What happens when two sets of parents gather together to sort out their sons’ banal playground confrontation? One would expect a composed, temperate and tolerant discussion  as befits well-mannered people. But as the couples sip espressos, nibble pastries and admire art books, cracks in the friendliness are evident from the start. As attitudes to politics, work, money, ethics and, not to forget, hamsters are revealed, the cracks turn into vast crevasses of disagreement, not only between the two couples, but between husbands and wives.

With diabolical humour, Yasmina Reza blurs the very thin line between civilisation and savage instincts. Boys will be boys, but adults are usually worse –much worse