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The grand settings of Lancaster House seem familiar – they very possibly are to film-watchers.

It has been used for location shots in the mystery adventure film National Treasure: Book of Secrets, The Young Victoria, The King’s Speech (see, you’ve heard of that one), Downton Abbey, The Crown and, most prophetically for Theresa May’s speech, The Importance of Being Earnest.

The Prime Minister was indeed very earnest indeed. And, as per the desire of Wilde’s characters to escape burdensome social obligations, Mrs May was keen to shake off troublesome European obligations such as freedom of movement.

For that was what underpinned this speech. Under the watchful painted eyes of King George III, she admitted the key demand of her forthcoming negotiations.

“We will continue to attract the brightest and the best to work or study in Britain – indeed openness to international talent must remain one of this country’s most distinctive assets – but that process must be managed properly so that our immigration system serves the national interest. So we will get control of the number of people coming to Britain from the EU.”

Critics will look at the PM, dressed in what looked like the Black Watch tartan, and see cake both being had and eaten.

To mix pastry-based metaphors, pie floated high in the sky when it came to Scotland.

May rejected the two Brexit options put forward by Nicola Sturgeon late last year then, with the poker face of a pro, suggested her views were valued and would be listened to.

It was following the plot of your most formulaic film, allowing the FM to play the part of the plucky underdog demanding her say.

All that’s left is for viewers to find out how this one ends.