POPULAR actress Stephanie Cole proved a splendid Mrs Malaprop in this delightful play exploring life among the "upper classes" in 18th century Bath.

Her many malapropisms in the play were superbly delivered and I sometimes found myself missing one because I was still laughing so much at the last one.

George Baxter as Sir Anthony Absolute had good stage presence and I loved his verbal attacks on his son which revealed the major preoccupation of the 18tn century was to marry off their children well, at any cost.

Love is at the centre of the plot and Nicholas Boulton as Captain Jack Absolute was both funny and touching in his portrayal of the cavalier officer who won't do as his father says until his plotting and intrigue comes back to haunt him.

His lover Lydia was played by Jasmine Hyde and she was really realistic in her portrayal of a Victorian lady finding love but being thwarted by her protective aunt, Mrs Malaprop. She really made me feel we were in the 18th century.

Ian Midlane as Bob Acres, the country man trying to make his way into city life, brought plenty of humour to the play and his dressing up scene was a delight to watch.

Martin Chamberlain as Thomas, Matthew Cullum as Fag and Daisy Ashford as Lucy played the "lower classes" and added to the period feel of the play with them often knowing far more about affairs of the heart than their supposed betters and doing better out of them.

The simple set with a backdrop of the famous crescent in Bath worked well and allowed scene changes to be made quickly and easily.

The opening night played to a packed audience so book your tickets now if you want to see it.

AG