This play is every bit as good as any of the author’s other works and is beautifully written and observed. It has quite rightly been revived several times in the past twenty years consequent to Priestley’s reappraisal following the triumph of the National’s An Inspector Calls. When We Are Married examines social conventions and morals and tells us just as much about human relationships as later, so-called realist writers ever did . . .

The eccentric English aristocrat has become almost a cliché. We seem to expect, hope even, that our hereditary lords and masters are a bit barmy. Too much money, too much time on their hands, a lifetime of being indulged – not to mention the occasional bout of inbreeding – can result in the mind being seriously disturbed. While Downton Abbey depicts the acceptable, sensible side of the aristocracy, The Underground Man gives us an insight into the looney side.

The visit of the Russian State Ballet and Opera House to the Everyman has become a regular autumn fixture and judging by last night’s full-house for Swan Lake, one which ballet lovers in Cheltenham have come to eagerly anticipate. Producer Alexej Ignatow of Amande Concerts is dedicated to bringing top quality provincial Russian companies to the UK and making classical ballet available to the often dance-starved provinces here.

The story is fairly basic. After a total eclipse of the sun a strange plant appears, is nurtured by a flower shop assistant until it grows to giant proportions and then proceeds to devour everyone in sight. Although the plot is simple the production is lavish with a multi-coloured, multi-purpose set that looks like a cross between a Batman movie and a Tom and Gerry cartoon.