Nikolai Foster’s crisp and lively production of Noel Coward’s comedy of bad manners is a theatrical delight with a cast that demonstrates ensemble playing at its best.

Although it was originally written in 1922, the play does not show its age, remaining witty and, at times, hysterically funny.

Set in the country home of Judith Bliss, a renowned actress, and husband David, an equally successful writer, their Bohemian lifestyle is echoed by their precocious and spoilt offspring, Sorel and Simon.

The action takes place over a weekend when they all invite a guest down without advising the others. The chagrin caused by this inconsideration leads to each family member either ignoring or being extremely rude to the other guests.

Further discomfort is caused when romantic overtures are made to different members of the family that are not their original partners. These bizarre couplings make for some of the funniest scenes.

Diana Rigg returns to Chichester to play Judith, a part she is more at ease with this season and one that shows off her talent for comedy.

She is at her best in the second act when she unleashes the character’s love of melodrama as the romantic shenanigans of the evening unfurl.

Every actor gives an outstanding performance but two give particular pleasure.

Natalie Walter shines as a gauche, slightly dim young thing forever sliding into deportment pose, whilst Guy Henry excels in his droll playing. The wordless comic interplay between them is priceless.

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