Wife After Death, written by Eric Chappell whose comedy credits include Rising Damp and Duty Free to name but two, is a return to the great tradition of British comedy/farce as only he can do it. I agree with Eric Chappell when he says that light comedy seems to have fallen from favour both in television and the theatre and hopefully this play will help to turn the tide.

The plot revolves around six characters or seven if you count the one present only in a coffin or later on as an urn full of ashes! Dave Thursby’s demise begins a voyage of self-discovery for those closest to him with hilarious results as most of them find that they didn’t know him or each other at all well. As a much-loved and highly successful comedian, he had the statutory trophy wife, loyal agent, and staunch friend in his gag writer, Harvey Barrett played by Tom Conti who also directs. Tom Conti is great in this part, and Harvey’s crumpled northern insouciance and blind hero-worship of Dave is destined to be tested to the limit.

Diane Fletcher, plays Harvey’s plump and long-suffering wife Vi, in the past the butt of some of Dave’s more pedestrian jokes (draw up a couple of chairs and sit down Vi) and she appears to remember him without much affection. But does she?

The day of the funeral brings out the worst in everyone and their professed admiration and love for the dear departed becomes a bit hollow. Royce Mills, a national treasure himself in the world of farce and comedy with a pedigree as long as your arm at this sort of thing, plays Kevin Prewitt, Dave’s agent, spluttering and bumbling and trying to establish his concern is not for the lost client’s 10% but for the loss of Dave himself.

Glamour makes an entrance is the shape of Elizabeth Payne as Kay vying for the wearer of the highest heels with Nina Young as Laura Thursby the trophy wife, modelled on Victoria Beckham I think!

The set is opulent where too much money meets too little taste with gilded pillars, ornate coffee tables and low white leather sofas which suck in and trap the unwary making room for a good old bit of slapstick in between the wit. It’s very funny all round with an excellent cast all doing what they do best - providing a ripping comedy and a thoroughly good night at the theatre.

Jacquie Vowles