The Norman Conquests

The Norman Conquests is a unique and engaging British comedy television series that was aired in 1977. The series was produced by Acorn Media and penned by the renowned playwright, Alan Ayckbourn. The show follows the incidents revolving around Norman, a charming librarian who manages to stir up drama and chaos in the lives of his relatives and friends over the course of a weekend.

The main charm of the series comes from its nonlinear storytelling. The Norman Conquests is made up of three plays, each showcasing the happenings of the same weekend from a different locale: 'Table Manners' unfolds in the dining room, 'Living Together' takes us to the living room side of the narrative, while 'Round and Round the Garden' provides an outdoor perspective from the garden. This innovative format allows the viewer to piece together the various nuances of the unfolding scenarios, making it an involving viewing experience.

At the heart of all the chaos is Norman, played brilliantly by Tom Conti, the librarian with an insatiable desire for women. He is at once endearing and exasperating with his torrent of words and relentless advances towards the women that surround him. His trysts, misunderstandings, and thwarted attempts at romance serve as the bustling epicentre of the whole series. Beyond just a comedic cornerstone, Norman’s character is layered, complex, and at times, surprisingly poignant.

The series also boasts a strong ensemble cast that complements Conti’s performance. There’s Norman’s estranged wife Ruth (Penelope Keith), a successful but aloof businesswoman who is often oblivious to her husband’s antics. Her brother Reg (Richard Briers) and sister-in-law Sarah (Fiona Walker) also feature prominently, often finding themselves unwillingly entangled in Norman's ploys. Annie, the youngest of the family, portrayed by Penelope Wilton, is refreshingly naive and bears the brunt of her older siblings. Her suitor, Tom, played by David Troughton, completes the central cast.

Each character in The Norman Conquests is moulded with intricacy, wit, and depth, which is highlighted by the smart writing of Ayckbourn. His knack for crafting believable characters and molding humorous yet authentic dialogue ropes the viewers into the whirlwind lives of the characters. The humor in The Norman Conquests is distinctly British - thick with irony, self-deprecation, and farcical situations. However, underneath the laughs, the series also explores themes of loneliness, marital discord, unrequited love, and the chaos and beauty of familial relationships, which bring a balance to the series and endear it to the viewer.

The setting is beautifully crafted and gives off an intensely British, middle-class vibe. With three main locations, the garden, the living room, and the dining room, the space allows for a layered rendering of both the characters and the narratives. True to the time it was created, the series reverberates with 70’s nostalgia from the clothes they wear, to the songs they sing, and the attitudes they bear - all masterfully portrayed to set the right mood and period for the viewers.

Moreover, the direction of the three-part play-turned-series is worthy of attention. Each installment has been directed to perfection, maintaining continuity and seamless transition between the scenarios and locations. The directors have achieved a commendable task of keeping the narrative coherent through the three different perspectives provided by each of the plays, adding intrigue and anticipation for the audience.

Overall, The Norman Conquests is a delightful amalgamation of complex characters, dramatic tangled relationships, and comedic drama, all served with a dose of quintessential British humor and sensibility. Its non-chronological story-telling coupled with Ayckbourn's razor-sharp wit and astute observations make it an engaging watch. It is a testament to Ayckbourn’s prowess as a writer and his clear understanding of the human condition.

While offering hilarious scenarios and comic relief, The Norman Conquests, at its core, is a study of human nature, relationships, and the often-absurd reality of life. Through a weekend of comedy, chaos, and contemplation, the series successfully paints a poignant and relatable picture of middle-class life in the 1970s British society. For those seeking a sophisticated comedy infused with human dramas, The Norman Conquests caters to it all.