In this witty one-act play set in a British girls' school staff room, tensions rise when an inspector from the Board of Education makes a surprise visit. The teachers scramble to prepare themselves and their students as the formidable Mr. Woodington Smith silently observes lessons.

However, games mistress Miss Boyd recognizes him as a former patient and calls him by his old nickname, "Biffie," much to the shock of her colleagues. When Smith asks Boyd out to lunch, bypassing the dreaded "tombstone" pastry being served at school, it creates further chaos among the staff.