Terry Early's announcement that he and Susan Rickworth intend to marry rouses the fury of the formidable Alice, Terry's mother, on account of a previous relationship between her and Reuben Rickworth, Susan's father. Sam Early is caught in the middle of this and his peace of mind – as that of his crony, Joe – is shattered. Alice's sudden demise, following her handling of a faulty electric kettle lent her by the inquisitive neighbour, Mabel, promises a peaceful solution. But Alice as a vengeful ghost is even more formidable than as a living wife and mother. Much drama ensues in which both families – and Mabel – are involved before Alice's ashes can be persuaded to lie quiet in her urn, until Sam is ready to join her.
First produced in 1976
As of 2016 over 300 productions worldwide
Dutch and Russian translations