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

A Small Summer Party

  • TV sitcom / comedy drama
  • BBC Two
  • 2001
  • 1 episode

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. Stars Rob Brydon, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Steve Coogan, Tim Wylton, Mary Healey and more.

Character guide

Keith Barret

House-husband.   Played by: Rob Brydon

Keith is a devoted husband and father who has given up his job in order to become a full-time house-husband. He adores his, 'two little smashers' Rhys and Alun and is perfectly happy to look after them even when he gets no thanks in return.

Keith is relentlessly upbeat by nature and sees the positive side to any situation. He refuses to accept that his wife could be cheating on him and would prefer to ignore all of the evidence that he is being cuckolded.

Marion Barret

Sales rep.   Played by: Tracy-Ann Oberman

Marion is devoted to her career and works as a sales rep for a bank. She leaves childcaring to her husband and is seen by her children as an imposing, intimidating figure.

Her marriage to Keith occurred while she was grieving for the death of her boyfriend Gary and there is no love left on her side.

Geoffrey Pike

Played by: Steve Coogan

Geoff is Marion's successful colleague and the two of them have forged a close relationship. He shows contempt for Keith and no interest in the children as the two of them continue their longstanding affair.

Nev

Played by: Tim Wylton

As Marion's father, Nev is proud of his daughter and of what she has achieved in her career. He also recognises however, that her marriage is in trouble and tries to warn Keith of what is going on under his nose.

Euros

Played by: Mark Benton

Euros was besotted with Marion when he was younger and is still traumatised that they are not together. He is morose, uncommunicative and silently watches events unfold.

Charles

Played by: Richard Dixon

A neighbour of Marion and Keith's, Charles has only popped around to complain about the noise. Due to Keith's over-politeness though, he is introduced to the entire family and is forced to stay for the entire barbecue.

Ken

Played by: Boyd Clack

Ken is aware that Marion is having an affair and tries to persuade his friend to confront her. Keith refuses and so Ken tries to get Marion to confess herself which results in an angry and violent argument.

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