WHEN it originally opened on Broadway in 1988, Neil Simon's crackling farce poked affectionate fun at the cowardly but hilarious self-absorption of New York's political and financial elite.

The characters looked out for themselves at a party in which the host has been shot and the hostess has disappeared.

The themes travelled well. A British edition of the play was published in 1997, transferring the action to London.

It is this version that is so brilliantly presented by director David Stirzaker and a superb cast. Every performance ricocheted around the theatre, as perfectly delivered lines had the first-night audience in stitches.

Catherine Jackson and Gary Cubbage, as the meek Chris Bevans and her pompous, later deafened husband Ken, were both a treat. So too were Stephen Knowles (Ernest) and Edwina Freeman (Cookie), whose good natures are stretched to breaking point.

Donna Nealon, as level-headed, acerbic Claire, dovetails perfectly with the wonderful Geoffrey Millard as the bombastic Len.

There were lovely portraits from Richard Minns as weary, loving Glenn, whose demanding wife Cassie (an excellent Kate Settle) fires constant acid bullets at his perceived failure as a husband.

A class cameo from Mike Jones as PC Conklin, supported by Pam Cranfield, laid the ground for a marvellous twist. A great performance of a comedy classic.

Nigel McFarlane