I CONFESS I am a bit of a purist when it comes to Shakespeare. I don't like anyone messing with the Bard.

The media handouts for the Octagon's Twelfth Night production, which kicked off their Winter season, talked about setting this, one of the funniest comedies, in an ex-pat community in the early part of the 20th century on the hot sultry island called Illyria.

As I said, don't mess with a genius.

But I have to admit director Mark Babych pulled it off - with his own stroke of genius.

After a while the "modern" costumes faded into the background as the superb cast took the audience through the 17th century equivalent of a Brian Rix farce.

The tale of "drowned' twins, cross-dressing, mistaken identity and amorous advances was brilliant.

Meticulous manservant Malvolio, played by Michael Mears was a Basil Fawlty come Jeeves gone bonkers. The play is worth seeing if just for the sight of him in cross-gartered yellow stockings!

One of the characters who stole the play was Sir Andrew Aguecheek, played in Crocodile Dundee Aussie accent by Paul Trussell who had a distinct look of one of the characters from the cult TV hit "The Young Ones".

Debra Penny played maid Maria with a hint of Julie Walters, who with Matthew Rixon as the lecherous, drunken Sir Toby Belch, and Michael O'Connor as Feste the fool, prised out every last laugh from this cracking play.

Don't miss this offering at the Octagon, but be prepared, it is a long play!

Twelfth Night, the Octagon Theatre, Bolton, runs until October 16