THOSE who remember being enchanted by the wit of the BBC’s adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell’s Cranford stories will be heartened that the humour of the author is much in evidence in this Ian Dickens’ production.

And on a freezing, foggy evening, it is a pleasure to relax into a theatre chair, turn off your brain somewhat, and let the microcosmic dramas of this society wash over and around you.

Shirley Anne Field as Mrs Gaskell introduces proceedings, explaining that we’re watching her come to visit Miss Matilda Jenkyns (’Allo ’Allo’s Kirsten “I shall say zis only once” Cooke) in her youth – a character known instead as Mary Smith (played winningly by Isla Carter).

As all fans of the novel/adaptation will know, Miss Matty is at the centre of what goes on in Cranford, being the former rector’s daughter.

Over five scenes, we’re taken through a number of scenarios by Martyn Coleman’s script, which has both comic and tragic overtones.

Martha the maid (an enchanting Alicia Grace Turrell), who is hilariously inept at the beginning of the play, becomes a key player towards the resolution, and everything that is mentioned as a trivia, a green turban, for example, is cleverly drawn into the whole of the drama.

Karen Ford’s delightful Miss Pole, drumming her fingers when she has something juicy to reveal, leads the rest of the neighbours, imposing Mrs Jamieson, cheery Miss Barker, sweet Mrs Forrester, bonny Lady Glenmire, endearing Mr Hoggins and Martha’s beefcake beau Jem Hearn, as they come and go continuously at Miss Matty’s door.

These were the times when one wore an old cap in the morning when no visitors were expected; when there were rules as to who borrowed the single copy of the paper; when it was best to peep out the window at visitors before opening the door to them; and when suitors were dismissed for no bigger a crime than eating peas from a knife.

But of course, as Cranford reaffirms, some things do not change, such as the pleasure to be derived from a little gossip and the company of good friends.

Tickets for Cranford and details of remaining performances until November 20 are available from the box office on 01256 844244 or online at anvilarts.org.uk.