Gladly otherwise

N. F. Simpson led the twentieth-century British absurdist movement. 'Gladly Otherwise' is a short early sketch, first performed as part of the revue 'One to Another' at the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith in 1959. It takes place in a suburban home occupied by a couple; while the husband hides in a corner, his wife is assailed by an officious-looking man, complete with rolled umbrella and bowler hat. It is unclear as to exactly who this suggestive handle fetishist might be, but he happily takes over the Brandywines' home, inspecting their gadgets while barely suppressing his accusatory tone throughout.