Chester Little Theatre's latest feature is a full-on flirtatious farce.
From start to finish, the Alan Bennett-penned production rarely lets up from a knowingly titillating showcase of life with the dysfunctional, lust-filled Wicksteeds.
While ageing randy GP Arthur Wicksteed, eloquently played by Malcolm Gledhill, and his wife Muriel (Marian Newman giving an imposing performance) are certainly not shy in coming forward, it takes just a little coaxing for hypochondriac son Dennis (Dan Ellis) and Arthur's sister Constance (Julie Blagrove) to come out of their shells.
The fast-paced show, effectively compered by housekeeper Mrs Swabb (Sally Dillon), leaves most of the male cast caught with their trousers down, marriage proposals scattered like confetti, and Bennett's witty innuendos and speeches delivered with fantastic timing from the cast.
Andy Hutchings shines as the repressed Canon Throbbing, whose advances on Constance remain as charming as they are ineffective.
Mark Newman, similarly, gives a commanding performance as "president of the BMA" Sir Percy Shorter.
Overtall, it's a fascinating play which isn't afraid to get its hands dirty, and the team at Chester Little Theatre have worked their magic in bringing it to the stage.
Chester Little Theatre is hosting an open audition for upcoming Shakespeare production A Midsummer Night's Dream. An introduction event will be held at the theatre on Tuesday, July 14 at 8pm, with auditions taking place on Thursday and Friday, July 16-17, at 7.30pm. The play will be performed from November 14-22.
