THIS piece was described by author W Somerset Maugham as a farce, though it also contains subtle comment, irony and satire.
The modern eye might also detect traces of misogyny in the text. It deals with self-obsessed Victoria, who has married her dead husband's best friend only to find, some years later, that he is not dead at all - leaving her with two husbands she doesn't really want, neither of whom want her.
Director Barry Hall has wisely taken Maugham at his word, though, and delivered a frantic, literate comic masterpiece that has echoes of Feydeau's physical burlesque.
The three main performances, from Helen Price Aindow, Paul Walker and Connor O'Beirne, are all from the top drawer. Aindow's histrionic, vain Victoria runs the show, with perfect comic timing and a portrait that is larger than life but never overbearing.
As the two husbands, Walker and O'Beirne share a perfect verbal and physical chemistry. Their dialogue crackles, while their immaculately choreographed grapples would take your breath away - if you hadn't already used it up by laughing. Both actors are brilliant.
There are also superb performances from Ernest Dawson, Rita Mayoh, Susan Coutts and Michael Tatman, whose solicitor oozes oily, good-natured, but chilling cynicism.
With excellent support from Nina Faulkner, Donna Nealon and John Towers, this priceless show, with wonderful sets and costumes, has set a very high standard for the forthcoming season.
Home and Beauty
Bolton Little Theatre
Until September 18
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