Antoine Verdoux’s classic farce is presented here by director, translator and sound designer Paul King as a fluffy combination including Commedia dell Arte and silent movie styles, with well incorporated French music that the cast bounces along to.

The plot is wafer thin, but the playing is delightful, particularly that of Rick Barter as the braggart Italian Baldini, who hopes to marry into the wealthy inheritance of poor innocent Camille (Lou Mannell).

Sporting a ridiculous black toupe and Italian accent, he traipses around the stage threatening other characters, if not with his lovemaking then with death by duel.

Alistair Smythe is equally light on his feet as Camille’s young man, but it is the charming Minette (Mandy Watmough) who saves the day, ably assisted by Gaston (Martin Crawley) host and owner of the Bellevue Hotel, and Yvette (Charlene Lomas), a very knowing maid. Baldini’s aggressive valet (Trevor Page) is almost as scary, but their comeuppance is assured.