Act One is set in Loam Hall, the household of Lord Loam. Crichton is his butler. Loam considers the class divisions in British society to be artificial. He promotes his views during tea-parties where servants mingle with his aristocratic guests, to the embarrassment of all. Crichton particularly disapproves, considering the class system to be "the natural outcome of a civilised society".

At the beginning of Act Two, Loam, his family and friends, and Crichton are shipwrecked on a deserted tropical island. The resourceful Crichton is the only one of the party with any practical knowledge.

Act Three reveals the island two years later. Everyone is happy. And then they get rescued.

Act Four (subtitled "The Other Island") is set back at Loam Hall. One character has written a fictional account of the time on the island, which is awkward for everyone. Nobody is really comfortable being “back home”.