Comfy comedy hits all the right spots

YOU almost always know what you are getting with an Alan Ayckbourn comedy.

After all, there have been plenty of them and he usually sticks to his tried and trusted formula.

It’s one that has served him well over the years, probably more than he or I would care to count, and as they have steadily rolled off the production line they have featured a number of outstanding offerings.

Relatively Speaking is one that falls into this category. It’s an absolute humdinger among comedy plays with its mischievous mix-ups and mistaken identities. Just pop in the perfect ingredients of two top class actors and excellent support to make the most of Ayckbourn’s splendid script and it’s a night at the theatre to savour.

I have it on good authority that the author actually got to see this touring production during the Sheffield leg of its UK tour and was mightily impressed - saying it had been one of the best offerings of his work he had ever seen.

High praise and fully deserved by the cast of four featuring Robert Powell and Liza Goddard, along with Antony Eden and Lindsey Campbell.

Veteran Powell, still renowned and revered for his film portrayal of Jesus Christ back in the midst of time, has earned himself handsome tributes for his comedy prowess in more recent years and here he is again hitting the high-spots with his timing and ease of performance.

Liza Goddard has a comedy pedigree too and it shows. And the pair are a perfect mix - just like the tea and scones they might have enjoyed on the patio of their country home but for the uninvited interruption of a complete stranger who believes he knows them.

Antony Eden has the knack too and looks set for a fruitful career.

The construction of this play is just about perfect with its manipulation of moments and and objects, from the steady start right through to a most accomplished and amusing finale.

Just like the pair of slippers which figure prominently this is a play you will always feel totally comfortable in.