Anthony Sharp

Above All Others Anthony Sharp

'Above All Others' - the sequel to 'My Beautiful Richard' takes up the story from the New York flat of Catherine Bernini whose 'wedding' was so dramatically aborted by her irate father Bill Bernini - incensed with the idea of his beautiful daughter marrying a "diseased ass-hole".



But next morning, plans are laid for Catherine and Richard to take up residence in London where they can marry unmolested and nurture their burgeoning TV careers as young actors. Richard is 'over the moon' he'll be returning to England, not only to marry Catherine and raise a family, but to continue his love-affair with Paul Adams whom he never really leaves. Catherine buys a house in Holland Park - next door to her own lover, Madeleine, already a successful TV producer.



As the story unfolds, the 60s give way to the outrageous 70s - a decade seemingly made for the quartet of friends, Catherine and Madeleine, Richard and Paul, and time rushes by - heading for the more serious 80s, with the AIDS scare occupying the minds of otherwise liberal-minded folk. A close friend of Paul dies of the disease in New York, spurring Paul and Richard each to take a test for the virus. Clearly relieved the results are negative, they remember those who weren't so lucky, and vow to 'rein in the horns'.



What would it take to precipitate Richard's return to Paul - to the little flat in the square - so that they can be together for ever?