First produced in 1922 starring the great Ralph Lynn, Ayckbourn’s adaptation of the Aldwych farce, famously presented at the National Theatre in 1986, retains the spirit of the original whilst altering some of the original letter of the text. The basic chaotic story, though, remains the same.

Unsuccessful inventor Aubrey Allington inherits the life interest in a fortune, which reverts on his death to his cousin, George Maitland. As cousin George is thought to have died abroad, Aubrey has the brilliant idea of “dying” so that he can resurrect himself as his cousin and thus avoid payment of his own enormous debts. But, in the best tradition of farce, complications arise in the form of George’s wife, another Maitland impostor (the butler’s brother) and finally the real George himself! This hilarious escapade also includes a sharp-witted yet hard-of-hearing aunt, numerous hapless servants and one of the most celebrated female characters in the history of farce: Aubrey’s ever-inventive wife, Louise.

Caroline Langrishe is one of the UK's most popular actresses. TV highlights include starring for two years as Charlotte Cavendish in Lovejoy and more recently featuring alongside Martin Shaw in Judge John Deed and as Marilyn Fox in Casualty. Christopher Timothy is much loved for his portrayal of the nations favourite Vet James Herriot in All Creature Great and Small and his long running success in Doctors. Janet Henfrey is best known for her role as the schoolteacher in the popular television series The Singing Detective and also appeared in seven series of BBC sitcom As Times Goes By. Mark Curry’s prolific stage and TV career ranges from him presenting shows such as Blue Peter and Cacthphrase to making a recent guest star appearance in Last Of The Summer Wine. Lysette Anthony is well-known to television audiences with appearances in Night & Day, Jonathan Creek and Lovejoy. She starred for six years in the BBC sitcom Three Up, Two Down. Eric Richard is best known for his role as Sergeant Bob Cryer, which he played for 20 years in the hit ITV drama The Bill. Finty Williams, daughter of Judi Dench, has appeared frequently in British films and on TV. She had a recurring role in the TV series Born and Bred, and voices the title character in the animated children's series Angelina Ballerina. Her films include Gosford Park and The Importance of Being Earnest. The much loved Keith Clifford is best known for his role as Billy in Last Of The Summer Wine.