Peter Nichols’s rip-roaring yet dark comedy, set in 1948, features an entertainment troupe touring South-East Asia, bringing light relief and a morale boost to the young soldiers still fighting there – think It Ain’t Half Hot Mum.

The play is based on Nichols’ own National Service experience entertaining the troops.

It stars Jason Sutton, shedding his famous alter-ego Miss Jason and emerging as camp, cross-dressing acting captain Terri Dennis. Sutton is excellent both as a “straight” actor and for his impersonations of Marlene Dietrich, Vera Lynn, Carmen Miranda and Noël Coward.

He receives excellent support from the rest of the cast, especially Eric Potts as Major Flack, who gives a masterclass in playing comedy.

There is also a fine performance from Samuel Holmes as he makes the transition from an idealistic virgin to selfish cad. He too excels in the comedy stakes – his droll performance with a pair of maracas is a scene stealer.

While the show is full of hilarity, there are moments of poignancy – a Flanagan and Allen number becomes a love duet between the two men.

Harveen Mann captures the wistfulness of the Anglo-Indian Sylvia who dreams of getting to England to see her Welsh Granny.