Charley's Aunt, The Grange Players, Grange Playhouse, Walsall

Jan 16 2008 By Paul Marston

FOLLOW that! The players have opened their 2008 programme with this classic Brandon Thomas comedy, set in Oxford more than a century ago, and it's a hoot.

English humour at its finest can obviously stand the test of time, and a superb 10-strong cast deliver the goods in style as the story unfolds.

Students Charley Wykeham and Jack Chesney's plans to entertain their young ladies is put in jeopardy when the chaperone they need - Charley's rich aunt from Brazil - suddenly postpones her visit.

The young men solve the problem, they think, by persuading their pal, Lord Fancourt Babberley, to dress up and impersonate Donna Lucia D'Alverdorez, with hilarious results, and Ian Shirley gives a wonderful performance as the Lord who becomes a lady. Every expression perfectly fits the changing situations.

Stunning costumes and a neat set add to the enjoyment of a fine play, produced and directed by Peter and Elizabeth Smith. Its run ends on Saturday.