Written by Peter Ustinov, the play is a comic spoof of the Cold War. Set in the small mythical mid-European country of Concordia; which both the United States and the Soviet Union, want as an ally. Russia's ambassador, a member of the Romanoff family, has a son Igor who falls in love with Juliet, the daughter of the US diplomat. The two opposing families, one communist, the other capitalist, represent the warring Capulets and Montagues of Romeo and Juliet.

The play premiered in Manchester, England on 2 April 1956 and Peter Ustinov was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play and Best Actor.

In 1961 Ustinov directed and starred in the film adaptation of the play.