We soon meet Buttons (Rufus Hound) in sparkling, improvising, stand up form who has us all laughing with brilliant and original innuendo and improvisation. So charming is Rufus Hound that he has schooled the whole audience to shout "Fuck the Tories!" on his every entrance.
Superbly directed by Kath Burlinson, this is a masterclass in acting and characterisation. The play starts with the actor switching posture to play both women but varies with a recording of just the mother's voice so we can see all of the daughter's reactions to her mother's words. Later with clever editing, a split screen allows us to see and hear both mother and daughter at once.
The result of Howerd's lack of confidence in his sexuality is that his relationship with Dennis was hidden, even from Howerd's own sister and his presence explained as chauffeur, manager or the ultimate put down, "That's Dennis. He's nobody."