In Love with Alma Cogan

Norman has worked at the Pavilion Theatre for forty years and is frustrated by the council’s plan to hand the place over to commercial management. They bring in Eddie Richards to ‘help’ with the winter programming. Eddie and Norman were old friends, but Norman doesn’t trust him. Sandra, Norman’s assistant becomes concerned about Norman. Eddie comes up with comically bizarre programming plans, which Norman vetoes. But Eddie is convinced that an Alma Cogan tribute artist will be a hit. Norman is appalled – he once had an embarrassingly unconsummated one night stand with Alma and it has blighted his life ever since. He eventually agrees to go along with the plan, but during the concert the lifeboat is called out and Norman volunteers. Sandra realises what her anxiety about this escapade indicates, so when Norman returns safely she is thrilled when he announces his retirement. She also resigns and they leave together.