The first major revival for 50 years of Peter Shaffer’s two bitter-sweet one-act plays deserved a much bigger audience at Devonshire Park Theatre on Monday to enjoy the pathos in The Private Ear and hilarity in The Public Eye.

Superb performances by Rupert Hill, Steven Blakeley, Jasper Britton and Siobhan O’Kelly, the skilful direction of Alastair Whatley and a magical total scene change of Hayley Grindle’s excellent set added greatly to the entertainment.

In The Private Ear, the reclusive, shy Bob (Blakely) asks his cocky friend Ted (perfectly played by Hill) to come to his bedsit to cook dinner for him and his date Doreen (O’Kelly). It is rather predictable and drawn out – but nevertheless engaging and poignant.

There is tenderness and humour in the love duet from Madam Butterfly as Bob gets so carried away by the music he fails to seize his moment with Doreen.

In contrast, The Public Eye serves up surprises as accountant Charles (Britton) is given a report by the private detective (Blakeley) he has hired to follow his young wife Belinda who he suspects of adultery.

Britton and Blakely bounce off each other brilliantly as the pompous accountant and eccentric private eye.