In this post-Celtic Tiger Ireland comedy of manners, the bankrupt middle classes cling to the civility of social rituals like book clubs. Formerly the last bastion of female exclusivity, husbands are invited to participate in a social experiment that goes disastrously wrong. In this satire the surface veneer of normality is penetrated by resentment, adultery, repression and violence. By the end of the evening, civility has been tenuously re-established and relationships somewhat restored, but it is unlikely that the men will ever be invited to another meeting of the Bookworms.

Play runs from Oct. 23 to Nov. 8. at the Alumnae Theatre, Berkeley St., Toronto.