ALAN Bennett’s comedy farce about lustful pleasures is set in a 1960s Hove.

Loddon Players’ set showed four beach huts, while three chairs were rearranged and used to depict the various scenarios.

The complicated plot featured Dr Wicksteed (Ian May-Miller) pursuing the flighty and beautiful Felicity Rumpers (delightfully played by Maggie Browne). The Doctor’s wife, Muriel, lusted after former beau Sir Percy Shorter (a strong performance from Ray de Winter). Denise Hobbs was on sparkling form as the doctor’s wife.

Sir Percy turned out to be Felicity’s father, following a war time liaison with Felicity’s mother, Lady Rumpers (Louise Hayling) and so the scene was set for an evening of mistaken identities and hilarious situations. 

Frances Lewis clearly revelled in her role as the eavesdropping cleaner Mrs Swabb, particularly during her asides to the audience. Mark Adams was perfect as the bland hypochondriac son and Nick Robinson was worryingly convincing as the depressive Mr Purdue as he continued to look for new ways of committing suicide.

Peter Cook was excellent as the enthusiast and lecherous Canon Throbbing, pursuing the drab but soon to be transformed spinster sister, Connie, played well by Isobel Hamilton.

Matt Stanley was highly amusing as the sales rep whose catastrophic mistakes added to the complicated plot and hilarity of the ridiculous situation.

The acting was solid throughout with some exceptional performances, notably by Ian May-Miller as the devious Dr Wicksteed around whom much of the action revolves. 

Habeas Corpus was an ambitious move for the Loddon Players but with director Philip Lewis at the helm, it certainly paid off.  There was inventive use of light and music with thoughtfully chosen costumes reflecting the period, enhancing the polished performances from the cast. The slick action was enjoyed by an appreciative audience.

Phillip Horton