IN A comedy playing deference to PG Wodehouse’s classic character, Lord Clarence Emsworth, his sister, Constance, attempts matchmaking for himself, his son, Freddie, and their niece, Geraldine.

However, Clarence’s heart belongs to another – his prize pig, the Empress!

David Cradduck was superb as the flamboyant yet vague title character, demonstrating expert comic timing, interpretation and dynamics.

Charlie Hellard was terrific fun as frivolous Freddie, with spot-on farcical characterization.

Rebecca Leadley (Geraldine) and Craig Robb (her goodhearted but somewhat clumsy suitor, Rev Bingham) made a charmingly engaging couple.

Set in the roaring 1920s, the production elements of comical ‘housekeeping notes’, timely costumes, appropriate scene change music and excellent set design (with beautifully painted bookcase) all combined to establish the period, reinforced by the mostly precise accents.

This wasn’t faultless, but the cast recovered from the few stumbles while keeping in character, resulting in a very entertaining evening!