Review: Habeas Corpus, at the Festival Theatre, Malvern (until Saturday)

IT'S delicious, it's delightful, it's Alan Bennett in a real saucy postcard mood - no wonder it's one of the most popular comedies by this master of muse and wit.

More farce than his usual gentle comedic fare, it has all manner of elements for a successful and traditional farce. There are mistaken identities, various themes and twists, all inter-twined with Bennett's brilliant descriptive flair and eye for life's unusual characteristics.

James Fleet, well known as Hugo in the exceptional Vicar of Dibley television series, is well cast and in outstanding form as Dr Wicksteed - a middle aged GP with somewhat considerable extra marital interests.

A good cast all round who make the most of their roles and helped make Monday considerably more manageable and bearable. VRW