EXCELLENT casting ensures the success of Shaw's wickedly amusing assessment of a marriage.

Reverend James Morrell (Ian Targett) is suitably smug until his comfortable world is shaken by the poet, Eugene Marchbanks.

The scenes where Morrell physically grapples with Marchbanks, a beautifully judged performance by Ifan Meredith, are both startling in their intensity and immensely funny.

Francesca Ryan as Candida Morrell, loved by her husband and the poet, has the difficult task of making her character strong-minded and sensible without being a bore.

Shaw's advice to his first leading lady in the role was that the character should have 10 indispensable qualities, all of them "dignity".

Ryan achieves this with style and adopts the appropriate mix of condescension and affection for her two "boys". The final scene where she makes her choice between her husband and would-be lover is both moving and believable.

Brian Rawlinson is a joy as Candida's rough diamond of a father, Mr Burgess. He is at his funniest when adopting his "posh" voice for people he perceives as his "betters."

Completing this talented cast are Anne Hornby (Proserpine Garnett) and Martin Parr (Reverend Alexander Mill), both of whom make engaging and convincing drunks.

Guest director Joanna Read has done a splendid job in bringing out all the humour in the play while losing none of Shaw's acidness in contrasting the social consciences epitomised by the clergyman and the poetic flights of fancy indulged in by the poet.

Designer Jocelyn Meall has created a stunning set dominated by a massive illuminated image on a suspended ceiling. Costumes are delightful.

Candida was a huge public success when it was first staged in 1904. This Octagon production makes us understand why. Doreen Crowther

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