First performed at Eye almost a decade ago and a popular choice for local amateur groups, Ayckbourn's classic comedy still draws laughs.

By JANET CHAMBERS

First performed at Eye almost a decade ago and a popular choice for local amateur groups, Ayckbourn's classic comedy Relatively Speaking still draws laughs.

Like many of the popular playwright's plots the story is based on misunderstandings, confused identities and marital mix-ups.

Set in the swinging Sixties the play opens in Ginny's flat where boyfriend Greg startles the audience emerging from the bed to answer the phone. His girlfriend enters dressed in her underwear. The couple alternate between passionate embraces and a lovers' tiff, compounded by Greg suspecting Ginny of being unfaithful. He follows Ginny to what he thinks is her parents house but it turns out to be the home of her older, married lover.

The hilarious consequences that develop with cross-purpose dialogue are magnificently handled by the well-chosen cast under the able direction of John Hickey. Jessica Knight is a most attractive Ginny, well matched by Darren Stanhope as Greg – the pair sparring in great style. Jean Heard, as the long-suffering wife, Sheila, gives an immaculate performance of bewildered gentility while Graham Bill provides an excellent contrast as her irascible and deceiving husband, Philip.

t Relatively Speaking can be seen at Eye Theatre until Saturday September 22. Booking is advisable.