Soldiering on, that's what widowed Muriel will need to do - now that Ralph's cardio system has succumbed to all those tasty breakfasts and calorie-rich dinners (not a salad man, was Ralph). But certainly a remarkable man, very good with money, but also participating splendidly in several worthy causes and organizations. A pillar of society.
Alan Bennett plunges with gusto into the rich texture of do-gooder charity and energetic altruism - the earnest benevolence and helpfulness that has rushed in to fill the gaps in Britain's welfare state left by the barbarian demolition crew.
Muriel is resilient, resourceful, self-reliant. Lots of people will be coming round to the house after the funeral, so she's been up half the night cooking some toothsome treats for them to nibble on. It's just a catalogue of food, but Harriet Walter delivers her menu (along with everything else she does) with such relish that the audience is entranced.
Soldier on, old girl, soldier on. But you really could use one of those technically gifted chaps who deactivate booby traps and unexploded munitions - because the malicious Mr Bennett has inserted a few into this exercise in high comedy.
