How to make a splash in the world of theatre: take a wholesome, well-loved comedy film, add a sprinkle of familiar TV stars, mix with some energetic and talented actors and creatives. It’s all about the chemistry. Sidney Stratton does chemistry: he is a researcher in the clothing industry. And his quest is to find the perfect fabric, something that won’t stain, doesn’t need washing and will last for ever. The story unfolds in the northern industrial town of Trimley. Nestled in the tight streets, under the smoking chimneys is the local pub, where the workers of the clothing factories gather to the sound of bouncy skiffle music

Stephen Mangan plays the hapless and bumbling lead character in this enjoyable stage adaptation of the 1950s Ealing comedy film of the same name. He has just enough of the floppy-haired, good-looking, innocent, charm to hold our attention and gain our sympathy. Stanley has a dream to find the perfect textile, to make clothes that will last and free the common people from the drudgery of washing. But of course his experiments in the lab don’t always go to plan. There is clowning and laughs among the flashes and bangs as his fellow workers giggle and his employers look on in horror. Sue Johnston is his hard working landlady, Mrs Watson. She gives a solid and dependable performance as you might expect. Kara Tointon is the other big name lead as posh and principled Daphne. Richard Cordery is bumptious factory owner Brimley, loud voiced and sniggeringly funny he dominates the stage with his Bolton accent. The rest of the cast muck in to keep the show flowing. There is plenty of classic slapstick, some well-timed witty moments and a few modern referenced jokes. There are pleasant songs played live and a bit of fancy dancing. The staging and sets are inspired and ingenious; they support the comic elements perfectly.

It seems trite to mention that the narrative loses its way a bit in the second half but I guess this isn’t a major failing because most of the time the entertainment value stays high. There are elements of satire and social commentary if you look hard enough and a bit more of this would have solidified the show as something more than just a fluid comedy. As with his previous endeavours on The Lady Killers and Jeeves and Wooster, renowned writer and director Sean Foley has done a satisfying job of reworking this for stage. He seems to know how to mix the elements for a reasonable good show.    ★★★☆☆      Adrian Mantle    13^th September 2019