Expectations run high when an Alan Ayckbourn play is billed and Eastbourne Theatres do not disappoint with this production.

Round and Round the Garden is one of a famous and hilarious trilogy of stand-alone plays The Norman Conquests, which features one fraught but well-meaning family gathered for the weekend to relieve sis Annie of her duties caring for mother so that she can take a weekend break.

Naturally all does not go according to plan.

The set is the garden of the rambling, ivy-clad Sussex family home, skilfully designed by Andy Newell.

Lovable rogue and shameless Casanova, Norman, finds statues to hide behind, brambles to get caught by, and deckchairs which are easy to put up when you know how, props all adding to the mirth as family members struggle to maintain their familiar power relationships whilst vulnerable before Norman, drunk on parsnip wine.

Naïve Tom, put-upon Annie, control-freak Sarah, career-woman Ruth, and under-the-thumb Reg are all recognisable characters who, from the pen of a less skilful writer than Ayckbourn might fail as stereotypes.

However, 40-odd years on from their first appearance in Scarborough they are kicking and fighting.

An empty seat in the stalls means someone is missing out.

Four stars