Century-old gem proves a class act

Times and social attitudes may have changed, but none of that diminishes the enduring appeal of this century-old gem from the ‘Manchester School’ whose alumni left behind some equally durable drama.

The young couple at the centre of its story return from an illicit Wakes weekend, and into the heart of a domestic crisis affecting three families.

The ensuing comedy has as much to do with the social positioning of the working class Hawthorns, the middle class Jeffcotes, and the nouveau riche Farrars as they determine just what’s to be done for their common good.

It’s a confection of household chaos cooked up with the lightest of touches from director David Thacker.

There can sometimes be a temptation to overheat the themes of liberation or equality, but Thacker and his strong cast are having none of that. It arrives at the Dukes in Lancaster at the end of March.

David Upton