The third of ALAN AYCKBOURN trilogy, 'the Norman Conquests', is revived with affection, a lovely set and beguiling comedy.

Six characters are brought together to collaborate in nursing the unseen mother of Annie (GEORGIE GULLIFORD), Ruth (MANDY WATMOUGH) and Reg (RICK BARTER), but amorous plotting abounds. While Annie waits for diffident vet Tom (LAWRENCE LLOYD) to make a decisive move, she may be tempted to dally with Norman (RANDOLPH VINCE), Ruth's husband, who arrives gloriously drunk and at least as interested in Reg's wife Sarah (KAY FRASER) and perhaps even his own.

Director CHRISTINE LAWRENCE has a fine ensemble - Barter as the domineering but hopeless Reg and Vince's shameless Norman providing many comic highlights, Gulliford most touching as Annie tries to overcome her shyness, Watmough displaying the clear eyed toughness Ruth needs to cope with such a philandering husband, Lloyd gently infuriating and Fraser bound to lose her cool.