When The Birthday Party opened in 1958, Pinter was acclaimed as "the most original, disturbing and arresting talent in London." The play bewildered and puzzled its first audiences, but then went on to dazzle and entertain, establishing itself as a classic of twentieth century theatre.

It is the story of Stanley, an unlikely hero and a strangely compelling victim, who is hidden away in seedy seaside digs somewhere on the southern coast of England. Indulged and mothered by his elderly landlady Meg, Stanley's comfortable retreat is forever changed with the arrival of two unexpected visitors, Goldberg and McCann. They organize a birthday party for the terrified Stanley who insists it is not his birthday.