan). Image credit: Baby Cow Productions.

A Small Summer Party
A Small Summer Party. Image shows from L to R: Keith Barret (Rob Brydon), Marion Barret (Tracy-Ann Oberman), Geoffrey Pike (Steve Coogan). Image credit: Baby Cow Productions.

A Small Summer Party

Keith Barret is blissfully happy living with his wife Marion and his two sons. He is completely unaware that his whole world is about to fall apart

Genre:
Sitcom
Broadcast:
2001  (BBC Two)
Episodes:
1
Starring:
Rob Brydon, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Steve Coogan, Tim Wylton, Mary Healey, Shirley King, Mark Benton, Richard Dixon, Amanda Root, Boyd Clack, Mike Hayward
Writers:
Rob Brydon, Hugo Blick
Production:
Baby Cow Productions

A Small Summer Party's action takes place over one Summer day as Keith Barret prepares to host a barbecue at his home to celebrate his wife's success at work. On the surface, Keith appears in control of things as he prepares the food, buys alcohol and greets guests as they arrive. Deep down however, he is aware that his marriage is unravelling and he is powerless to stop it.

Our Review: A Small Summer Party is a fly on the wall documentary featuring the character Keith Barret who simultaneously appeared in the show Marion and Geoff. In that series Keith had narrated how his marriage had broken down and here, for the first time, viewers get a chance to actually see what took place.

The comedy in this spin-off is nuanced and subtle and aided by sensitive direction and naturalistic performances. The downbeat nature of the storyline dictates that pathos is often preferred to humour but this is handled expertly by the director. This special will not be to everybody's tastes but for fans of Marion and Geoff it is highly recommended.