The Admirable Crichton By JM Barrie

Lord Loam is a somewhat unusual example of the aristocracy. Believing the divisions in British society to be entirely artificial, he enjoys subverting the norm during monthly tea-parties at Loam Hall, forcing his three rather superior daughters and his well-to-do guests to mingle with the servants as equals - to everyone's profound embarrassment.

His butler, Crichton, who espouses altogether more traditional views, is naturally appalled by his master's radical opinions. For Crichton, there is a natural order to things in the life of a stately home, which should never be upset. For Crichton, there must always be masters and there must always be servants.

But what if the circumstances were to change?

When disaster strikes during a tropical cruise, the Loam family are marooned on a desert island with a group of friends and servants – including, of course, Crichton – and survival becomes the name of the game. In such a desperate situation, strong leadership is needed. And, in time, a leader does indeed emerge. But not, perhaps, the one that was expected...