Office Suite's main appeal is the casting of Patricia Routledge in this Alan Bennett double bill, first broadcast by the BBC in 1978. The audience on the night I attended, laughed like drains, the minute this gifted actress stepped onto the stage. But you do wonder if they were laughing at the script or the fact they were thought they were seeing 'Hyacinth Bucket' (Bouquet) from the popular sit com Keeping Up Appearances. This was very evident in the second play, Green Forms when Routledge's Doreen answered the phone. Many people in the audience laughed in anticipation of the line: "The Bouquet Residence...lady of the house speaking", which, of course never materalised. With a list of theatre credits as long as your arm, why should it? But , this audience, you sense, wouldn't mind if Routledge gave them a classic line from back in the day, anyway!
A Visit From Miss Protheroe is an incredibly poignant play featuring two lonely characters. Miss Prothero (Routledge) pays her old boss, Mr Dodsworth (Edward Petherbridge) a visit, in order to cheer him up. He is a widower and very proud of all that achieved at Warburtons. As the plot unfolds, you realise that these two have nothing in common. She is all for the new systems and rules and regulations; constantly referring to her new boss. Whereas he is an old fashioned, humble man who just wants to be kept up to date with the whereabouts of 'individuals' at his old work place. The comedy here is subtle and, therefore moving as a result. Both actors acquit themselves very well, especially Petherbridge who holds his own alongside the popular main draw. This lovely play sets you up nicely for the second piece, Green Forms, as it is short, sweet and well written.
Unfortunately, they have saved the worst until last as this dated sit com style play becomes quite wearing after a while. The premise is simple enough. Two colleagues sit idly gossiping, avoiding work at all costs. When the work does come in, they dream up ways in how to avoid doing it. Once their in trays are fit to burst, they decide to tackle the backlog. But they wish they hadn't when they discover that someone senior is about to move into the office. The more they find out about 'Dorothy Binns', the more they fear her.
This should be a clever look at office practice and the fear of redundancy. But it just feels stretched and too televisual to work as a piece of theatre. Not only that but Routledge is miscast, as the character she plays is coquettish, girly and, at times giddy. As talented as this actress is, she cannot carry this off convincingly. The character of Doris; the spinster living with her mother is totally unlikable and unlike the appealing twosome in the first play, displays no vulnerable qualities. 
Overall, this is a pleasant, mildly diverting evening out. If you are a fan of the ever reliable Routledge, there is something quite familiar and cosy about the premise and the gags, which will please you. But, if you are expecting the sophisticated wit of Alan Bennett, this is not his best effort, I'm afraid.
Simon Higlett's set design is superb and really takes you back into the world of the office pre Bill Gates. But ultimately, 'visit' whets your appetite for something far more substantial than 'green forms'. Worth seeing for Miss Protheroe, not the 'staples' and 'drawing pin' humour that follows.
Glenn Meads
Office Suite is currently at the Lowry, Salford until Saturday, 9th June.
www.thelowry.com
For further tour dates, visit www.officesuitetheplay.co.uk
