The Short Reign of Pippin IV is a light-hearted political satire that tells the story of a genial Frenchman and his wife, who are suddenly thrust on to the throne of France. The newly-appointed royals, however, are not wholly suited to governing the unruly French: Pippin's wife Marie is more suited to 'the bar of a very good restaurant' than Versailles; their glamour-struck daughter is in love with Tod, son of Petaluma's egg king; his unlce Charlie is not above the odd swindle; and their court is an ill-assorted band of courtiers, politicians, guards and gardeners. France is ripe for revolution.
