History, mystery and a barrel load of bitchery. (Think Maupin meets Mapp & Lucia, or Less meets Schitt's Creek) The second instalment in The Brightonians Trilogy continues the story of warring socialites – this time navigating the bonkersness of the first National Lockdown. On a broader level, it's about how resourceful people can be when they feel they are being attacked. Under siege you might say!

Beginning in 2020 with an ominous card-reading that the fortune-teller hasn't had since the mid-80s, one question preys on his mind. Could this coronavirus he's heard about be as devastating as AIDS? Only time will tell. But as countries around the world close their borders and people are told to stay at home, our fabulously flawed socialites become transfixed by the magic behind the Saxon symbols on which the fortune-teller's cards are based. Deprived of their usual battlegrounds of parties and social events, they take to the internet – and the occasional illegal gathering – in a race to capitalise on this ancient magic. And if that means dabbling in the dark arts, so be it.

Peppered with flashbacks to the hedonistic 80s, before the arrival of that 'other' pandemic and the darker period ushered in as a result, The BrightoniansUnder Siege explores how differently the world responded to both viruses. Yet far from being a sad tale, it is a joyously, funny story. Perhaps not surprising when the narrator is a 73-year-old ex-porn star turned drag queen, keen to reminisce about outrageous gay discos and leather fetish clubs!

At a time of unprecedented crisis, the stakes couldn't be higher. What answers might the symbols offer in the fight against the new virus? And more importantly, who will be victorious in the battle for control of this most colourful of social circles?

Too soon to revisit lockdown? Not on your nelly. Cut yourself a slice of banana bread and let the socially distanced party begin.