TO bill a play as 'the funniest comedy ever written' is to take a big risk.

Albeit the quote is from Time Out in New York, the level of expectation aroused is daunting.

I was reminded of the debate over whether David Seaman's save in the cup semi-final was the 'best ever'. At best, it is the best recorded by TV cameras, the rest is hyperbole.

Suffice it to say that, if you are in the right frame of mind, Noises Off is incredibly, gut-wrenchingly funny, especially the second act.

The textual gymnastics of the writer, Michael Frayn, as he juxtaposes the backstage dramas with the on-stage farce being played out by the characters, are as impressive as the physical gymnastics of the cast, particularly James Albrecht as Garry Lejeune.

His leggy athleticism brought to mind the physical comedy of Groucho Marx or John Cleese, than which there is no higher praise, and his showpiece tumble down the stairs was superbly executed.

A cast with a host of theatre and TV credits add their considerable expertise to a seamless display of farce-playing. TV viewers used to Cheryl Campbell as the winsome redhead of many a period piece will be surprised and delighted by her manic playing of plump Dotty Ottley (part Mrs Overall, part Mrs Doyle).

There are a few tickets left (box office 01684 892277), and the production comes to the Everyman at Cheltenham in July.

REVIEW BY STEVE EVANS