A CHANCE to see this psychological drama before it starts its West End run was not to be missed, especially with stage legend Ian Richardson CBE taking the leading role.

Forty years ago, this play by Pauline Macaulay was staged at St. Martin's in London but has not been revived since.

And it is hard to know why the play has not graced a stage for so long because it proved to be an enthralling drama that had everyone guessing in the interval over what would happen next and I, for one, was way off the mark.

Richardson has tremendous stage presence as the eccentric millionaire bachelor who advertises for a male companion and gets more than he bargained for.

His previous companion, the rather camp Michel (Alan Cox) leaves under somewhat of a cloud but comes back to haunt his old boss. Cox is splendid in this role and a perfect foil for his replacement Maurice (Oliver Dimsdale), who is brilliant as an opportunist salesman.

Holmes (Harry Towb) was excellent as the ageing family retainer, wheeling in afternoon tea.

The period set, centred on a beautifully furnished lounge overlooking a creeper-clad garden - hence the play's title - brought gasps from the audience as soon as the curtain rose as did the surprising ending.

Don't miss it.

AG