Something Witty return to The Grand Hotel to kick off this year’s Brighton Fringe with their exuberant and thoroughly entertaining take on Wilde’s classic comedy.

Gone is the stiff and formal restraint of conventional productions, instead the audience is treated to a fast-moving feast of knockabout physical comedy from the two pairs of lovers. Happily the frenzy is never detrimental to Wilde’s witty dialogue.

Laura Lexx’s Cecily and Rebecca Pownall’s Gwendolen are wild spirits, shedding the usual coyness and reserve as they throw themselves into the arms of their suitors.

Having a man play the iconic part of Lady Bracknell could have been a disaster but Hayward Morse totally convinces, adding some subtle touches to the part. The “handbag” line is delivered almost muted as Lady B chokes on the word and seems to collapse inwardly.

Peta Taylor delights as Miss Prism while David Burton skilfully portrays three differing characters.

The performance area is fringed with tables on which afternoon tea is provided for the added pleasure of the audience with whom the cast occasionally interact.