Ruggles of Red Gap

A witty, first‑person narrator guides us through a single, unforgettable evening in 1915 Paris, where the concerns of a meticulous dandy clash with the chaotic charm of high society. He spends the night perfecting the Honourable George’s attire—tight waistcoats, overly snug collars, and a wildly untamed beard—while offering snappy commentary on the absurdities of aristocratic fashion. Their banter sets a light‑hearted tone that gently mocks the pretensions of the upper class.

The evening takes a turn when George declares he’ll wager a hundred pounds in a fast‑moving American poker game, a gamble that promises both triumph and humiliation. As the narrator watches his friend’s confidence wobble, the arrival of the irascible Earl of Brinstead adds another layer of familial pressure and comic tension. Listeners are invited to share in the nervous anticipation of the first act, where wit, style, and the lure of easy money collide in a delightfully satirical portrait of a bygone era.