Gambler journalist fervent alcoholic and fourtimes married Jeffrey Bernard writes the Low Life column for the Spectator magazine chronicling Soho life as well as offering a very personal philosophy on vodka women and racecourses. From this Keith Waterhouse has brilliantly constructed a play the title being the euphemism used by the Spectator when Bernard is incapable of writing his column which is set in the saloon bar of Bernards favourite Soho pub the Coach and Horses. Having passed out in the lavatory Bernard awakes in the early hours of the morning to find himself alone and in the dark. Unable to the landlord he is resigned to spending the rest of the night with a bottle of vodka and an endless chain of cigarettes narrating a story of hilarious anecdotes and witty reminiscences which are enacted by two actors and two actresses who bring to life the various characters who populate Jeff s world. Starring Peter OToole later succeeded by Tom Conti then James Bolam the play enjoyed a hugely successful run at the Apollo Theatre London.