MICHAEL Palin’s only stage play centres around the cantankerous misanthrope Stephen Febble, the extremely reluctant host to guests invited by his wife for the weekend.

A comedy with a dark underscore, the production managed to balance the comedy with the darker moments, while doing full justice to the sharp oneliners.

There were some finely-realised scenes in the play. however, overlong changes between certain scenes seemed fussy and punctured the flow of the action.

Matthew Ellison (Stephen) skilfully conveyed the impotent rage of this not very likeable character with every grimace and frown.

Trish Quinlan lent dignity and an air of sadness to the role of his wife Virginia, the gentle foil to her overbearing partner. Neil Gwynne had just the right touch as the suave, womanising foot specialist and Jo Short made an impression as granddaughter Charlotte.