We find ourselves witness to two key locations, artfully portrayed via a split-level set concocted by Ashley Martin-Davis: the dimly lit dive bar where gamers gather around a poker table and the classy, daylight-filled office of Dr Margaret Ford. Played self-assuredly by Lisa Dillon, Margaret is a high-profile psychologist and bestselling author. Her devoted PA Kathleen (Joanna Brookes), a sympathetic and reassuring presence, shows in the young and desperate Billy (Oscar Lloyd), a gambling addict who’s terrified of the mob he owes £25k.
After revealing the threats he’s received from bolshie bar owner Mike (Richard Harrington) and his cronies, Margaret makes the unwise decision to follow him to the eponymous bar, House of Games. Her bestselling book was about addictive behaviour and, who knows, perhaps she’ll get some killer content from this excursion.
