Alan Ayckbourn’s play is a masterpiece, aptly showing why he is considered one of the greatest playwrights of our time. Written and set in the 1960s, before the invention of the mobile phone could ruin the plot, the action centres on three couples entangled in a web of real and illusory love triangles, leading to riotous consequences.

It is Robert Austin as the endearing but blundering, upper-crust husband who plumbs the richest seam of jokes. His good intentions are the cause of the confusion that carries proceedings along. The genius of this production lies not only in its endless wit but in the sophisticated layering of time and place made possible by the fantastic set design. The Steven Joseph Round is transformed simultaneously into the living and dining rooms of two households. It is this theatrical geography which allows for an additional layer of physical comedy and enables the direct juxtaposition of the lives and relationships of the characters. 

A particular highlight of this approach is a dinner party scene where the unfortunate guests, played with nuanced eccentricity by Ian McLarnon and Anna Lowe, are simultaneously subjected to two hilarious dining experiences, on sequential nights. This is only made possible with the aid of a cross shaped table, swivelling chairs and the performers admirable deftness of execution. Such feats of timing are a testament to the all round slickness of a company who are faultless throughout. A delightful and morally ambiguous romp.

Till 29 August 2009