Peter Burton’s fine direction of Ayckbourn’s poignant comedy about unlikely lothario Norman’s “conquests” ensured a slick pace with good changes in tempo and visual humour.

Although each of the six cast members had their moments to shine, Joanna Warner-Smith impressed as Norman’s acerbic sisterin- law, Sarah, with her withering expressions and acid-sharp tongue, while Mica Sharples’ emotional performance elicited sympathy and empathy as the frustrated woman denied love and passion.

However, Colin Carter’s larger-thanlife enactment of ebullient Norman stole the show, his dynamic portrayal full of characterisation, superb comic timing and excellent diction (even when Norman was totally inebriated); he had the audience eating out of his hand!

With excellent garden scenery, atmospheric lighting and continuous, very appropriate subtle daytime and nocturnal garden sound effects, this was an enjoyable and thoughtprovoking production.